PROFITEST PV

With auto-ranging up to 1000 V / 20 A / 20 kW

The PROFiTEST PV allows for the measurement of characteristic I-U curves, as well as individual photovoltaic modules and strings. 

Connect → Switch On → Start Measurement → Read Results → Done!

With the help of a patented process, the instrument is capable of ascertaining peak power, internal series resistance and internal parallel resistance directly on-site “with only one measurement and without entering module data”, which are then indicated at a high resolution color graphic touch-screen which is suitable for use in sunlight.

Troubleshooting in PV systems, as well as documentation of system quality, are executed quickly and economically during initial start-up and subsequent testing without a long learning curve. 

This simple yet decisive test assures safety for the customer and eliminates consequential costs for the installer. 

Measured peak power can, for example, also be used in order to determine peak ratio. Beyond this, acquired characteristic curves make it possible to draw further conclusions regarding the electrical characteristics of the measured module or string. And thus the tester is also suitable for use in research and development.

• Measurement of characteristic I-U curves at PV modules and strings up to 1000 V DC, 20 A DC and 20 kW
• Acquired characteristic I-U curve is highly accurate thanks to steady measurement at the capacitive load
• Measurement of short-circuit current Isc, open circuit voltage Uoc, instantaneous peak power of a solar cell Pmax, series resistance Rs and internal parallel resistance Rp
• Automatic conversion of momentary measured values to STC
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• Patented calculation process for evaluating PV generators without knowledge of the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Patented calculation process for determining the generator’s internal series resistance based solely on a measured characteristic I-U curve.
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• Integrated customer database with bidirectional data exchange
• Integrated module database with bidirectional data exchange
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• High level of intrinsic safety thanks to included load disconnector (1000 V / 32 A DC)
• Power and temperature measurement via four-conductor cable for error-free results
• Separate measurement of temperatures at the irradiation sensor and the back of the module (Pt100) for increased measuring accuracy
• Continuous display of momentary irradiation and temperature provides information regarding measuring conditions
• Easy touch-screen operation
• Highly luminous, high resolution color TFT display with energy-saving LED illumination (suitable for use in sunlight!)
• External power pack with broad-range input for charging the batteries, and for continuous operation of the measuring instrument
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• Software for graphic representation, evaluation and documentation with integrated database
• Operation via a PC with direct import of measurements is also possible (e.g. for long-term measurements)
• Open interfaces allow for operation of the instrument in special applications as well
   

The differences ...

Why is measurement with capacitive load necessary?

On the one hand, measurement of characteristic curves for PV generators (modules, strings, arrays) must not be conducted too quickly (high dV/dt), because the measured characteristic curve may be changed in the case of rapid measurement (< 20 ms) due to the capacitive/inductive attributes of the generator or the test setup, in which case not only the characteristics of the PV generator are reflected in the measurement results. On the other hand, measurement must not be too slow either (> 1 sec.), because the danger of fluctuating radiant exposure is otherwise significantly increased, which would influence measurement results. This affects module temperature as well, which reacts relatively sluggishly but nevertheless can change within a matter of seconds.

Patented calculation process for determining the generator’s internal series resistance based solely on a measured characteristic I-U curve:

This resistance is the physical result of the material used to manufacture the module, as well as its layout and wiring connections, and normally has a constant value. For example, it amounts to roughly 1 ? for crystalline modules and more than 2 ? for thin-film modules. As of recently, measurement of internal series resistance can be performed with instruments from the Profitest PV product range. Only a single characteristic I-U curve has to be traced at the module for this purpose. On the basis of this characteristic curve, the instrument automatically calculates R_S, as well as peak power P_PK and parallel resistance R_P.
Theoretically anticipated internal series resistance R_S can be calculated. For example, this is possible with the software if the the following characteristic STC values are known for the module: U_oc, I_sc, U_Mpp and I_Mpp.
The calculated R_S value can then be compared with the measured value, which is read out by a Profitest PV after curve tracing. If the measured value is too high, wiring must be inspected for interruptions, corrosion, connection errors and underdimensioning.

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Research and Development round Photovoltaics
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