DS-100C Operating Manual
IVPC Installation & Quick-Start
page 11
Summary of Steps for Taking IV Curves
1.
Connect your computer to the DS-Tracer and start IVPC for. Turn the power
switch of the DS-Tracer ON.
2.
You can connect one or two pyranometers directly to the DS-100C. If
pyranometers are connected you must enter correct pyranometer constants in
IVPC. Refer to the IVPC manual for details.
3.
You may connect one or two thermocouples directly to the DS-100C Refer to the
IVPC manual for details.
4.
Open the PV array system switch to isolate the PV array under test. NEVER try
to take a curve of a PV array connected to a battery or inverter.
5.
With the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch in the OFF position, connect the PV
system to the DS-Tracer front panel using the leads provided. (Red is positive,
black is negative.) Plug the red and black leads and the voltage sense plug into
the mating connectors on the DS-Tracer; then connect the negative lead to the
PV array followed by the positive red lead. Be sure to connect the tracer to the PV
system through a system disconnect switch rated for Isc and Voc. Refer to the
discussion of the DISCONNECT switch in the section 2.0 Panel Layout.
6.
Set the voltage-range switch to the desired setting, V
LOW
or V
HIGH
. Leave the
voltage-range switch in the VHIGH position unless taking a curve of a high current
(> 50 Amperes), low voltage (< 24 Volts) PV array.
7.
Turn the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch to the ON position. The DS-Tracer is
now ready to take I-V curves.
8.
From the File menu in IVPC select “New I-V Curve”.
9.
To take another I-V curve of the same PV system, repeat step 9.
To test another PV subsystem, turn the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch to OFF
and open the PV system disconnect switch. Remove the cables and repeat steps
5 through 9.
WARNING: Disconnecting cables when the array disconnect switch is ON may
result in electrical arcing and may damage the DS-Tracer and/or injure the
operator.
10.
When finished taking curves, turn the DS-Tracer DISCONNECT switch to the
OFF position and open the PV system disconnect switch. Disconnect the DS-
Tracer from the PV system. Remove the positive, red lead first followed by the
negative lead.
11.
Switch off the power to the DS-Tracer.
!
Summary of Contents for DS-100c
Page 8: ......
