PV-Engineering GmbH

PVPM1540X
The latest generation of portable IV curve tracer: up to 1500V and 40A, also suitable for high-efficiency PV modules
This PVPM device allows the measurement of the IV characteristic of large photovoltaic strings and arrays up to 1500V and 40ADC. Using patented methods, the instrument can calculate the peak power, the Rs and the Rp from one measured characteristic directly at the installation site and display the values on the built-in graphic display.
The PVPM1540X is a portable instrument in a rugged and waterproof plastic housing with built-in battery power and external wide range battery charger. The device is equipped with its own high-performance miniature industrial PC and a high-contrast, high-resolution TFT graphic display and thus can be used independently. If required, however, a PC can be connected for data transfer and further analysis of the measured values ​​via a standard USB interface.
The supplied calibrated irradiation reference sensor can be simply clamped e.g. to the module frame (parallel to the solar module).
The IV curve measurement runs very fast (in the millisecond range), the measurement results (for example peak power) are immediately displayed on the built-in TFT display and stored permanently inside the device. Up to 4 curve measurements per minute are provided.
Entering module data is not required for the measurement, but is supported both on-site at the meter and before the measurement campaign in the office. Additionally these informations can be added during evaluation in the office later on.
The PVPM1540X is conveniently operated via the touch function of the display and a screen menu. The functions are self-explanatory by simple symbols and the user is always guided by the program. An introduction to the device operation is hardly necessary.

 
(Changes reserved)

Build in a stable and waterproof (IP67) plastic case with carrying handle, automatic pressure valve and tough front panel.

Measuring Unit:

Miniature industrial PC 32Bit, real time clock, no mechanical moving parts
Sampling rate max. 100kHz
Resolution 0.01V - 0.25V, 0.005A – 0.01A (depending on sel. range)
Accuracy of the a/d converter 0.08% of FSR±1 LSB
Accuracy Peak power measurement: ±5%
Reproducement: ±2-3%
Duration of single measurement: 20ms up to 2 seconds, avoiding the influence of capacitive properties of the module under test
Non volatile data storage for several thousand measurements
Irradiance reference sensor (Phox) with integrated Pt100 or Pt1000 temperature sensor measures irradiance and cell temperature
Other commercially available sensors can be connected using a reliable cable connection
4-wire-cabling between PVPM and generator under test avoids mis-measurement of voltage
Additional measurement of the back surface temperature of the module under test (second input for Pt100 RTD available)
Continuous long-term measurements of I-V-curves in selectable time intervals
The device may only be attached to a limited source of direct current (photovoltaic generator) with at most 40A

Measuring ranges of the PVPM1540X  (changes possible):

Voltage:
25V / 100V / 500V / 1500V
Current:
2A / 5A / 10A / 40A
Temperature:
-40°C - +100°C with Pt1000
Irradiance: 
0 - 1300W/m2 (Standard sensor)
Ranges for current and voltage can be combined in any order
An optimal range is selected by the device automatically.
Display:

Colour TFT display, LED backlight, touchpanel, resolution 480 x 272 Pixel, sunlight capable
Operation:

Menu driven with touchscreen on the front panel
Operation and evaluation alternatively by Windows software, connected via USB 2.0 standard cable
Power Supply:

Li-Ion-battery 99.6Wh (continous operation up to 8 hours)
External power supply wide range input (90-263Vac, 47-63Hz, 40W), UL approved
Integrated battery charger with overload and undervoltage protection for battery
Display of battery state with LEDs at the front panel
Dimensions

Width: 40.6 cm, Height: 17.5 cm, Depth: 33.0 cm, Weight: ca. 8,5kg