HT PVCHECK Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. HT Manuals
  4. Test Equipment
  5. PVCHECK
  6. Manual

HT PVCHECK Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Manual
PVCHECK
EAN: 8033772797467

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the PVCHECK and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for HT PVCHECK

Summary of Contents for HT PVCHECK

  • Page 1 Manual PVCHECK EAN: 8033772797467...
  • Page 2 PVCHECK PVCHECK...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    PVCHECK Table of contents: 1. PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES ................3 1.1. PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS ..................3 1.2. DURING USE ........................4 1.3. AFTER USE ........................4 1.4. DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY........4 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ......................5 2.1. INTRODUCTION ........................ 5 2.2.
  • Page 4 PVCHECK 6.3. QUICK CHECK ON PV MODULES AND STRINGS (IVCK) ..........26 6.3.1. Foreword ........................26 6.3.2. Carrying out an IVCK quick test without measuring irradiance ........27 6.3.3. Carrying out an IVCK quick test and measuring irradiance ........29 6.3.4.

  • Page 5: Precautions And Safety Measures

    PVCHECK 1. PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES The instrument has been designed in compliance with directive IEC/EN61010-1 relevant to electronic measuring instruments. Before and while carrying out measurements, observe the following indications and read all notes preceded by the symbol with the utmost attention.

  • Page 6: During Use

    PVCHECK 1.2. DURING USE Please carefully read the following recommendations and instructions: CAUTION  Failure to comply with the caution notes and/or instructions may damage the instrument and/or its components or be a source of danger for the operator.  The symbol “...

  • Page 7: General Description

    PVCHECK 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 2.1. INTRODUCTION This instrument has been designed to carry quick checks (IVCK) on photovoltaic modules/strings in order to verify the parameters declared by the manufacturer. In addition, this instrument measures insulation/continuity on PV modules/strings/fields and evaluates the efficiency of a PV field.

  • Page 8: Preparation For Use

    PVCHECK 3. PREPARATION FOR USE 3.1. INITIAL CHECKS Before shipping, the instrument has been checked from an electric as well as mechanical point of view. All possible precautions have been taken so that the instrument is delivered undamaged. However, we recommend checking it to detect any damage possibly suffered during transport. In case anomalies are found, immediately contact the Dealer.

  • Page 9: Nomenclature

    PVCHECK 4. NOMENCLATURE 4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION CAPTION: 1. Inputs 2. Display 3. Connector for optical output/USB port 4. Arrow keys/ENTER key 5. GO/STOP key 6. SAVE key 7. ON/OFF key 8. HELP / 9. ESC/MENU key Fig. 1: Description of the front part of the instrument CAPTION: 1.

  • Page 10: Keyboard Description

    INITIAL SCREEN When switching on the instrument, the initial screen appears for a few seconds. It shows:  The instrument model (PVCHECK)  The manufacturer’s name  The presence of the enabled internal module for RF connection  The serial number (SN:) of the instrument ...

  • Page 11: General Menu

    PVCHECK 5. GENERAL MENU Pressing the ESC/MENU key in any condition of the instrument displays the general menu screen, in which the instrument may be set, the saved measures can be displayed and the desired measuring function may be selected. Use the cursor to select one of the options and confirm with ENTER to access the desired function.

  • Page 12: Measuring Unit

    PVCHECK 5.1.2. Measuring unit This section allows setting the measuring units of some parameters included in the database (DB) for the management of PV modules (see § 5.6) when measuring IVCK. 1. Position the cursor onto “Measuring Unit” by using the arrow keys and confirm with ENTER.

  • Page 13: Irradiance

    PVCHECK 5.1.5. Irradiance This section allows setting the minimum irradiance threshold both for IVCK measurement and for efficiency test on a PV installation. 1. Position the cursor onto “Irradiance” by using the arrow keys and confirm with ENTER. 2. The display shows the screen containing “Min Irr IVCK”, which...

  • Page 14: Eff - Efficiency Test Settings For Pv Installations

    PVCHECK EFF – EFFICIENCY TEST SETTINGS FOR PV INSTALLATIONS 5.2. The purpose of this measurement is to evaluate the DC efficiency of a photovoltaic installation, with the possibility of obtaining a positive or negative result of the check/recording depending on a limit on the nDC parameter, freely set by the user. For this test, the use of the optional remote unit SOLAR-02 is necessary (see §...

