What is PV-Blocks?
The PV-Blocks system is a unique and fully modular solution for testing any types of experimental PV technologies (for example Perovskite, Hybrid, organic or high capacity Bi-facial modules).
PV-Blocks is fully compatible with the latest PV technologies and is fully compliant to the following IEC standards:
- IEC 60891 – Procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to measured I-V characteristics
- IEC 60904-1 – Part1 Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics
Depending 0n requested measurements and the number of solar modules to be measured, customers can configure their own ideal measurement system. As each module is measured individually, it is possible to do simultaneous measurements of all connected modules.
Up to 32 modules can be connected to do the folllowing measurements:
- IV-Curves
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- Power
- Voltage
- Irradiance
- Temperature
An important feature of the PV-Blocks system, is the direct integration of controllable loads (up to 600 Watt). These loads allow for full IV-curve measurements, dedicated MPP tracking and positive voltage biasing.
The system is equipped with a high-quality rugged computer that incorporates a database for configuration and measurement storage. Dedicated software (web interface) combines the data from all sensors and available measurements.
The turn-key PV-blocks system is designed for outdoor and laboratory usage and can be supplied with a weather proof enclosure. This way it makes it very easy to install the measurement system in close vicinity to the PV setup.
The modular PV Blocks system consists of the following PV-Blocks:
- PV Base:
Each system requires a PV-Base pack. The base pack contains the computer (PV-Link), the PV-Base block, powersupply (PSU) and cables - PV Load Pack:
This pack is used to do full IV-Curve measurements, dedicated MPP tracking en positive voltage biasing. With this pack the generated power will be dumped in a load. - PV Switch Pack:
This pack is used to do IV-Curve measurements. With this pack, the generated power is still used by using a switch - PV MON
This pack is used to measure the Voltage and Power of the module - PV IRR
This pack is used to measure the irradiance - PV TEMP
This pack is used to measure the temperature of the module - PV MOD
This pack is used to connect external equipment to the PV-Blocks system by using MODBUS