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To perform a wide range of tests on new types of PV modules under realistic conditions, EKO Instruments has introduced PV Blocks, an expandable all-in-one system with capacity for up to 32 modules. It is aimed at research laboratories, module manufacturers and testing organizations.
EKO Instruments has presented the performance measurement system for photovoltaic blocks, developed by the Dutch engineering specialist ReRa Solutions.
The measurement system is supposedly capable of testing on-grid and off-grid solutions with support for standard testing as defined in IEC 60891 and IEC 60904-1.
“Users can define the number of PV modules to be connected to a variety of solar and weather sensors,” Kees Hoogendijk, CEO of EKO Instruments, told pv magazine , noting that the PV Blocks system has an integrated “rugged” PC. , equipped with software. to support data acquisition and storage, a web-based interface, and an application interface (API) for Python programming packages.
The company responds to the need to test new types of photovoltaic modules in real-world conditions for applications such as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), agrivoltaics and floating solar, as well as bifacial modules and perovskite solar cells.
“All of this needs in situ testing and research in various geographic regions, under different environmental and atmospheric conditions,” Hoogendijk said. “It is difficult to test the performance of cells and modules in the laboratory under static conditions without outdoor verification.”
PV Blocks supports up to 32 photovoltaic test modules. Measurement loads range from 450 W to 900 W for current IV voltages, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and positive voltage bias. The measurement of IV curves can be configured from 200 ms to 30 seconds. The system also features an optional IP55 weatherproof housing for outdoor deployment.
As the name suggests, individual modules or blocks can be added to the “base” system, which consists of a PC, a systems controller block, application software, a 24 VDC power supply unit and a 10 m Ethernet cable. .
Optional measurement modules are equipped with cables, connectors, sensors and optics for the following tests: temperature, MPTT, power, voltage, irradiance and IV curves. The optional Modbus unit has 4 channels to digitally connect external equipment, such as pyranometers, reference cells or weather sensors. |
