CR-PVS1 PV Soiling Loss Index RTU
2
•
USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Micro B Male for computer
communications
•
Din-Rail Connector
•
CR300 Certificate of Calibration
•
8 GB USB flash drive with
Device Configuration Utility
software
•
CR-PVS1 Quick Deploy Guide (also available at
4. Overview
Upon receipt of the CR-PVS1, inspect the packaging and contents for damage.
File damage claims with the shipping company.
Immediately check package contents. Thoroughly check all packaging material
for product that may be concealed. Check model numbers, part numbers, and
product descriptions against the shipping documents. Model or part numbers
are found on each product. On cabled items, the number is often found at the
end of the cable that connects to the measurement device. The Campbell
Scientific number may differ from the part or model number printed on the
sensor by the sensor vendor. Ensure that you received the expected cable
lengths. Contact Campbell Scientific immediately about discrepancies.
The CR-PVS1 uses the short circuit measurement method to provide end users
with a simple, lower cost solution that is more easily scalable and deployable in
larger numbers on utility scale solar projects using proven methods.
Numerous studies and documents have been published over several decades
outlining and testing various methods in order to calculate losses due to soiling,
along with their advantages and disadvantages. These studies show that the
short circuit current of a solar module is directly proportional to the light
intensity and can be used as a reliable method to measure changes in light
intensity from reaching the solar cells.
While other methods have been studied, such as I-V curve tracers or maximum
power point trackers, these systems can provide minimal accuracy gains only
under certain conditions that may not be practical in a field setting. The
disadvantage to these systems is their cost and scalability, as they are typically
a much more expensive and complicated endeavo
u
r.
The CR-PVS1 can act as the system’s central measurement and control unit
(top of FIGURE
) or as a peripheral unit that is added to any new or existing
solar meteorological monitoring system (bottom of FIGURE
). Data transfer
from the CR-PVS1 is simple. The CR-PVS1 supports many communication
options, including: Internet protocols, Modbus, DNP3, SDI-12, PakBus, and
PakBus encryption. (See Section
, for a complete
list.) Data files (many file formats are available) are sent directly to the cloud
via email or FTP, for example.