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Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500 Series User Manual

Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500 Series User Manual

I-v curve tracer kit
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PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/
SolSensor-300V3
Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit
Users Manual
3/2024 (English)
©2024 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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  • Page 1 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/ SolSensor-300V3 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Users Manual 3/2024 (English) ©2024 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 2 THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
  • Page 3 You means the person or company who is being l icensed to use the Software or Documentation. We, us, and Fluke Corporation mean Fl uke ® Corporation. We hereby grant you a nonexcl usive l icense to use one copy of the PC Software on any single computer, provided the PC Software is in use on onl y one computer at any time.
  • Page 4 Things You May Not Do With the Software or Documentat ion The PC Software, Embedded Software, and Documentation are protected by United States copyright laws and international treaties. You must treat the PC Software, Embedded Software, and Documentation l ike any other copyrighted material --for exampl e a book. You may not: •...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Title Page Introduction ....................1 Contact Fluke .................... 2 Safety Information ..................2 Specifications .................... 3 PC Minimum System Requirements........... 3 Equipment ..................4 System Controls and Settings ............7 Power Up the I-V Curve Tracer ............8 Test Leads and Clips ................
  • Page 6 PVA-1500HE, PVA-1500T, and SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Over-Current Warnings ............... 24 Reverse Polarity or Zero Volts Detection ..........25 Software Overview ..................25 Projects ....................25 System Tree..................26 Main Screen Overview ................ 27 Menu Bar ..................30 Copy, Modify, and Reuse a Previous Project ....... 35 Properties Menu ................
  • Page 7 PV Analyzer I-V Curve Tracer Kit Table of Contents Data Backup................. 57 Measure Irradiance, Temperature, and Tilt..........58 Measure Irradiance with SolSensor............ 59 SolSensor Irradiance Sensor ............59 Preliminary vs. Effective Irradiance..........59 SolSensor Precautions..............59 Diffuse Light ................. 60 Determine Irradiance from the Measured I-V Curve......
  • Page 8 PVA-1500HE, PVA-1500T, and SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Tapered Shade or Dirt Dam Across All Cell Groups ....76 Increased Shunting in PV Cells ............ 76 Less Steep Slope in Vertical Leg ............76 PV Wiring Has Excess Resistance..........77 Electrical Connections in the Array Are Resistive ......77 Series Resistance of PV Modules Has Increased ......

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Introduction This document covers the Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer kit which includes the PV-1500HE2 and PV1500T2 (I-V Curve Tracer), SolSensor-300V3 (SolSensor), and the I-V Curve Tracer application software (PVA Software or the Software). The I-V Curve Tracer is a portable electrical test instrument that commissions and troubleshoots PV arrays.

  • Page 10: Contact Fluke

    To find the current software version, from your software, select Help>About. To update, download the latest version and run the installer. The Software is free. The latest software supports all the Fluke and Solmetric 1500V I-V curve tracers.

  • Page 11: Specifications

     1500V4/T. Specifications Complete Product specifications are available at www.fluke.com. Safety specifications are in the Safety Information that shipped with the product. PC Minimum System Requirements Systems that do not meet the subsequent requirements might not operate as anticipated. A Microsoft Windows laptop or touch sensitive tablet works well.

  • Page 12: Equipment

    The I-V Curve Tracer ships with: Curve Tracer Equipment The I-V Curve Tracer - in its soft case, with a complete set of Fluke-provided gear either in  its accessory pouch or transit case. Check for PVA test leads and PV connector tools.
  • Page 13 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Specifications The main parts of the I-V Curve Tracer Kit are is shown in Table 1 Table Table 1. SolSensor Item Description Irradiance Sensor Cover Irradiance Sensor Ears LED Power Button T1- Thermocouple 1 input Battery charge input T2- Thermocouple 2 input Auxiliary input...
  • Page 14 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 2. I-V Curve Tracers PVA-1500HE2 PVA-1500/T2 Item Description Negative Input Positive Input Battery Charger Input LED Power Button...

  • Page 15: System Controls And Settings

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Specifications System Controls and Settings Use the LED button on the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor, see Figure 1, to enable, pause, and reset the I-V devices. The LED indicates various operational states of the devices and the status of the wireless network.

  • Page 16: Power Up The I-V Curve Tracer

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual When you push the LED button once to turn on the I-V Curve Tracer or SolSensor, the LED flashes rapidly as it starts, then flashes slower until the device connects with the PC Wi-Fi and Software. Once it connects to the Software, the LED is steady on. Before you connect the I-V Curve Tracer test leads to the PV circuit, push the LED button on the I-V unit once to pause measurements.

