Test result

This much can be said up-front: TRI-KA and TRI-SEN operate with the precision that can be expected from a TRITEC product.

Using the constant-light solar simulator (class BBB) of the TÜV Rheinland, various poly-crystalline modules of different manufacturers from the TRITEC range were tested.

The results are good: The constant-light solar simulator was calibrated to an irradiation of 1000 W/m2 (uncertainty +/- 2.5%) and the TRI-SEN measurements of irradiation deviated by a maximum of +/- 1 per cent from the TÜV measurements. This brings the irradiation sensor TRI-SEN within our tolerance range.

In the case of current/voltage measurements (uncertainty +/- 3.5%), the deviation of the MPP performance was a maximum of -1.45 to +2.21 per cent.

Test procedure

The sun simulator of the TÜV-Rheinland homogenises the irradiation of the high-performance lights (15 x 4kW HMI lights) using wire mesh. By means of a calibrated mini module the irradiation was set to 1000 W/m2. Thus the TÜV ensures a uniform irradiation across the entire module surface.

The module temperature is measured contact-free at the rear of the modules using infrared sensors. Powerful ventilation provides cooling of the modules to 25 degrees.

Details

Within the scope of these tests, each module was first tested using the TÜV’s characteristics analyser. These results were used as reference for the ensuing TRI-KA measurements. The procedure was identical to the one in the field:

1. Measure the module temperature using the TRI-SEN
2. Install the TRI-SEN at the same level as the module and measure the irradiation
3. Determine the current/voltage characteristic curve using the TRI-KA
4. Repeat measuring the module temperature using the TRI-SEN. Transfer the data from the TRI-SEN to the TRI-KA.