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National Semiconductor • SolarMagic Weather Station User Guide 

20 

CAUTION:

 

 

Do not install the PV cell temperature sensor in direct sunlight.  

Choose a PV module that will accurately model the average of the 

panel temperature.  Keep in mind that most PV modules on the edge 

of an array are cooler because they have more air movement.  After you 

have chosen the correct module mark the appropriate location on the 

back of the PV module to measure the PV cell temperature.  This 

location is typically under a PV cell and not the space between PV 

cells. 

For best operation, this sensor’s heat sink should be mounted flat 

against the back of the solar panel. Mounting the sensor’s heat sink 

over labels should be avoided if possible. A tube of silicone heat 

transfer compound is provided with the sensor to ensure that the heat 

sink is in proper contact with the solar panel and that the heat from 

the panel is transferred efficiently to the sensor. 

Apply an even coat of heat transfer compound to the surface of the 

sensor as shown; making sure that the compound is a little bit higher 

than the double stick tape. Use the alcohol pads provided with the 

sensor to thoroughly clean the surface of the solar panel where the 

sensor will be mounted. Allow this surface to dry completely before 

mounting the sensor. Peel the backing from the adhesive tape and 

press the sensor firmly against the solar panel. Tie the sensor cable to 

the solar panel in a way that does not pull on the sensor. 

4.1.10

 

Installing the Reference Cell/Temperature Sensor 

The sensor is a four wire sensor using the red for power, black for 

common/ground and orange and brown for the output signals. 

WARNING:

 

Do Not Connect When Energized 

Do not connect the sensor wire if the communications module is energized. 

The sensor has to brackets with each three M16 holes. Use at least one 

M16 screw and washer at each bracket.  

Mount the sensor in a location that best corresponds to your solar 

installation. For recommendations, please contact National 

Semiconductor Technical Support. 

!  

Summary of Contents for SolarMagic

Page 1: ...SolarMagicTM Weather Station User Guide...

Page 2: ...IAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE USE OF THIS USER GUIDE OR THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE ANY PRODUCT REFERENCED HEREIN EVEN IF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF T...

Page 3: ...hat Seller determines has been by buyer or otherwise subject to unauthorized modification improper installation misuse or use for any reason other than electrical power monitoring of solar power equip...

Page 4: ......

Page 5: ...3 Solar Irradiation Sensor 8 3 4Wind Speed Sensor 9 3 5Wind Direction Sensor 9 3 6AmbientTemperature Sensor 11 3 7 PV CellTemperature Sensor 12 3 8 Reference Cell Temperature Sensor 12 3 9 Communicati...

Page 6: ...National Semiconductor SolarMagic Weather Station User Guide ii Appendix A Reference Diagrams 27...

Page 7: ...be a valuable asset for your application Should you require assistance our technical staff will be happy to help Reading this entire manual is recommended for full understanding of the use of this pro...

Page 8: ...hese instructions closely NOTE This statement is important for best performance Follow these instructions closely CAUTION Follow All Electrical Codes All electrical work must be done in accordance wit...

Page 9: ...Rain Do not install or handle the SolarMagicTM DC Monitoring Combiner Box if it is wet or raining CAUTION Call if there is Damage Contact us if the SolarMagic DC Monitoring Combiner Box enclosure is...

Page 10: ...ng PV systems beyond just solar energy production data Detailed information is needed to utilize the system to its full potential By providing an enhanced web based monitoring and diagnostics solution...

Page 11: ...formation Server where it can be retrieved and used for analysis via any standard web browser enabled device by logging in to the MYPVDATA site The system manager provides the following functions AC P...

Page 12: ...ic weather station is housed in a painted galvanized steel enclosure suitable for outdoor mounting type NEMA 4x The enclosure measures 10H x 8W x 4D 3 1 2 Enclosure Specifications Type 4 4x 12 Materia...

Page 13: ...with shielding and drain wire The weather station also requires 24Vdc which is typically sourced from the system manager monitoring kit The communication protocol is the widely spread Modbus protocol...