  • Page 17: Test Leads And Clips

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Specifications Test Leads and Clips The included test leads and clips are specifically provided for use with the Product. These leads and clips are specially rated for use at voltages up to 1500 V and 30A dc. See Table Table 4.

  • Page 18: Cover The Irradiance Sensor

    Installation This section describes the I-V Curve Tracer installation procedure. Caution If either the I-V Curve Tracer or SolSensor are dropped, Fluke recommends that the Product(s) be sent back to Fluke for examination. Installation Procedure Hardware Installation Before operation, make sure the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor batteries are fully charged.

  • Page 19: Update The Pv Equipment Databases

    At installation, the Software creates the directory structure in the Documents directory. Update the PV Equipment Databases If connected to the Internet when the Software starts, the Software checks if the updated PV module equipment databases are available from Fluke. Charge the Battery Charge the I-V Curve Tracer Battery Note The I-V Curve Tracer battery is not removable.

  • Page 20: Charge Solsensor

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual The Software interface warns when the battery level is low. To manually check the battery voltage level, click the Status area (above the Measure Now button) on the screen or select Battery Level from the Utility menu. Make sure the I-V Curve Tracer has been on and connected to the software for at least 30 seconds before the battery level check.

  • Page 21: The Wireless Network

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Set Up and Use the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor The Wireless Network Communication between the PC and the I-V Curve Tracer is by conventional Wi-Fi. When the I-V Curve Tracer is on, the I-V Curve Tracer creates a hotspot. Locate that hotspot in the PC network list and connect to that network.

  • Page 22: Set Up Solsensor

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Set Up SolSensor Caution To avoid damage to SolSensor: Cover the irradiance sensor with the protective cap whenever it is not mounted  and in use. SolSensor contains a sensitive irradiance measurement device that can be damaged by impact or abrasion. To preserve sensor accuracy, do not soil the irradiance sensor.
  • Page 23 SolSensor, and re-tighten the clamp. If the SolSensor is mounted high in the air (for example, on a carport array), Fluke recommends the use of the lanyard as a back up in case the SolSensor comes lose from the clamp. Attach the tool lanyard to an eyelet on SolSensor.
  • Page 24 Figure 5. For accurate temperature measurements, use a wide piece of high temperature polyester tape. Fluke recommends the use of the adhesive discs provided with the Product. Other types of tape sag at high temperatures which allow the tip of the thermocouple to pull away from the backsheet of the module.

  • Page 25: Optimize Wireless Transmission Range

    For greater flexibility and for potentially better wireless range, mount SolSensor to a tripod. This is also useful when it is not feasible to access the array. Use this equipment to deploy SolSensor on a tripod (contact Fluke for specific equipment recommendations): Sturdy tripod ...
  • Page 26 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Tilt unit - Rotates on a horizontal axis, and lets you set the tilt independent of the azimuth.  Typically, you will mount the tilt unit on the panning unit, which is in turn mounted on the leveling indicator and the leveling unit and the tripod.

  • Page 27: Connect To The Solar Pv Equipment

    A thermocouple extension cable can be useful. Contact Fluke for recommendations. 3. Fully spread the tripod legs and seat them firmly.
  • Page 28 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual To connect to the Solar PV equipment: 1. Isolate the PV module string to be tested (test string) from the inverter and from other strings in the array. To make the measurement at a fused dc combiner box, isolate the combiner box by means of a dc disconnect switch, and pull the fuses to isolate the PV strings from one another.

  • Page 29: I-V Measurements

    I-V Curve Tracer, widely space the cables to minimize the inductance they add to the circuit. 6. If you connect at a fused combiner box, for best results Fluke recommends you insert only one string at a time. Some combiner boxes have one fuse per string while others have two fuses per string (one on the positive side and another on the negative side).

  • Page 30: Over-Temperature Protection

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Over-Temperature Protection Built-in safeguards prevent I-V Curve Tracer operation at potentially damaging internal temperatures. The I-V Curve Tracer absorbs energy with each measurement, and across a series of measurements the internal temperature of the I-V Curve Tracer gradually increases. Some of this accumulated heat is shed between measurements and as the equipment is moved around the site between measurement sessions.