  • Page 15: System Parameters

    PVCHECK 5.2.2. System parameters 1. Position the cursor onto EFF by using the arrow keys (,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the values of the output electrical parameters of the photovoltaic generator. 2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the following options: System parameters and Instrument settings to select “System Parameters”...

  • Page 16: Selection Of The Compensation Relationship Of Temperature Effects

    PVCHECK 5.2.3. Selection of the compensation relationship of temperature effects This option allows selecting the relationship to be used to correct the measurements performed according to the modules’ temperature as regards the calculation of nDC efficiency. The following modes are available: –...

  • Page 17: Lowω - Settings For Continuity Test With 200Ma

    PVCHECK LOWΩ – SETTINGS FOR CONTINUITY TEST WITH 200MA 5.3. The purpose of this measurement is to test the continuity of protective conductors and equipotential ones (e.g. from rod to earth and connected foreign earth) and earth rods of SPDs on PV installations. The test must be carried out using a test current > 200mA according to the prescriptions of IEC/EN62446 guideline 5.3.1.

  • Page 18: Ivck - Settings For Ivck Quick Test

    PVCHECK 2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the option: Settings: 3. Confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the following screen: 4. Use the arrow keys (,) for option setting, and select the desired option by means of the arrow keys ( , ). The following parameters can be set: ...
  • Page 19 PVCHECK 2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the following options: Settings, Reset Averages (see § 6.3.4) and Leads calibration (see § 6.5.2). 3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “Settings” and confirm with ENTER. The instrument shows the following screen: 4.

  • Page 20: Db - Database Module Management

    PVCHECK 5.6. DB – DATABASE MODULE MANAGEMENT The meter allows managing up to a maximum of 30 different types of PV modules, further to a DEFAULT module (not editable and not erasable) which can be used as reference case when no piece of information about the type of module being tested is available.

  • Page 21: How To Define A New Pv Module

    PVCHECK 5.6.1. How to define a new PV module 1. Position the cursor onto DB by using the arrow keys (,)and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the screen which contains:  The type of PV module  The values of the parameters associated to the module (see Table 1) 2.

  • Page 22: How To Modify An Existing Pv Module

    PVCHECK 5.6.2. How to modify an existing PV module 1. Select the PV module to be modified from the internal database by means of the arrow keys ( , ). 2. Press the ENTER key and select the “Modify” command using the arrow key ().

  • Page 23: Operating Instructions

    PV modules being tested by means of unit SOLAR-02 (operating independently) and the reference cell. 3. Switch on PVCHECK, check and, if necessary, change the instrument settings relevant to the type of remote unit, to the minimum irradiation threshold, to the full scale of the DC clamp, to the integration period and to the parameters of the system being measured (see §...
  • Page 24 PVCHECK 6. On PVCHECK, press the MENU key, select the function EFF and press ENTER; wait for the two units to start communicating with each other. This condition is highlighted by the contemporary presence of the following indicators:  Symbol steady (not flashing) on the display of PVCHECK ...
  • Page 25 23. Disconnect the irradiation and temperature probes from unit SOLAR-02 and bring the unit near PVCHECK (max distance 1m). 24. The main unit PVCHECK must be in EFF mode. If there is no flashing symbol “ ”, press key  to activate the RF connection search again.

  • Page 26: Measuring Parameters On Pv Plant Without Using Solar-02

    Switch on the clamp, check the LED indicating the status of the clamp’s internal batteries (if present), select the correct range, press the ZERO key on the DC clamp and check on the display of PVCHECK the actual zeroing of the corresponding Idc value (values up to 0.02A are acceptable).
  • Page 27 6. The display shows the first screen which contains the values of the output electrical parameters of the module/string. 7. Press GO/STOP key on PVCHECK to start the test. The message “Waiting start recording…” appears on the display of the instrument until “00” is reached.

  • Page 28: Quick Check On Pv Modules And Strings (Ivck)

    Irradiance measurement can be carried out in one of the following modes:  Reference cell directly connected to PVCHECK  Reference cell connected to SOLAR-02 in RF connection with PVCHECK Irradiance measurements are always carried out in real time; it is therefore impossible to start a “remote”...

