PV Doctor

For the inspection and fault location of the photovoltaic modules

String Tracer (I-V curve tracer)

Cell Line Checker (Fault module detector)

Jun. 2014
Catalog No. C0234b
 PV Doctor
hassolutions!

DoyouhaveanyofthefollowingissuesinyourPVsystem?

Idontknowhowtoinvestthecauseofdecliningthepoweroutput.

Idontknowwhichtoolissuitableforthedetailedmoduleinspection.

Thereisnotooltocheckthephotovoltaicmodulecondition.

Imlookingforatoolwhichischeapandeasytouse.

Ifyouhavetheseissuesandleave
themunsolved,youmayhavethe
unexpectedtroubles,suchas...

Unexpecteddeclineofpoweroutputwhichmayleadtothecompensationissueof

electricitysalestothegrid.
Accidents,suchasfire,causedbyphotovoltaicmodule,etc.

JapanPhotovoltaicEnergyAssociation<Guidelineformaintenanceand
inspectionofsmallscalephotovoltaicgenerationsystem>

Visualcheck(breakage,etc.)

Periodic Poweroutputcheck(Invertermonitoring)
Inspection
Measurementofopencircuitvoltage(Voc)

Measurementofshortcircuitcurrent(Isc)
Guidelinerecommendsthe
Measurementofinsulationresistance IVcurvemeasurementby
thecurvetracerotherthan
Vocmeasurement.

Daily Visualcheck(breakage,etc.)
Inspection
Poweroutputcheck(Invertermonitoring)

1
 PVDoctorSeriessolveyourproblem!
Preventiveinspectionforsafetyassuranceand
causalinvestigationforelectricityoutputdeclines

Declineinelectricityoutput
User (Declineinrevenuefromsellingelectricitytothegrid)

Complaints PV Doctor

(inquiries)
Measurementofopencircuitvoltage String
Tracer
FirstStep Visualcheck(breakage)

Measurementofinsulatedresistance
PV Doctor

Stringoutputcheck(IVcurvemeasurement) String
SecondStep Tracer
(DetailedInspection)
PV Doctor

Detectionofphotovoltaicmodulefaultpoint SellLine
Checker

Causalinvestigationwillbringthefollowingbenefitstoeachparty!

Evenifanyfailure,suchasdeclineinelectricityoutput,occurswithinthe
PVhomebuilders, warrantyperiod,onlythedefectivemodule(s)shouldbechanged.
etc. Therefore,warrantyexpensecanbeminimized.

Faultpointidentificationwillleadtotheadvantageousnegotiationwith
PVcontractors, bothuserandmanufacturer.
Electricalcontractors, Newbusinessexpansioninthemaintenanceandinspectionmay
etc.
differentiatefromthecompetitors.

Evenifanyfailure,suchasdeclineinelectricityoutput,occursafterthe
User warrantyperiod,youmayonlyexchangethedefectivemodule(s),which
enablestominimizethemaintenanceexpense.

Enhancesafetyandmaintainrelevantpoweroutputaspowergenerationsystem.
2
 Photovoltaicpowergenerationsystem

Module Inverter Systempower

Combinerbox Cubicle

String

Module :Paneltodirectlyconvertthesunlightenergyintoelectricenergy(DC) Thermometer Pyranometer

String :Aunitofseveralmodulesconnectedinseriesinordertogetthelarger
poweroutput

FeaturesofPVDoctorfrom andcomparisonwithotherequipment
Others StringTracer
(bothindividualandsimultaneousmeasurement)

InspectionofPVsystematconstructionandcompletion&Periodicanddailyinspections Combinerbox

Systemcheckpriortothemeasurement
Confirmthenumberofmodulesperstringissame.

Setpyranometerandthermometerto Speedy&Easy!
Notnecessaryforrelative
PVsystemormeasuringequipment. comparisonofstrings

MeasureIVcurveof MeasureIVcurves
oneortwostrings. uptofourstrings.