  • Page 31: High-Temperature Condition Operation

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Set Up and Use the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor Table 6. Thermal Capacity (Number of I-V Measurements Before Extended Cool-Down) Sweep-to-Sweep Delay # Measurements Before Thermal Shutdown unlimited (77 F ambient) 18 seconds 550 (113 F ambient) unlimited (77 F ambient)

  • Page 32: Over-Voltage Warnings

    PV voltage before you continue to make measurements. If a PV voltage >1550 V is detected, the I-V Curve Tracer internally disables itself to prevent further measurements and a warning is posted to return the unit to Fluke for inspection and repair of possible internal damage.

  • Page 33: Reverse Polarity Or Zero Volts Detection

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Reverse Polarity or Zero Volts Detection If the I-V Curve Tracer detects a voltage <-0.5 V, the Software posts the Negative Voltage Detected warning, an internal-protection circuit prevents internal damage, and no I-V measurement occurs.

  • Page 34: System Tree

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Note Make sure that the PC is set to the correct date and time, and that the time zone and daylight savings setting are correct. The Software uses these parameters to calculate the position of the sun at the exact moment of the I-V curve measurement. This allows the Software to calculate the angle of incidence of the direct sunlight and use that information to optimize the accuracy of the irradiance sensor and the PV model.

  • Page 35: Main Screen Overview

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Main Screen Overview The Software is fully touch-enabled. The main screen is shown with the Traces tab selected in Table Table 7. Software Main Screen Item Description The Tabs provide different ways to view the data. Current (A) - Current scale along the vertical axis on the left of the graph.
  • Page 36 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 7. Software Main Screen (cont.) Item Description Status Indicator - The status indicator in the upper right of the Software screen shows the various messages below. Click on the status indicator to see more information about the active status. Ready - Indicates that the I-V Unit is ready to take a fresh I-V measurement.
  • Page 37 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Table 7. Software Main Screen (cont.) Item Description Recall... - Recalls measurement data from the System Tree. When the tree appears, click the location in the array tree that contains the desired data. If more than one measurement is stored at that location, select by Date/Time.

  • Page 38: Menu Bar

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Menu Bar File Menu Click File to access the File menu. Use the File menu to create, load, and export Projects. The File menu has these choices: New Project...  Project. Browse Project...  Access previously-saved Projects for retrieval. Recent Projects ...
  • Page 39 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview The Site Info screen has a special feature for horizontal single-axis tracking systems, which allows the I-V curves to be taken as the tracker works. This has the advantage of taking all of the measurements at the greatest possible irradiance level. Enter the morning azimuth of the array (and at solar noon the Software adds 180 degrees for the afternoon azimuth).
  • Page 40 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Select the PV Module Select the PV module to make the module performance parameters available to the Project. This allows the Software to calculate the expected I-V curve and the Performance Factor. To select the PV module: 1.
  • Page 41 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Use this screen to describe the PV system hardware. Use the information entered here to: Create a visual tree representation of the array that you can touch to save and recall the  measurement data.
  • Page 42 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual To add a layer to the tree, highlight the next highest layer and select Add Layer Below. To delete a layer, highlight the layer and select Delete. A layer can be an inverter, a group, a combiner, or a string. Add a combiner layer to represent anything that combines electrical circuits.

  • Page 43: Copy, Modify, And Reuse A Previous Project

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview You can also highlight a level of the tree and change the number of modules per string for all strings at that level and below. When you are finished with the creation of your System Tree, click Finish and save your Project.

  • Page 44: Utility Menu

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Figure 11. View Menu Show Insulation Test Tab Click the check box to show the Insulation Test tab at the left of the measurement screen. Utility Menu The Utility menu provides access to housekeeping functions and miscellaneous tools. The Utility menu is described in Table Table 8.
  • Page 45 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Table 8. Utility Menu (cont.) Menu Item Description Use these controls to change the sources of the irradiance, temperature, or tilt readings for all measurements currently saved in the project. Select the necessary sensors from the drop-down lists. Create Global Sensor a backup file before taking this action.

  • Page 46: Help Menu

    SolSensor. Also refer to this screen to find out what firmware version is Devices... in the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor and to check for available firmware updates. Have this information ready when you call Fluke for product support. Accesses the I-V Curve Tracer Users Manual. Download and print if User's Guide...
  • Page 47 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview P-V curve - The solid blue curve shows the power versus voltage curve (P-V) available from  the PV circuit under test (module or string), and is calculated from the I-V curve by multiplying I x V for each I-V point.
  • Page 48 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 10. Table Tab Description (cont.) Item Description Current Ratio - The current ratio is a relative indication of the slope of the horizontal leg of the I-V curve. Current ratio is defined as I . See Interpret Measured I-V Curves.

