1.
Overview
The system will include:
1. Pyranometer (global irradiance sensor)
2. Module (back-Glass) temperature sensor
3. Ambient temperature sensor
4. Wind speed sensor
5. Data acquisition module (with communication interfaces)
2. Applicable Standards and References
● IEC 61724-1: Photovoltaic system performance – Part 1: Monitoring
● ISO 9060: Classification of solar measuring instruments (pyranometers)
● IEC 60529: Ingress Protection (IP) rating for enclosures
● ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories (relevant for calibration services)
3. Functional Requirements
1. Data Collection
○ Measure global horizontal irradiance (GHI) or plane-of-array (POA) irradiance
using a pyranometer.
○ Measure temperature at the back-Glass of a representative PV module.
○ Measure ambient temperature.
○ Measure wind speed
2. Data Logging
○ Data logged in user-configurable intervals (10 minute)
○ Local storage for at least 1 year of data at a 10-minute interval (expandable if
needed).
○ Timestamp each measurement with synchronized time (e.g., NTP server, GPS
time, or local real-time clock).
3. Data Transmission
○ Provide reliable communication channels (e.g., RS-485 with Modbus RTU,
TCP/IP with Modbus TCP, or MQTT over Ethernet/Cellular).
○ Allow secure remote data access and configuration (password-protected and
encrypted channels recommended).
4. Environmental and Operational Conditions
○ Suitable for outdoor deployment in various climates (temperature range typically
-40°C to +60°C, humidity up to 100%).
○ Designed for extended operation without performance degradation.
5. Mounting and Installation
○ Robust mounting structures or brackets to secure sensors (suitable for rooftops,
ground-mounted racks, or specialized meteorological masts).
○ Easy calibration, inspection, and cleaning access.
4. Mechanical and Environmental Requirements
Parameter Specification
Enclosure Rating IP65 or higher (NEMA 4 or higher)
Operating Temp. Range -40°C to +60°C (typical)
Humidity 0% to 100% condensing
Wind Resistance System components rated for local wind speeds
(e.g., up to 150 km/h)
Mounting Hardware Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant aluminum
Notes:
● Ensure all external cables are UV-resistant and suitably rated for outdoor applications.
● Where possible, use strain relief and cable management to reduce mechanical stress.
5. Electrical Requirements
Parameter Specification
Power Supply 12–24 V DC (typical), or integrated with existing site power
Power ≤ 5 W (typical, depending on the number of sensors and
Consumption communications)
Transient Surge arrestors or lightning protection components recommended
Protection
Grounding Compliant with local electrical codes; shared or dedicated ground rod
as appropriate
6. Sensor Specifications
6.1 Pyranometer
1. Type: ISO 9060 spectrally flat Class B pyranometer.
2. Spectral Range: Typically 285 nm to 3000 nm.
3. Measuring Range: 0–1500 W/m² (or up to 2000 W/m² for high solar resource regions).
4. Response Time: < 5 seconds (typical for a Class B instrument)
5. Zero Offset:
○ Thermal radiation: < ±10 W/m²
○ Temperature changes: < ±2 W/m² per 5°C
6. Operating Temperature: -40°C to +60°C
7. Calibration:
○ Performed at an accredited lab following ISO/IEC 17025.
○ Calibration uncertainty: ±2–3% (Class B) or better.
○ Recalibration recommended every 1–2 years.
Mounting:
● For global horizontal irradiance (GHI): leveled horizontally.
● For plane-of-array (POA): mounted with the same tilt and orientation as the PV modules
(within ±1° tilt/orientation tolerance).
6.2 Module (Back-Glass) Temperature Sensor
1. Type: RTD (e.g., Pt100 or Pt1000).
2. Accuracy: ±0.5°C or better over -40°C to +125°C range.
3. Response Time: ~10 seconds (depending on sensor mass and attachment method).
4. Mounting Method:
○ Bonded to back-Glass with thermally conductive adhesive or tape.
○ Ensure it is on a representative module that receives typical irradiance with
normal airflow.
5. Cable:
○ Shielded, UV-resistant, temperature-rated cable.
○ Secure cable to module frame, minimizing tension.
6.3 Ambient Temperature Sensor
1. Type: Shielded (aspirated or naturally ventilated) temperature sensor, typically RTD or
thermistor.
2. Accuracy: ±0.5°C or better over -40°C to +60°C.
3. Radiation Shield: Multi-plate or fan-aspirated to reduce solar heat bias.
4. Mounting:
○ Typically on a mast or separate mounting post, 1.5–2.0 m above ground level (or
at similar height as PV array), with unobstructed airflow.
