Description
The PV-Link Block is part of the PV-Base Pack. The PV-Base Pack is required for each PV-Blocks system. This block is the main computer for the PV-Blocks system.
The PV-Blocks control software is running on the PV-Link computer and can be accessed using any internet browser. The software handles scheduling of measurements, storing of data in a local database, configuration of the system and connected devices. All data can be easily exported in the most common formats (TXT, ASCII, CSV, Excel, PDF, etc.).
The PV-Link runs standalone and does not need any maintenance besides a regular backup. The measured values are stored locally. Depending on the amount of PV-Blocks connected, about 10 years of data can be stored locally. Measured data can be downloaded from the web-interface directly.
The PV-Blocks system is completely open to developers by means of an extensive API. Developers can create their own programs to retrieve the data and analyze it in any possible way. There is a command line client that can be used by experienced users. An example python script is included with the system that should help any developer to get started.
On the computer there are 2 ethernet ports, one for a direct connection to, for example a laptop, and one to connect to the company network or internet. This way the user is free in the selection of the interface. The PV-Link does not have to be connected to the internet unless the PV-Blocks cloud is used. The PV-Blocks system can only be updated using internet.