  • Page 49: History Tab

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview History Tab The History tab automatically accumulates the tabular results of your most recent measurements. New results are in the left column. Previous results are shifted to the right. The table holds a maximum of 32 results. Once that limit is reached, the oldest measurement result drops from the table each time a new measurement is taken.

  • Page 50: Insulation Test Tab

    Use the Insulation Test tab to record insulation resistance measurement results obtained from a separate instrument such as the Fluke 1587FC Insulation Resistance Tester. The Insulation Test Tab is hidden by default. To show this tab, use the control in the View menu. See Table Table 12.

  • Page 51: The Exported I-V Data File

    Tool (DAT) Excel macro which automates the analysis and reporting process. Download a free copy of the DAT by visiting www.fluke.com. To use the DAT, first export your Project data from the I-V Curve Tracer by selecting File>Export Traces for Entire System... See...
  • Page 52 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual To view the individual I-V trace data files, use a program that can read csv files, such as Microsoft Excel . This section describes the organization and contents of the csv file. Table 13 shows the header information section of the csv file. Table 13.
  • Page 53 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview In the Software, the value of P is obtained by fitting a third-order polynomial curve to the P-V (Power vs. Voltage) curve, and then calculating V (max power voltage) from the peak of the fitted curve. This value of V is then used to interpolate I (max power current) from the I-V curve.
  • Page 54 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 14 shows the SolSensor Measurements section of the exported csv file, and the table describes the contents. All of the values were recorded at the time the I-V measurement was made. Table 14. SolSensor Measurements Section of Exported CSV File Menu Item Description Value of irradiance measured by SolSensor integrated Silicon...
  • Page 55 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Table 15 shows the Model Details section of the exported csv file. Table 15. Model Details Section of CSV File Item Description The value of effective irradiance used in the predictive Irradiance used in model model.
  • Page 56 PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 15. Model Details Section of CSV File (cont.) Item Description Time zone The time zone in which the measurement was made. Model Mfr Manufacturer of the PV module. Module Model Model number of the PV module. Number of modules connected in series in the measured # of Modules in String string.

  • Page 57: Basis Of Pv Performance Predictions

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Software Overview Basis of PV Performance Predictions The Software predicts the electrical output of the PV source under test (module or string) based on the module parameters, the irradiance and temperature, the sun's angle of incidence on the array, and other factors.

  • Page 58: Prediction Of Pv Performance

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Prediction of PV Performance The Software compares the measured I-V curve to the predictions of the built-in PV performance model. The Performance Factor is calculated from this comparison. The prediction process involves these steps: 1. Create a Project and input all required parameters that include selection of the PV module from the built-in equipment database.

  • Page 59: Calibration Verification

    Application Note (see link in the dialog) and push the Measure I-V Unit Current button. Adjustment to the calibrations must be done by Fluke. Software Updates The Fluke website posts software and manual updates. Periodically check the website at www.fluke.com to download the latest of both. Compare the Software and manual version numbers with the versions that you have.

  • Page 60: Make Measurements

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Make Measurements This section describes the steps to take measurements in the field. See the printed Safety Information that ships with the I-V Curve Tracer. Before You Take Field Measurements Charge the Equipment Before you bring your instruments to the field, charge both the I-V Curve Tracer and SolSensor overnight.

  • Page 61: Measurements In The Field

    MC-4. Connect the alligator clips to the ends of the test leads. Make sure to use only the 1500 V rated test leads and alligator (dolphin) clips supplied by Fluke with the I-V Curve Tracer. Launch the Software Double click the desktop PVA icon to start the Software.

  • Page 62: Connect The Test Leads To The Pv Equipment

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual The PVA-1500T2 handles this in-rush current from PV circuits up to 30 A short circuit current when the module efficiency is <19% or up to 10 A short-circuit current when the module efficiency is ≥ 19%. The in-rush current is increased by higher efficiency, higher current strings, higher voltage strings, higher bifaciality, and higher irradiance.
  • Page 63 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Make Measurements Figure 14. Results of an I-V Curve Measurement After the measured I-V curve trace appears, the I-V graph slides to the left and the PV system Array Tree appears at its right. Navigate to the location in the tree that matches where you took your measurement. Highlight that branch of the tree and click Assign and Save.