  • Page 29: Carrying Out An Ivck Quick Test Without Measuring Irradiance

    PVCHECK 6.3.2. Carrying out an IVCK quick test without measuring irradiance CAUTION  The maximum voltage between inputs P, N, E and C is 1000VDC. Do not measure voltages exceeding the limits given in this manual  Do not perform test on PV modules or strings connected to the DC/AC converter ...
  • Page 30 PVCHECK CAUTION Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.

  • Page 31: Carrying Out An Ivck Quick Test And Measuring Irradiance

    1. Switch on the instrument by pressing the ON/OFF key. 2. Irradiance measurement is carried out in one of the following modes:  Measurement by reference cell directly connected to PVCHECK  Measurement by reference cell connected to a connected SOLAR-02 unit RF with PVCHECK 3.
  • Page 32 P. CAUTION In case the remote unit SOLAR-02 is used for measuring irradiance, make sure that the RF communication with the master unit PVCHECK is always active (symbol “ ” on and steady on the display).
  • Page 33 PVCHECK Fig. 8: Connection for IVCK test with direct Fig. 9: Connection for IVCK test with irradiance irradiance measurement measurement through SOLAR-02 1. PV module/string CAPTION: 2. Main system earthing E: Green cable 3. Earthed metal structure in the system C: Blue cable 4.
  • Page 34 PVCHECK 15. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error conditions occur, the instrument displays the message “Measuring…” and the measure of open-circuit voltage between the terminals P and N and of short-circuit current (for Isc values ≤ 10A).

  • Page 35: Reset Averages

    PVCHECK In general: The rated values of Voc and Isc are the values found in the instrument’s internal modules’ DB (see § 5.6).  The overall value of the results: o OK: if all results under STC are OK, o NO if one of the results under STC is NO 23.

  • Page 36: Measurement Of Insulation On Pv Modules/Strings/Fields (Mω)

    PVCHECK 2. In case the instrument detects a voltage lower than 15Vat terminals P and N, it does not carry out the test, gives out a long sound displays message “Low voltage”. 3. In case the instrument detects a voltage higher than > 5Vat...

  • Page 37: Measuring Insulation - Field Mode

    PVCHECK 6.4.2. Measuring insulation – FIELD mode 1. Position the cursor onto MΩ by using the arrow keys (,) and confirm with ENTER. The display shows the screen to the side: 2. Press the ENTER key, activate “Settings” and possibly change the desired parameters (see §...

  • Page 38: Measuring Insulation - Timer Mode

    PVCHECK 4. Press GO/STOP to start the test. In case no error conditions occur, the instrument displays the message “Measuring…” as shown in the screen to the side. 5. When measurement (with a fixed duration of 10s) is complete, the instrument provides the values Ri (+) and Ri (-), respectively the insulation resistance of the Positive and Negative poles of the PV field being tested.

  • Page 39: Measuring Insulation - String Mode

    PVCHECK CAUTION Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see § 6.6) and, therefore, the test cannot be started. Check and eliminate, if possible, the problem causing the error message before going on with the test.
  • Page 40 PVCHECK CAPTION: E: Green cable P: Red cable N: Black cable 1. Unearthed PV module/string 2. Main system earthing Fig. 12: Instrument connection for insulation measurement in STRING mode CAUTION The maximum current which can be measured by the instrument is 10A. Before carrying out the measures of Insulation in "STRING"...

  • Page 41: Measurement Of Continuity On Pv Modules/Strings/Fields (Lowω)

    PVCHECK 2. In STRING mode, in case the instrument detects an Isc current higher than 10A, it does not carry out the test, gives out a long sound and displays the message “Isc current too high”. 3. In STRING mode, in case the instrument detects a current < 0.2A between terminals P and N, it does not carry out the test, gives out a long sound and displays the message “Current <...

