Power Measuring Instruments assess solar power system integrity.
Press Release Summary:
By estimating optimal electricity generation for photovoltaic solar power systems and measuring actual generation, PV Power Verifier LR8400-92 and LR8400-93 enable assessment of whether solar power generating systems are operating properly. If equipment failure is suspected, instruments can also be used to pinpoint its location. PV Power Verifier LR8400-92 includes 200 A AC/DC clamp-on current sensor, while LR8400-93 includes 2,000 A AC/DC clamp-on current sensor.
Original Press Release:
Hioki Launches New Photovoltaic Solar Power Measuring Instruments to Accurately Assess Solar Power System Integrity
Test and measurement equipment leader Hioki E.E. Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the PV Power Verifier LR8400-92 and LR8400-93.
Currently, the creation of feed-in tariff mechanisms worldwide is fueling growth in the installed base of photovoltaic solar power systems, and with it demand for products aiding in the maintenance and management of connected equipment. Hioki developed the LR8400-92 and LR8400-93 founded on the anticipated growth in demand for measuring instruments capable of assessing and verifying the amount of electricity generated by photovoltaic systems such as solar cells.
In addition to estimating optimal electricity generation for photovoltaic solar power systems, the PV Power Verifiers measure actual generation. By comparing expected power with actual power, energy auditors and maintenance technicians can assess whether solar power generating systems are operating properly. If an equipment failure is suspected, the instruments can also be used to pinpoint its location. Hioki test and measurement products simplify maintenance and management compared to what is possible with older instruments, dramatically increasing the level of convenience for customers.
The PV Power Verifier LR8400-92 includes a 200 A AC/DC clamp on current sensor, while the LR8400-93 includes a 2000A AC/DC clamp on current sensor.
DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND
Globally, local authorities are implementing feed-in tariff mechanisms for renewable energy, which often require power companies to enter into electricity supply contracts with stipulated purchase prices and timeframes when so requested by renewable energy producers. Since companies and other entities that see the feed-in tariff mechanism as a business opportunity to enter into the renewable energy business, numerous new photovoltaic installations are being built.
Hioki developed the PV Power Verifiers LR8400-92 and LR8400-93 based on its projection of growing demand for measuring instruments capable of assessing whether photovoltaic solar power systems are producing the proper amount of electricity. Growth in the installed base of such systems is expected to bolster the need for maintenance and management products.
PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE
The LR8400-92 and LR8400-93 use channels 1 and 2 to measure actual electricity generation and channels 3 and 4 to estimate optimal generation based on the following architecture:
Channel 1: Differential probe, used to measure voltage
Channel 2: Clamp sensor, used to measure current
Channel 3: Pyranometer, used to measure solar irradiance
Channel 4: Thermocouple, used to measure solar panel temperature
Hioki is in the process of patenting this approach to measuring photovoltaic solar power system performance, which is the first of its kind in the industry.
KEY FEATURES
• Easily assess whether photovoltaic systems are generating the proper amount of electricity
•Â Identify failed solar strings
APPLICATIONS
•Â Maintenance of PV systems during manufacturing
•Â Electrical equipment maintenance
•Â Photovoltaic system installation and commissioning
About HIOKI
Established in 1935, Hioki E.E. Corporation (TSE: 6866) has grown to become a world leader in providing consistent delivery of test and measuring instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, and sales and services. By offering over 200 main products characterized by safety and quality while meeting an expansive range of applications, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and value of our customers’ work in research and development, production and electrical maintenance. HIOKI products and services are available around the world through our extensive network of subsidiaries and distributors. Information about HIOKI is available at http://www.hioki.com.