  • Page 64: Select The Next Pv Circuit And Make Another Measurement

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Select the Next PV Circuit and Make Another Measurement If working within a combiner box, lift the previous fuse and insert the next one. Repeat the above steps to make and save your measurement. Be aware that when your measurements are finished and the data is exported from the Software, the Software exports only the last measurement saved to each branch of the Array Tree.

  • Page 65: Alerts

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Make Measurements Alerts After you make a measurement and select Assign and Save, the Software does automatic checks to detect potential problems with the measurement setup or with the circuit under test. These are called Alerts. Table 16 lists the Alert types.

  • Page 66: Measure Irradiance, Temperature, And Tilt

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Measure Irradiance, Temperature, and Tilt Thorough evaluation of array performance by any measurement method involves comparing measured data to a reference. That reference may come, for example, from a simple STC maximum power value or from a detailed PV performance model. In any case, you must know the irradiance in the plane of the array and the array temperature to properly evaluate array performance against your reference.

  • Page 67: Measure Irradiance With Solsensor

    Measure Irradiance with SolSensor SolSensor Irradiance Sensor Fluke recommends, in most cases, to use the SolSensor as the source of the irradiance measurement. The SolSensor irradiance sensing element is a silicon photodiode with temperature correction. Its spectral response is corrected to match silicon solar cells and its angular response is corrected to provide enhanced accuracy over a broader part of the day.

  • Page 68: Diffuse Light

    Determine Irradiance from the Measured I-V Curve Fluke recommends, in most cases, to use the SolSensor as the source of the irradiance measurement. However, there are certain times when it is useful to use the From I-V setting.

  • Page 69: Enter The Irradiance Manually

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Measure Irradiance, Temperature, and Tilt From I-V irradiance option also has these limitations: Uniform soiling is interpreted as reduced irradiance and thus does not cause a deviation  between the measured and predicted I-V curves. Inspect the array before you measure, and clean it if needed to mitigate this risk.

  • Page 70: Select A Thermocouple Wire Gauge

    Select a Thermocouple Wire Gauge Fluke recommends the use of the thermocouples supplied with the SolSensor, but if you use a different thermocouple, choose a relatively fine thermocouple wire gauge, ideally #24 or #30.

  • Page 71: Measure Pv Module Temperature With An Infrared Thermometer

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Measure Irradiance, Temperature, and Tilt Measure PV Module Temperature with an Infrared Thermometer Some measurement solutions rely on infrared measurements of module temperature. This approach has serious limitations. Since the IR thermometer determines temperature by sensing radiant energy emitted by the object being measured, the accuracy of the temperature measurement depends on how closely the emissivity control setting of the instrument matches the actual emissivity of the object.

  • Page 72: Measure Pv Module Backside Temperature With A Thermocouple

    Measure PV Module Backside Temperature with a Thermocouple Fluke recommends the use of the SmartTemp setting and one or two thermocouples on the backside of a module. The SmartTemp method uses a blend of the From I-V and backside thermocouple methods, that takes best advantage of each while it avoids the biggest limitations of each.

  • Page 73: Interpret Measured I-V Curves

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves This strategy employs the From I-V method at high irradiance values where it is most accurate, and relies on the backside thermocouple at low irradiance values where there is a relatively small temperature offset between the module backside and cell.

  • Page 74: I-V Curve Terminology

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual I-V Curve Terminology These abbreviations are used in this discussion: Short circuit current Max power current Max power voltage Open circuit voltage Performance Factor (PF, %) = 100 * (Measured P /Predicted P Fill Factor = I / (I Performance Factor The Performance Factor is the most important figure of merit for PV array performance.

  • Page 75: The Shape Of A Normal I-V Curve

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves Table 18. Definition of the Fill Factor (green area) Fill Factor = (blue area) Voltage Number Description Slightly sloped horizontal leg of the curve. Knee in the curve between these two regions. Steeply sloped vertical leg of the curve.

  • Page 76: Interpret I-V Curves

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Interpret I-V Curves PV module or string performance problems cause deviations between the measured and predicted I-V curves. There are six distinct types of deviation, listed below and in Table 19. A given PV source under test may show no deviation, one deviation, or a combination of two or more deviations.
  • Page 77 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves Table 19. Deviations in the Shape of the I-V Curve Normal Curve Voltage Deviations Item Description Low Current Increased Slope in horizontal leg Steps Rounder knee Reduced Slope in vertical leg Low Voltage...

