Design and Development of Low Cost PV Module Tester

PV module, could be one or many modules that are linked together to form a PV array. Modules connected in series are called strings.Commercially the PV 200 provides a highly efficient and effective test and diagnostic solution PV tester is a all in one device that perform all the required test

Project Title

Design and Development of Low Cost PV Module Tester

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

PV module, could be one or many modules that are linked together to form a PV array. Modules connected in series are called strings.Commercially the PV 200 provides a highly efficient and effective test and diagnostic solution PV tester is a all in one device that perform all the required test like continuity test, and measure open circuit voltage and short circuit

The PV 200 is a compact & cost effective I-V curve tracer that uses simple push button operation making it an efficient and versatile tester for PV systems. 999 datasets can be stored on the instrument and once downloaded to the SolarCert software comparison to the standard test conditions can be made.

The tester measures ground (earth) continuity, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power point voltage, current and power (with AC/DC clamp). The instrument will also give you the fill factor of the PV module or system under test.

The PV200 has a separate 1kV insulation resistance test function, eliminating the need for a separate, expensive device. Meanwhile the high contrast display on the device is clearly visible in direct sunlight.

The short circuit current in a PV string through this technique cannot be determined due to too high voltage. PV module testing facility is too expensive (e.g. PCRET Islamabad provides testing facility @ Rs12000/module)The device for measuring inverter loss and performing on load test for PV module is locally unavailable and its online price is (7.5 lac) that is why this tester should be designed in low cost so that all solar company can afford to use it.

Project Objectives

Our mission is to design and develop in low cost seaward sloar pv tester PV200 which is able to:

• All-in-one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing.
• Automatic fill factor calculation.
• Ground (earth) continuity measurement with test lead null.
• PV string open circuit and maximum power point voltage measurements up to 1000V DC.
• PV string short current up to 20 A DC.
• PV array insulation test at 250/500/1000V.
• Tests individual PV modules or strings.
• Memory for  records with USB download to PC.
• High contrast display, visible in bright light.
• Test PV module/string on load
• Find the Voc and Isc of a PV module
• Find the solar inverter power loss
• Find fill factor of  PV module or system
   

Project Implementation Method

These are the following methods we adopt for designing the PV tester

• First of all we visit to the industry NANX Engineering (Pvt) Ltd Islamabad where we learn different strategy to measure PV module parameter
• After that we studied about 20  latest research paper about how to measure DC current and voltage
• We also gained a brief elaboration about new solar technologies and reseach.using literature review(research paper)
• First we develop circuit diagram of voltage measurement circuit
• Then we develop circuit diagram of current measurement circuit
• We do software simulation on different softwares
• We develop code for the hardware parts 
• We construct hardware  
• Check the hardware on our university solar panel modules

Benefits of the Project

Our project has following benefits 

• Lightweight, handheld 
• Fast & Affordable  
• All in one commissioning test 
• Efficient PV diagnostic tool 
• One Push button operation
• Ideal for use on both solar PV and solar thermal installations
• Capable of providing a comprehensive solar site survey

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our can be used for much simpler, quicker and safe testing of PV systems as part of installation, commissioning and baseline performance tests,the tester can be used to take PV system open circuit voltage, short circuit current and insulation resistance measurements in less than one minute.Once the PV string or array is selected for measurements then the test leads are connected with our tester all test measurements can be made automatically with the simple push of a single button.Then, the test results can be stored in the instrument's internal memory for downloading to PC based records using the Seaward Cert Elements program.In this way, the combined testing, data logging and downloading facility enables PV system documentation and test certificates to be completed quickly and without error.

Our project can also undertake earth (ground) continuity testing and operational current measurement for comprehensive PV system testing requirements in line with the requirements of the MSC, EN62446 and other standards

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com