In the search for inexhaustive power generation - the power of the sun - EKO is contributing with its measurement instruments to the practical use of solar power generation.
The module production cost, the energy conversion efficiency as well as the detoriation of solar batteries are important features as an indicator of progress in the solar generation engineering. The conversion efficiency means a ratio of incoming solar energy and outgoing electric energy. On the other hand, the energy conversion efficiency fluctuates along with the change of spectrum depending on the season, climate condition and time. Accordingly, the measurement data at site is crucial for the optimal design of the solar power generation system. In 1987, EKO developed capacitor load type photovoltaic "I-V curve tracer" in co-operation with the Electro-Technical Laboratory. The I-V curve tracer enables quick measurement of the performance of photovoltaic device. Also, EKO put the portable "I-V Checker" on the market in 1998.
MP-160 I-V curve tracer
For PV cell and module evaluation
EKO has successfully developed the MP-160 I-V Curve Tracer, which can measure all types of PV cell and module technologies. The MP-160 employs the electronic load method, and thus both a broad measurement range and high resolution are realized.
The MP-160's performance makes it ideally suited both for indoor evaluation employing solar simulators, and for outdoor evaluations under natural sun light.
MP-170 IV-Checker
MP-170 is a state-of-the-art instrument to measure I-V curve characteristics to evaluate the performance of PV modules and systems. Especially designed to measure 10W PV modules to 10kW PV systems, the MP-170 has a measurement range of up to 1000V making it well suited for larger voltage PV arrays. It is very cost effective, compact, portable and includes a solar irradiance sensor, two temperature sensors, and failure analysis functions.
The Sensor Unit is equipped with a pyranometer with a silicon detector and comes with a calibration certificate. Solar irradiance and temperatures can be measured remotely. Coupled with its internal capabilities to display the differential coefficient and magnification of the I-V curve, the MP-170 is very effective for failure diagnosis of the PV array. With a built in keyboard, LCD, and functional diagnostics, the MP-170 can be operated without a PC. I-V curves as well as various data such like Voc, Isc, Pm, STC conversion values, and data for failure diagnosis, displayed on the LCD, make it very convenient for on-site performance measurements. A maximum of 300 I-V curves with corresponding solar and temperature data can be stored in its internal memory. The MP-170 can also be operated with a PC. The enhanced measurement and analysis software package for PC operation works with Windows 2000/XP and it has functions of text data saving, graphical representation, auto continuous measurement, as well as additional analysis capabilities.