  • Page 78: Notches Or Steps

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Notches or Steps Array Is Partially Shaded, or Non-uniform Soiling, or Debris is Present Examples of this type of deviation are shown in Figure Figure 16, and Figure Figure 15. The Effect of Partial Shading on a String I-V Curve...
  • Page 79 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves Figure 16. Shading Impact of a Business Card Placed on a Single Cell in a String of 15 180-watt Modules. Figure 17. Effect of Shading Entire Modules in Different Combinations In single-string measurements, steps indicate current mismatch between the modules (or cell groups within modules) of the string under test.

  • Page 80: Pv Cells Are Damaged

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Potential causes of steps in the I-V curve are summarized below, and then discussed in more detail: Array is partially shaded, or non-uniformly soiled, or debris is present.  A mix of different PV module specs within the same string. ...

  • Page 81: Incorrect Pv Module Is Selected For The Pv Model

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves Incorrect PV Module Is Selected for the PV Model PV modules with similar PV model numbers may have different I specifications. Check that the module selected from the on-board module list matches the nameplate on the back of the PV modules.

  • Page 82: Low Voltage

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Low Voltage An example of this type of deviation is in Figure Figure Figure 18. Measurement with a Lower than Predicted Voc PV Cell Temperature Measurement Is Incorrect The module V depends on the temperature of the solar cells. Higher temperatures result in a lower V .

  • Page 83: Steeper Slope In Horizontal Leg

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Interpret Measured I-V Curves Figure 19. I-V Curve Measurement of Rounder Knee than Predicted by the PV Model Rounding of the knee of the I-V curve can be a manifestation of the aging process. This effect is rarely seen alone, and is usually a side-effect of changes in the slopes of the legs of the curve.

  • Page 84: Tapered Shade Or Dirt Dam Across All Cell Groups

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual The horizontal leg of the I-V curve may exhibit a steeper slope than the PV model predicts. Potential causes of this deviation are summarized below, and then discussed in more detail: Tapered shade or dirt dams  Module I mismatch ...

  • Page 85: Pv Wiring Has Excess Resistance

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Translation of I-V Data to Standard Test Conditions The slope of the vertical leg of the I-V curve is affected by the amount of series resistance internal to the PV modules and in the array wiring. Increased resistance reduces the steepness of the slope and decreases the fill factor.

  • Page 86: Parameter Definitions

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual The primary application for these features is the analysis of I-V data collected during the commissioning of commercial scale PV arrays. As these measurements are usually done in a 4-hour span centered about solar noon, the measured I-V curves reflect the changes in irradiance and cell temperature that take place over this time period.

  • Page 87: Translation Equations

    Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Translation of I-V Data to Standard Test Conditions Translation Equations The basic translation model used here makes these approximations: is proportional to E, the irradiance does not depend on temperature is independent of E varies with temperature according to γ .

  • Page 88: Maintenance

    PV systems is not included in this discussion. For tips to set up Windows for compatibility with the Software, and to troubleshoot Windows, see the product page on the Fluke website. Troubleshoot with Status Messages The main tool to troubleshoot Software operation is the Status indicator, shown on the upper right of the screen above the Measure Now button.
  • Page 89 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Maintenance Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, personal injury, or death, pay attention to the Status indicator in the upper right of the Software. Click on the Status indicator in any state to get more information about the status. Note that the PV circuits continue to present danger of electrical shock regardless of the active, paused, or disabled state of the I-V Measurement Unit.

  • Page 90: Troubleshoot By Symptom

    PVA-1500HE2/PVA-1500T2/SolSensor-300V3 Users Manual Table 20. Status Messages (cont.) Status Message Description The I-V I-V Curve Tracer has been temporarily stopped because you pushed the LED button. It is a normal part of the operation of the I-V Paused Curve Tracer. In this condition, PV source connections may be changed without interruption to a measurement.
  • Page 91 Solmetric I-V Curve Tracer Kit Maintenance Table 21. Troubleshoot By Symptom (cont.) Symptom or Description and Remedy Message The measurement save speed depends on the number of I-V trace points selected. Use 100 points for most work and 500 points when high resolution is required.
  • Page 92 72 ° C. However, if the thermal fuse Curve trips, it irreversibly shuts down the I-V Curve Tracer and requires a return to the factory. If you suspect that this has occurred, contact Fluke. See Contact Fluke.

This manual is also suitable for:

Solmetric pva-1500he2Solmetric pva-1500t2Solmetric solsensor-300v3

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