PV Monitoring System Solution for Plant's Solar Array

CLEVELAND - April 20, 2022 - PRLog -- dataTaker DT85 Monitors Electrical and Environmental Parameters

CAS Dataloggers provided a photovoltaic (PV) monitoring system for a  solar array. The company's request was not only for a device to measure the current and voltage output of the solar array but also for environmental monitoring of local conditions since the plant is in a location where extreme temperature excursions often occur.

Parameters:

• The Temperature of the Solar Panels
• Ambient Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Solar Radiation
• Wind Speed

Data Logging System:

The dataTaker DT85 is the heart of the proposed PV monitoring system. This rugged data logger is the ideal solution for this application, with 16 universal analog input channels that are suitable for use with a wide range of different sensor types plus digital and counter channels. The logger has a robust design so it can be used in the extended temperature range encountered at the site. Its low-power operation allows it to operate continuously using an internal backup battery in locations where main power is not always available.

DC Current Measurement:

For measurement of the DC current output of the solar array, current transducers from CR Magnetics, model CR5220S, are installed on the electrical cables and connected to the data logger. These devices offer a standard 4-20mA current output and split-core design to make installation a snap.

DC Voltage Measurement:

Because the PV array contained a number of panels wired in series, the total voltage output was well beyond the 50 VDC maximum that the data logger could measure directly. To capture the voltage in a safe and reliable way, we used a CR Magnetics CR5320 DC voltage transducer. It is available in different models that can accommodate up to 600 VDC and provide full voltage isolation from the inputs to the output.

Temperature & Humidity Measurement:

There are numerous vendors of temperature and humidity sensors, however many are not compatible with the extreme conditions of outdoor monitoring. For this application, the meteorological grade MP400A probe from Rotronic was used. The sensor has a measurement range of 0 to 100% RH and -40 to 85°C.

Conclusion

The PV monitoring system described provides a cost-effective example of data collection with the dataTaker DT85 Universal Input Data Logger. The universal analog and digital inputs allow not only the measurements related to the power produced by the solar panels but also various environmental monitoring including solar radiation and wind speed measurement.

For further information on the DT85 data logger, and other dataTaker products, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or visit us at https://www.dataloggerinc.com.