Verifying PV Array Performance

Peter Hoberg Bryan Bass Paul Hernday

VP Sales and Marketing Sales Engineer Applications Engineer
paul@solmetric.com
Solmetric Solutions
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 What is Performance Verification?

Showing that measured performance meets a

performance standard, to within a specified margin.

Depending on the objective, the standard may be:

• a reference PV string
• a performance spec
• a performance model
 Performance Verification Methods

Inverter readout DC measurements I-V curve measurements

compared with compared with compared with
system model PV model PV model

Basic Comprehensive

V
When Do You Do Performance Testing?

• Construction (in-process QA)

• Commissioning
– Verify correct installation & design
– Assure client that contract has been met
– Create a performance baseline
• Regular audits/checkups
• Service Calls
– Troubleshoot poor performance
 Additional Objectives

• Expose problems earlier

• Troubleshoot more efficiently
• Get better commissioning data in less time
• Close out projects earlier ($$$ flows earlier)
• More rapidly localize problems to PV modules or inverter
• Provide data for PV module warranty claims
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 Benefits of I-V Curve Measurement
Compared with DMM & Clampmeter Testing

String-level max
Isc power value and
(Clamp meter) Current max power point
Power

Voltage Voc
(Multi-meter)
• Full I-V curve  Much more diagnostic value
• Automated  Fast, & less chance of record-keeping mistakes
 Fill Factor
Reduced „square-ness‟ can indicate aging, defects

Max Power Point

Isc
Imp
Current

Area A = Imp x Vmp Area B = Isc x Voc

Voltage Vmp Voc

Area A
Fill Factor =
Area B
 Series and Shunt Losses
Contributors to reduced fill factor

Isc Max Power Point

Imp, Vmp
Imp
Shunt
loss
Current

Series
loss

Voltage Vmp Voc

•Shunt losses reduce the ‘current ratio’ Imp / Isc

•Series losses reduce the ‘voltage ratio’ Vmp / Voc
 I-V Measurement Methods
PV module, string,
or sub-array

I sense
Load can be:
•Electronic
V sense
•Resistive
•Capacitive

Load considerations:
• Voltage & current range
Current

• Power dissipation
• ‘Sweep’ dynamics, esp sweep
rate, which must be slower to
Voltage accurately test high-efficiency
modules
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• Measurement of I-V curve

• Comparison to model results
• Quick Verify readout
• Wireless interface
• Low-cost

CONFIDENTIAL
Optional wireless sensor kit
Irradiance & temperature sensors
 PVA-600 Block Diagram (simplified)

Battery charging
connector
(isolated)
CPU &
wireless
C V sense
module (1 of 3)

I sense
Control button w LED
(isolated)

• Capacitive I-V method, 3 auto-selected capacitor values

• Capacitors over-sized to accurately test high-efficiency PV modules
• Electrically isolated circuitry means a system ground is not required
• Protection for over-voltage, -current, -temperature, & reverse polarity
 PV Models in the PVA-600
For predicting PV array performance

• Sandia National Labs PV Array Model

– Most comprehensive (30+ parameters)
– ~400 modules modeled, more available mid-2011
• 5-Parameter Model
– Developed at U. Wisconsin, used by CEC for NSHP program
– ~1,700 PV modules modeled at this time
• Simple Datasheet Model
– Translates Pmax (STC) to actual irradiance & temperature
– User enters data sheet parameters

These 3 methods are available in the Solar Advisor Model (SAM) from NREL and are
embedded in the Solmetric PV Analyzer.
 PVA-600 Specifications

• Max DC input voltage: 600V

• Max DC input current: 20A*
• Maximum DC power: 12 KW (instantaneous)
• Min Voc: 20V
• Min Isc: 1A
• I-V measurement time: 80-240mS typical
• Points per I-V trace: Up to 100, depends on test device
• Storage capacity: 1,000+ (PC running PVA SW)