5. Calibration:
○ Factory calibrated or field calibrated using known references.
6.4 Wind Sensor (Anemometer and Optional Wind Vane)
1. Wind Speed Sensor (Anemometer)
○ Measuring Range: 0–60 m/s (typical).
○ Accuracy: ±(0.3 m/s + 1% of reading) or better.
○ Starting Threshold: ≤ 0.5 m/s.
○ Output: Pulsed or digital (RS-485, Modbus, etc.).
○ Mounting: Top of mast, typically >2 m above ground or above the PV array plane
to minimize flow distortions.
2. Wind Direction Sensor (Wind Vane) (If required)
○ Range: 0–360°, continuous rotation.
○ Accuracy: ±3° or better.
○ Output: Analog (4–20 mA, 0–5 V) or digital (RS-485, Modbus).
3. Environmental:
○ Rated -40°C to +60°C, resistant to corrosion and UV.
7. Data Acquisition and Processing
1. Data Logger / Controller
○ Input Channels:
■ Digital channel for the pyranometer (depending on sensor interface).
■ 2 temperature channels (back-Glass, ambient) (analog, typically RTD).
■ 1 channel for wind speed.
○ Sampling Rate: Capable of at least 1 Hz (for wind).
○ Recording Interval: Configurable from 1 minute to 60 minutes (typical).
○ Memory: Sufficient internal or external memory (SD card, eMMC, etc.) to store at
least one year of 5-minute data.
○ Real-Time Clock: Battery-backed or synchronized to NTP/GPS.
2. Signal Conditioning
○ Built-in or external signal conditioners with the correct range, resolution, and
filters for each sensor type.
○ Resolution: Min. 12-bit for general measurements (16-bit or higher for more
accurate temperature measurements).
3. Communication Interfaces
○ Serial: RS-485 (Modbus RTU)
○ Ethernet: Modbus TCP, HTTP/HTTPS for remote monitoring
○ Wireless: Cellular LTE/3G or Wi-Fi for remote data transfer
4. Power and Backup
○ Primary Power: 12–24 V DC from site supply or dedicated power supply.
○ Backup: Battery or supercapacitor for short-term power disruptions.
8. Software and Data Management
1. Configuration Software
○ GUI or command-line interface for:
■ Sensor calibration offsets
■ Data logging intervals
■ Communication settings
■ Alarm thresholds
2. Data Storage Format
○ CSV, TSV, or a database format (e.g., SQLite) for local data logging.
○ Integration with SCADA or 3rd-party monitoring platforms via standard protocols
(Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT).
3. Remote Monitoring & Alarms
○ Automated alerts for sensor malfunctions or data anomalies (via email, SMS, or
SCADA integration).
○ Graphical dashboards for real-time monitoring of irradiance, temperature, wind
speed, etc.
9. Calibration and Maintenance
1. Pyranometer
○ Recalibrate every 1–2 years or per manufacturer’s recommendation.
○ Clean sensor dome regularly to remove dust, bird droppings, etc.
○ Check leveling bubble or tilt angle (depending on mounting).
2. Temperature Sensors
○ Check sensor offsets against certified references at least once a year.
○ Inspect cables for damage or corrosion.
3. Wind Sensor
○ Inspect bearings annually; replace if friction or mechanical wear is observed.
○ Verify operation during low-wind and high-wind conditions periodically.
4. Data Logger
○ Verify storage capacity and data integrity.
○ Ensure firmware is up to date.
5. Documentation
○ Maintain calibration certificates, inspection logs, and any firmware/software
updates.
10. Reliability and Warranty
1. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
○ Target > 50,000 hours for each sensor (subject to manufacturer’s specs).
2. Warranty
○ Minimum 2-year warranty for sensors and data logger. Extended warranties may
be available from the manufacturer.
11. Installation and Commissioning
1. Site Assessment
○ Identify optimal sensor placement to minimize shading or other obstructions.
○ Confirm stable, vibration-free mounting structure.
2. Mounting and Alignment
○ Ensure pyranometer is level (for GHI) or matched to PV array tilt (for POA).
○ Position ambient sensor in standard meteorological practice (ventilated shield,
sufficient distance from reflective surfaces).
3. Wiring and Connections
○ Use shielded cables; ground cable shields properly.
○ Label and route wiring to prevent accidental disconnection or interference.
4. Startup Check
○ Inspect sensor outputs in real time to confirm correct operation.
○ Compare measurements with baseline references or known conditions (e.g.,
approximate solar irradiance if clear sky).
