A brand new concept in solar PV test instrumentation combines accurate I-V curve analysis with essential electrical testing for the fast and effective commissioning, O&M and diagnostic testing of all types of solar PV installations. Using simple push button operation, the new multi-function PV200 from Seaward carries out all the electrical tests required by IEC 62446:2016, including open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power point voltage, current and power, and insulation resistance. Uniquely, alongside the electrical tests, the PV200 also performs I-V curve measurements in accordance with IEC 61829:2015 to determine if the measured curve deviates from the expected profile, highlighting the need for further analysis or fault finding. The fill factor can also be assessed. For full detailed analysis, measured data can be transferred instantly from the test instrument to an accompanying PVMobile Android App using wireless NFC connectivity to create high definition colour displays of the I-V and power curves for individual PV modules or strings. In this way, the accurate visual comparison of curve shapes can be used for the immediate identification of common problems such as shading, defective cells or poor electrical connections. Data can also be sent instantly and globally from the test site using the PVMobile app allowing data to be quickly available anywhere, for reference or further analysis and investigation if required. Special wireless Solarlink connectivity between the PV200 and the Solar Survey 200R meter also enables real-time irradiance to be displayed and measured at the same time as electrical testing is being undertaken. Irradiance and temperature data transferred to PVMobile can be used to convert measured electrical data to STC for direct comparison with manufacturers’ published data stored in the PVMobile database. Complete I-V curve and electrical test data can be stored in the PV200’s large onboard memory and downloaded to a PC in CSV format via USB connection for full traceability of system data and test records. When used with the optional SolarCert Elements 2 software program, downloaded data can be quickly and easily organised using a layered tree structure showing string, combiner box and inverter. In addition, professional inspection and test reports can be produced, including IEC 62446 measurements and I-V curve plots. The lightweight and battery powered PV200 is available in a range of kit options to meet your testing requirements.  More details at http://www.seawardsolar.com/PV200 Source link

Ofwat is becoming “a fundamentally more pro-market” regulator, according to its chief executive Cathryn Ross. Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross Speaking at Utility Week Live in Birmingham today (Tuesday May 17), Ross noted that Ofwat, like the water sector as a whole, is undergoing a transformation. She said the old way of regulating has been delivering diminishing marginal returns: “Just cranking the handle on the old regulatory model is not going to deliver transformational efficiencies, and in fact it isn’t even going to deliver the same efficiencies that we’ve been used to.” Ross said the regulator is adopting a new model instead, moving away from an approach “that was rather administrative, very much one size fits all, rather intrusive” and towards one which is “much more framework based, more proportionate and targeted, and fundamentally more pro-market”. She said markets are of value to the water sector because “they create options, they enable choices, and those choices reveal information.” She added that such information could reveal to others “the value they can add and the opportunities they can realise.” “We see scope for new models, with companies potentially choosing third party solutions that include designing, building, owning and potentially also operating new infrastructure,” Ross concluded. As well as the creation of a retail market for non-household customers, due to open in April 2017, and the possibility of a domestic retail market, Ofwat is looking at creating markets on the wholesale side of the value chain, in water trading, sludge and infrastructure provision. These reforms were laid out in the Water 2020 consultation document last year, and Ofwat is due to publish a document outlining its next steps next week.  Source link