IV-curve measuring device from Halm

So far, the Frankfurt-based Halm Elektronik GmbH is known in the PV world particularly for its laboratory measurement equipment. Now, the company is heading out to the field.  

© H.A.L.M. Elektronik GmbH Electronics inside a suitcase: To measure the IV- curve with the Cetis PV-CTF1, one also needs a battery, an irradiation sensor, and a notebook.

The Cetis PV-CTF1 IV-curve measurement device for solar modules that will be presented at the European PV conference in Paris in June is a modified version of a device designed for lab use. It enables integrators to inspect the quality of individual module strings or complete PV systems. The electronic equipment comes in a 4 kg suitcase and has measurement range of up to 1,000 V and remarkable 100 A. Because of its modular construction, the device can be operated optionally with capacitive or electronic loads. For operation of the device, saving and display of the measured values, a computer with Microsoft Windows software is needed, which is connected via an RS 232 interface. 

Cetis PV-CTF1 is designed for use with the calibrated irradiation sensor Sensol. At €7,760 ($9,545) before taxes, however, the PV-CTF1 is much more expensive than comparable devices presented in our survey on IV-curve measuring devices (see article, p. 70). 

Halm Elektronik GmbH
Sandweg 30-32
60316 Hamburg, Germany
phone +49/69/943353-0, fax -41
infosolar@halm.de
www.halm.de

Karsten Albers
© PHOTON International, May 2004