*Strings of high-efficiency modules should be measured singly,

not in parallel
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• The Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 Steps to test a PV array
at a combiner box
PC setup (can be done in advance):
• Set up the PV model (type & number of PV modules, etc)
• Choose an „array tree‟ for saving test results
Hardware setup (onsite):
1. Place the irradiance & temperature sensors
2. Isolate the combiner box (open DC disco)
3. De-energize the buss bars (lift the fuses)
4. Clip test leads to the buss bars
String measurement (per string):
1. Insert a fuse
2. Press “Measure”
3. View and save results
 I-V measurement setup
Example: measuring strings at a combiner box
Portland Habilitation Center PV System
860kW 7-inverter system by Dynalectric Oregon
 Testing at combiner boxes
860kW System at Portland Habilitation Center, by Dynalectric Oregon
 Combiner Boxes (two per inverter)
860kW System at Portland Habilitation Center, by Dynalectric Oregon
 Combiner Box
860kW System at Portland Habilitation Center, by Dynalectric Oregon
 Testing individual PV strings
860kW System at Portland Habilitation Center, by Dynalectric Oregon
 Array tree for saving I-V data

Measurement data
Same hierarchy
from individual PV
as the PV system
string tests
Performance analysis
Evaluation of the „array tree‟ data

Overlay plots of I-V curves,

raw and normalized

Histograms
Pmax, Fill factor,
Imp/Isc, Vmp/Voc
Isc, Voc, etc

User-defined metrics

Reports
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• The Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 PVA-600 PV Model
• Built-in models predict shape
of IV curve
• Sandia, 5-Parameter, Simple

CONFIDENTIAL
 PVA-600 Model

• Built-in models predict shape of IV curve

• Sandia, 5-Parameter, Simple

CONFIDENTIAL
 Measured I-V & P-V curves
Red dots are the model predictions

•Shaded area is the inverter’s MPPT voltage range

•Model set to ‘array as sensor’ mode
 Table View

CONFIDENTIAL
 Verify View

CONFIDENTIAL
 Irradiance and Temperature

CONFIDENTIAL
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• The Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

Setup for Static Load
I-V Measurement
Comparison
PV module with 100 ohm shunt resistance

Demonstration: Single PV module with external resistor

PV module with 2.5 ohm added series resistance
 Troubleshooting example
Comparison of typical (blue) and atypical (red) I-V curves

5
Current - A

2 String 4B14
String 4B15
1

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Voltage - V
 Troubleshooting example
Problem isolated to failed module

Irradiance changed between measurements

 Field-aged thin film string

Array-as-sensor mode
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• The Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

PV Module with Bypass Diodes
Example: 72-cell module

+
 Partial shading
Inverter must identify and track the right peak

Max Power
(until the shade pattern changes!)
Isc
Current
Power

Voltage Voc
Partially shaded residential array
Single string, along lower edge of roof
Partially shaded residential array
Single string, along lower edge of roof
Shading Pattern Effects
 Sub-cell shading
Business card on 1 cell in a string of 15, 48-cell modules
Shade 2 cells in the same cell-string
Single module with 72 cells and 3 bypass diodes
Shade 2 cells in adjacent cell-strings
Single module with 72 cells and 3 bypass diodes
Shade „taper‟ along a cell-string
Single module with 72 cells and 3 bypass diodes
Shade „taper‟ across a cell-string
Single module with 72 cells and 3 bypass diodes
Shadow of leafless tree branch
Single module with 72 cells and 3 bypass diodes
 Topics

• PV Array Performance Verification

• I-V Curve Measurement

• The Solmetric PV Analyzer: PVA-600

• The Test Process

• Live Demo

• Example Measurement Results

• Effect of Shade on array performance

• Access to PV Strings for Testing

 String Access Points
Best choice depends on system layout

2 3 5
1 DC
Disco
Inverter
DC DC Service
Combiner Disco Panel

DC
Disco
4
 The challenges of string access

#1: Electrical isolation

• Easy when strings are individually fused
• Difficult in small, non-fused (2-string) residential systems

#2: Electrical connection

• Commercial combiners typically provide enough space, but safety
shields may make block alligator clip access to the buss bars
• Difficult in un-fused residential systems if the source conductors run
directly to inverter-integrated DC disconnect
Recommendation:
Every PV system should have means for isolating and connecting to
string conductors for testing purposes, typically at the combiner
box or the inverter.
Lifting Conductors for String Access
 Recommendation

Every PV system should have means to access PV strings at

combiner box (or residential inverter) for testing purposes.

Access means safely and quickly isolating and connecting to

individual strings.
Verifying PV Array Performance