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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.