Page 14: ...steel elbow coupler can be used for protection and easy installation of the Temperature and Humidity sensors NOTE We recommend use of guy wires to support the weather sensor mast base 3 3 Solar Irradi...

Page 15: ...wind speed The frequency is transformed into a 4 20mA sensor signal output 3 4 2 Wind Speed Sensor Specifications Output 4 20mA Range 0 100MPH Accuracy 0 2MPH over the range 11 to 55MPH Operating Vol...

Page 16: ...nds minimum Operating Temp 40 to 55 C Size 8 5 diameter 10 long Weight 1lb 3 5 3 Solar Shield The solar shield is used to protect sensors typically humidity and temperature from direct sunlight Insert...

Page 17: ...6 Ambient Temperature Sensor Figure 3 5 shows the temperature sensor installed in the solar shield 3 6 1 Ambient Temperature Sensor Specifications Output 4 20mA Range 50 C to 50 C Accuracy 0 2 F or 0...

Page 18: ...20mA Range 50 C to 85 C Accuracy 0 5 F or 0 25 C Operating Voltage 10 36VDC Current Draw Same as sensor output Warm Up Time 3 seconds minimum Storage Temperature 55 C to 90 C Sensing Surface 0 75 1 5...

Page 19: ...to digital conversion The modules can be remotely controlled using a set of commands the Modbus RTU protocol Communication between the module and the SolarMagic Internet gateway data logger is via Mod...

Page 20: ...Station User Guide 14 Resolution 16 bit Sample rate Maximum 10 samples second Bandwidth 15 7Hz Accuracy 0 1 Isolation 3000VDC Indication LED Light For Power and Communication Communication RS 485 Modb...

Page 21: ...or in its proximity CAUTION Drilling holes in the back plate is not recommended and will void the warranty For vertical installations it is best to mount the enclosure directly to a strut system such...

Page 22: ...is available for continuing the Modbus data connection to another device Connect the weather station to the power supply using one pair of the Vs and GND terminals The wire size for the 24Vdc power ca...

Page 23: ...e See Appendix A for references Make sure the polarity of the conductors are marked and are connected to the proper terminals in the enclosure 4 1 5 Installing the Solar Irradiation Sensor The sensor...

Page 24: ...1 6 Installing the Wind Speed Sensor The sensor is a two wire sensor using the red wire for power and the black wire for the output signal WARNING Do Not Connect When Energized Do not connect the sen...

Page 25: ...wire for power and the black wire for the output signal WARNING Do Not Connect When Energized Do not connect the sensor wire if the communications module is energized CAUTION Do not install the temper...

Page 26: ...iently to the sensor Apply an even coat of heat transfer compound to the surface of the sensor as shown making sure that the compound is a little bit higher than the double stick tape Use the alcohol...

Page 27: ...larity of the wires is not correct or they are connected to the wrong terminals you will not get weather data and may damage the sensors or the communications module After proper terminations have bee...

Page 28: ...ation To check the temperature sensor calibration you will need 1 thermometer 3 containers of water 1 power supply 1 current meter To calibrate the temperature sensor 1 Connect the sensor to the power...

Page 29: ...tabilize for 30 minutes before taking any measurements 10 Record the warm water temperature TWARM _______ and record the output current of the sensor IWARM _______ 11 Calculate the relation between cu...

Page 30: ...ia email or call us at 1 877 765 6244 When requesting technical support please provide the following information Model Unit serial number Site name and address installer company name Equipment purchas...

Page 31: ...written statement describing the problem s Insure your shipment the warranty does not cover damage incurred during transit Send the package with shipping prepaid to our address at National Semiconduc...

Page 32: ......

Page 33: ...Appendix A Reference Diagrams 27 Appendix A Reference Diagrams...

Page 34: ...National Semiconductor SolarMagic Weather Station User Guide 28 A 1 1 Sensor Terminal Blocks...

Page 35: ...Appendix A Reference Diagrams 29 A 1 2 Communications Power Terminal Block...

Page 36: ...support solarmagic com 2010 National Semiconductor Corporation National Semiconductor is a registered trademark and SolarMagic is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation All rights reserved...

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