  • Page 42: Measuring Continuity

    PVCHECK Fig. 13:Compensation of the measuring cables’ resistance 2. Press the ENTER key. The instrument shows the following options: Settings and Leads calibration 3. Use the arrow keys (,) to select “Leads calibration” and confirm with ENTER. 4. Press GO/STOP to start calibration. The message “Measuring…”...
  • Page 43 PVCHECK 4. Fig. 14 CAPTION: E: Green cable C: Blue cable 1. PV module/string 2. Main system earthing 3. Earthed metal structure in the system Fig. 14: Connection for continuity measurement on structures of the PV installation CAUTION Upon pressing the GO/STOP key, different error messages can be displayed by the instrument (see §...

  • Page 44: List Of Display Messages

    PVCHECK 2. In case the instrument detects that the calibrated resistance is higher that the measured resistance, the instrument gives out a long sound and displays the message: “Calibration not OK” 3. In case the instrument detects a resistance higher than 5Ω at its...
  • Page 45 PVCHECK MESSAGE DESCRIPTION Check the polarity of the instrument’s input terminals Negative voltage Low voltage Check the voltage between input terminals P and N Vin > 1000 Voltage between input terminals > 1000V Wrong no. of modules. Set no. of modules inconsistent with measured Voc Continue? Ref.

  • Page 46: Storing Data

    PVCHECK 7. STORING DATA The instrument allows saving max 999 measured values. The saved data can be recalled at display and deleted at any moment, and can be associated to reference numerical markers relevant to the installation name, the PV string and the PV module (max 250 markers).

  • Page 47: Operations With Results

    PVCHECK 5. Use the arrow keys (,) and ( , ) with the virtual keyboard to add a short description (max 13 chars) in the “Comment” field. Press ENTER to digit any character of the desired name. 6. Press the SAVE key again to confirm data saving or ESC/MENU to exit without saving.
  • Page 48 PVCHECK 4. Use the arrow key  to go to the “Comments” label 5. The instrument will display the comment inserted by the operator during the saving procedure (see § 7.2) as regards the system. 6. The symbol “*” next to the measurement number indicates that...

  • Page 49: Deleting Data From The Memory

    PVCHECK 5. For MΩ test in TIMER mode there are the values of the following parameters:  Set rated test voltage  Minimum threshold set on insulation measurement  The type of selected mode  The real value of the applied test voltage ...

  • Page 50: Connecting The Instrument To The Pc

    PVCHECK 8. CONNECTING THE INSTRUMENT TO THE PC CAUTION  The connection between instrument and PC is realized by means of cable C2006.  In order to transfer the data onto a PC it is necessary to install beforehand both the management software Topview and the drivers of cable C2006 on the PC itself.

  • Page 51: Cleaning The Instrument

    PVCHECK 1. Switch off the instrument by pressing and holding the ON/OFF key. 2. Remove the cables from the input leads. 3. Loosen the battery compartment cover fastening screw and remove the cover. 4. Remove all the batteries from the battery compartment and replace them only with new batteries of the same type only (see §...

  • Page 52: Technical Specifications Of The Ivck Function

    PVCHECK 10.2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE IVCK FUNCTION DC Voltage @ OPC Range [V] Resolution [V] Accuracy 5.0 ÷ 199.9 ±(1.0 %rdg + 2dgt) 200 ÷ 999 Minimum VPN voltage to start the test: 15V DC Current @ OPC Range [A]...

  • Page 53: Reference Standards

    PVCHECK (*) For FIELD mode if VPN >1V the minimum voltage VEP and VEN for the calculation of Ri(+) and Ri(-) is 1V (**) For STRING mode minimum VPN voltage to start the test: 15V Open voltage <1.25 x nominal test voltage Short circuit current <...

  • Page 54: Environmental Conditions For Use

    PVCHECK 10.6. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR USE Reference temperature: 23° ± 5°C Operating temperature: 0 ÷ 40°C Allowable relative humidity: <80%HR Storage temperature: -10 ÷ 60°C Storage humidity: <80%HR Max operating altitude: 2000m This instrument satisfies the requirements of Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC (LVD) and of EMC Directive 2004/108/EC 10.7.

  • Page 55: Service

    PVCHECK The previous relationships are valid if Irradiance > Min Irradiance (see the User Manual of the MASTER instrument) and the irradiance values are “steady”, i.e. for each sample taken, with IP ≤ 1min, the difference between the maximum and minimum irradiance values measured must be <...
  • Page 56 v. 181002 2018-10-02 11:20...

Table of Contents