IV Measurement Instruments

PV-Blocks

  • All-in-one PV Measurement Solution
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IV Measurement Instruments

Features

  • Easy module based customisation
  • IV sweep & MPP tracking
  • All weather IP65 safe
  • Designed for PV cells, modules & strings up to 600W
  • IEC 61724-1, 61215-2, 60891, and 60904 compliant
  • Compatible with EKO STR Sun-Trackers, Pyranometers, Spectroradiometers and more

PV-Blocks

  • All-in-one PV Measurement Solution

PV-Blocks is a unique and versatile set of instruments for testing and analysing PV technology, from small cells to PV modules and complete strings. PV-Blocks supports Silicon, Thin-Film, Perovskite, Hybrid materials, organic PV and even the latest high-capacity Bi-facial modules.

Add to list
IV Measurement Instruments

Features

  • Easy module based customisation
  • IV sweep & MPP tracking
  • All weather IP65 safe
  • Designed for PV cells, modules & strings up to 600W
  • IEC 61724-1, 61215-2, 60891, and 60904 compliant
  • Compatible with EKO STR Sun-Trackers, Pyranometers, Spectroradiometers and more
Find out more

Overview

The PV-Blocks system is a unique and versatile solution designed to outdoor test any type of PV technology, including Silicon, Thin-Film, Perovskite and Hybrid modules, organic PV and even the latest high-capacity Bi-facial modules.

The advanced off-grid and grid-connected research systems are fully compatible with the latest PV technologies in development and are scalable to test multiple modules in parallel. During long-term exposure tests, automatic measurements can be scheduled for continuous data retrieval of the measurable module parameters. Up to x32 modules or more can be connected to the PV-Blocks base pack to measure each individual I-V curve and characteristics under MPP load conditions. Similarly, individual temperature measurements are performed on the PV module.

If modules are mounted with different tilt angles, different pyranometers or reference cells can be used to measure the total radiation in plane with the module. The system can be expanded with a meteorological station, sun-tracker (DNI, GHI, DHI) and spectroradiometer.

The PV-Blocks system is modular and can be adjusted to various system configurations. It can be expanded for simultaneous measurements of multiple modules of different currents, voltages and power ratings.

The irradiance (GHI, DNI, DHI, POA) and module temperature can be measured simultaneously with the voltage and current measurements to calculate to STC or equivalent standards. The internal Linux computer and special software combine the data from all sensors with the I-V measurements. Integration of spectral measurements is possible with EKO spectroradiometers.

The turn-key PV-blocks system is designed for outdoor and laboratory use and can be supplied with a weatherproof enclosure making it easy to install close to the PV setup.

EKO Instruments have partnered with ReRa Solutions to develop and distribute tools and software to measure solar cells. Contact EKO Instruments to explore customisation options.

System Specifications

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Attribute
Measurement range Voltage < 0.5 - 200 V (80V, 120V, 200V range setting)
Measurement range Current 0 - 20 A
Measurement range Power 0 - 600 W
Operating temperature range -25 - 60 °C
Ingress protection IP 54
Channels 32 units (1-32 PV-IV/MPP Modules)

PV Base

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Description

PV Base Pack

The PV Base Pack is at the core of every PV Blocks configuration and can control up to x32 additional modules.

The PV Base pack has x3 components; the Linux edge computer, Communication module and power supply.

The control software runs on the PV Base computer and can be accessed using any internet browser. The software handles scheduling of measurements, storing data in a local database, and configuring the system and connected devices.

The PV-Base Pack can control x8 IV/MPP blocks. If more units are required, it is possible to add a PV-EXT Block allowing an additional x8 new IV/MPP Blocks to be added to the system.

Attribute
Component Edge computer (Linux)
Component Communication module
Component Power supply unit

PV IV/MPP

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Description

PV IV/MPP Block

The PV IV/MPP Block is used for the measurement of IV curves, MPP tracking and continuous voltage biasing of PV devices.

The PV IV/MPP Block is an autonomous measurement and control unit that directly interfaces to an outdoor load. This load is connected close to the module to be measured. The power generated by the module will be converted to heat and dissipated in the ventilated heatsink (load).

Attribute
Component IV/MPP module
Component PV load module

PV Load

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Description

PV Load

The PV Load is part of the PV IV/MPP pack. This MPP load is connected close to the PV module to be measured. The power generated by the module will be converted to heat and dissipated in the ventilated heatsink (load). To work with high-power PV modules, the loads a constantly cooled through a ventilator. The cooling capacity is adapted to the power dissipation of the PV modules and environmental conditions.

The load system is IP54 safe for outdoor operation. Researchers choose the PV Load solution to work independently from the grid and when accurate MPP tracking is required.

Attribute
Component Load module
Channels 1 unit

PV Temp

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Description

PV Temp Block

The PV Temp module handles measurements for up to x4 PT-100 temperature sensors. Multiple PV Temp modules can be integrated to measure the temperature of the PV array.

Attribute
Component Temperature module
Channels 4 units

PV Irr

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Description

PV Irr Block

With the PV Irr module, up to x4 analog irradiance sensors can be connected, for example, Pyranometers and reference cells.

Attribute
Component Irradiance module
Channels 4 units

PV Mod

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Description

PV Mod Block

The PV-MOD block is used to integrate external instruments that support the MODBUS RTU protocol. EKO products with a MODBUS interface, including S-Series sensors such as the MS-80SH, can be connected to the PV evaluation system.

Attribute
Component Modbus module
Channels 4 units

PV Software

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Description

PV-Blocks Software

The PV software is part of the PV Base pack and handles the scheduling of measurements, storing of data in a local database, the configuration of the system, connected devices, and system settings.

All data can be easily exported in the most common formats (TXT, ASCII, CSV, Excel, PDF, etc..).

The software is installed on the system computer and accessed via a web portal on the local computer network. The PV-Blocks system is completely open to developers by means of an extensive API, and automatic software updates are available.

Attribute
Component Software accompaniment to the PV Base pack

PV-Switch

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Description

PV-Switch Relay

The PV-Blocks IV measurement system can be expanded with PV-Switch modules to make the IV measurements system grid-connected.

Instead of dissipating the PV module power through the dynamic MPP load unit, the generated energy can be fed back into the grid.

The IV-Switch will disconnect from the grid during IV measurement. In between IV measurements, the PV-switch module will reconnect the PV module to the µ-inverter or power optimiser.

The MPP set is continuously monitored (Impp / Vmpp / Pmpp).

Attribute
Component Switch module
Channels 1 unit

PV PT-100

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Description

PT-100 Temperature Sensor

The PV-Blocks IV measurement system can be expanded with the PT-100 temperature sensor which is an essential component for PV module research.

The Class A PT-100 sensors provide accurate measurements of the module backside temperature. For IV measurements and PV performance ratings, temperature changes have a big effect and should be monitored in line with the PV module output. The Class A PT-100 sensors have a measurement accuracy better than 0.15 degrees Celsius. The temperature sensor can be stuck to the module backside. It comes with high-temperature resistive adhesive, temperature spreader and cable strain relief.

The cable is made of flexible and durable UV and temperature resistant material. The sensor can be used in a 3 Wire or 4W measurement configuration.

Attribute
Component PT-100 Temperature sensor
Temperature measurement -20 to 80ºC
Accuracy < 0.15°C
Cable length 10 m
Back module temperature Yes

Standard Compliance

PV-Blocks is compliant with the following standards.

  • IEC 60891 – Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to measured I-V characteristics.
  • IEC 60904-1 – Part1 Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics.

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