Mobile device for IV-characteristics analysis from Tritec

The Swiss company Tritec has introduced a new device for PV module quality control.

© TRITEC AG The IV-curve analysis device TRI-KA, together with solar irradiation sensor TRI-SEN (left), makes it possible to check PV systems on-site.

The device TRI-KA can record the IV-characteristics of a solar generator with a voltage range of 50 to 1,000 V and currents of up to 10 A. The accuracy of the measurement is said to be +/- 2 percent for voltage and current values. After the measurements have been taken, the open circuit voltage, the short-circuit current, and the MPP power are shown next to the generator‘s IV-curve on the display (128 × 64 pixels). The integrated non-volatile memory can record up to 125 measured curves. The module string to be analyzed is connected to the device via an adaptor available for all common solar cable connectors. With dimensions of 236 × 125 × 42 mm and a weight of 500 g, the TRI-KA is handy enough for mobile use. 

As the IV-curve itself doesn‘t indicate much about the efficiency of the solar generator, the measurement system also includes a solar irradiation sensor with a temperature sensor for PV modules called TRI-SEN. This makes it possible to record local irradiation and module temperature while the IV-curve measurements are being taken. This data can then be transferred to TRI-KA via an infrared interface. Using additional information, the TRI-KA converts the measured power into STC values, which can then be compared with the figures on the module‘s datasheet. The data can also be transferred to a computer through a USB cable. An evaluation program is available for Windows 2000 and XP. Both measuring devices can be operated with batteries. The system is delivered in a hard case that has ample room for the adaptor cables. 

The multi-lingual device is available in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain for a net price of €1,990 ($2,350). Other European countries, such as Italy, will be covered before the end of 2006. Tritec is in talks with Malaysian installers regarding distribution there, however it has no plans to sell the TRI-KA in America, at least for the short- to medium-term.

Tritec AG
Herrenweg 60
4123 Allschwil / Basel, Switzerland
phone +41/61/69935-35, fax -99
info@tritec.ch
www.tritec.ch

Philippe Welter
© PHOTON International, January 2006