Soiling significantly affects the energy production of PV power plants. Effects of soiling on PV modules should be assessed site-specific due to variations in soil type, location and weather patterns. Implementing an Ammonit soiling measurement kit helps you to:
- Analyse soiling losses in the PV module performance
- Quantify site-specific impacts of soiling on PV energy production
- Optimize cleaning routines for best return-on-investment
- Determine typical soiling rates for forecasting models
Soiling is the accumulation of dust, dirt and other contaminants on the surfaces of PV modules. The amount of dust is extremely dependent on the location of the PV power plant, e.g., desert valley with sand storms. In absence of significant rain events or regular cleaning, production losses due to soiling effects increase. Measuring soiling effects provides important details about the PV power plant production, e.g., how much dust can be on the modules before any problem occurs and how does the dust affect transparency and efficiency of the modules.
I-U Conversion Box
Order No. CM 8281
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuous current* | 15 A |
| Peak current | 40 A |
| Shunt resistance | 50 mΩ** |
| Shunt tolerance | 1 % |
| Shunt temperature coefficient | < 50 ppm/K (20 … 60 °C) |
| Max. input voltage *** | 48 V |
| Max. operating temperature @ 16 A | 60 °C (if ventilated) |
| IP class | IP65 |
| Dimensions | 160 x 100 x 81 mm |
* Corresponding to max. short circuit curent of a solar module
** Other values are possible according to technical requirements
*** Corresponding to the max. open circuit voltage of a solar module
The I-U Conversion Box contains a shunt resistor of 50 mΩ (default configuration). According to Ohm’s law, the max. continuous current of 15 A results in an output voltage of 0.75 V.
In order to achieve best match to the output voltage of the CM8281, the Ammonit Meteo-40 data logger must be set to the ±1.0 V range.
Surface Temperature Sensor
Order No. S68920
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensor type | Pt 100 class B |
| Sensor capture | Silicon rubber patch |
| Temperature range | -50 … 150 °C |
| Dimensions | 40 x 13 x 5 mm |
Solar Module (50 W / 12 V)
Order No. M51052
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Module type | Monocrystalline |
| Standard Test Conditions (STCs) Solar irradiance Cell temperature |
1000 W/m² 25 °C |
| Peak Power (Pmax) | 50 W |
| Short circuit current | (Isc) 3.07 A |
| Temperature coefficient of Isc (TK ISC) | 0,081 %/°C |
| Dimensions | 650 x 505 x 35 mm |