Tensofsecond/string Speedy! Approx.1sec/string

Inputthepaneldataintothe NoneedofSTCconversion
measuringequipment
Somemakersmaynot becauseoftherelative
indicateinthemodule. Speedy&Easy!
comparisonoffourstringsin
STCconversionbythe StringTracer
equipmentorPCsoftware

Stringconditioncheck

Faultstringinvestigation
Combinerbox

Others CellLineChecker

Connecttheequipmentto Connectthetransmitterto
thebreakeroffaultstring. thebreakeroffaultstring.
OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

Detection&Location Faultpointlocationwithreceiver
Youmaynotbeabletoconductthecorrect (1) canbeusedineitherconnection
detectionif (seriesorparallel).
(2) canlocatetheopencircuitorloose
(1) themodulesareconnectedinparallel. connectionpoints.
(2) thereareseveralopencircuitpoint. Accurate! (3) canbeusediftheamountofsolar
(3) theamountofsolarradiationisnotenough. radiationisatleast200W/m.
(4) canlocatethefaultaccuratelyeven
(4) thereisanyshadeonthemodules. thoughthereisshade.

Faultmodule,looseconnectionpointdetection,etc.

3
 StringTracer (IVcurvetracer)

[Function] Faultmodulecanbedetectedbytherelativecomparisonofupto4stringsinascreen.

[Feature] Easyoperation.Themeasuringspeedisapproximately1secondperstring.

String1

String2
String3
String4

Contacttheprobestothe
breakerterminals.
[Screen]

FaultString

String1 String2 String3

String4

SellLineChecker (Faultmoduledetector)
[Function] (1)Moduleconfigurationperstring
(2)Faultpointlocation

[Feature] Faultmodulecanbeidentified.
(1) Checkingthemoduleconfigurationperstring
Connectthetransmittertothe Onthesurfaceofmodulesconnectedtothesignalinputstring, Confirmthemoduleconfiguration
breakerterminalofthestring. receiverdetectsthesignalandshowsresponsebylightandsound. ofthestring.

(2) Locatingthefaultpoint
Connectthetransmittertothe
breakerterminalofthefaultstring. Conductthefaultlocationonthefaultstring. Confirmthefaultmodule.

Onthesurfaceofnormalmodule,receiver
detectsandshowsthesignalinputfrom
transmitterbylightandsound.However,on
thefaultpoint,nosignalcanbedetected.
* Forbypassdiodeopencircuitcheck,you
needaspecialprocedure.

4
 StringTracer(IVcurvetracer)
PV Doctor

Type SPST-A1-Y1 SPST-A2-Y1

[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] [General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)]
Voltage measuring 20.0Vdc to 700.0Vdc [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
Range [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
20.0Vdc to 1000.0Vdc
20.0Vdc to 600.0Vdc
[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] [General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)]
Current measuring 0.5Adc to 10.0Adc [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
Range [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
0.5Adc to 10.0Adc
0.5Adc to 7.0Adc
[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] [General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)]
Power measuring 10W to 4900W [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
Range [Hybrid (Si-HJT)]
10W to 8000W
10W to 2900W
[AC adopter] 100V to 240Vac, 50/60Hz
Rated power voltage
[Size AA battery4] 6.0Vdc (Range: 4.8 to 7.2Vdc)
Voltage:1%rdg 5dgt
Accuracy Current:1%rdg 5dgt
Power:2%rdg 5dgt
Dimensions 19511570mm
Weight 690g (excl. batteries) 600g (excl. batteries)
Measuring speed Approx. 100ms (per string)

Individual I-V curve

measurement

Measure and display up to 4 strings

Simultaneous I-V
curve measurement

Measure and display up to 4 strings Measure and display up to 2 strings

Functions

String
voltage/current
Measurement
* Clamp CT is necessary
for the measurement.

Measure up to 4 strings Measure up to 2 strings

Voltage test (Voc measurement)

N/A (Accompanied PC software can String Trace main unit can conduct
STC conversion *1
conduct STC conversion.) STC conversion.
Detailed specification page 7 to 10
*1Pyranometerandthermometer(optional)isnecessaryforSTCconversion.

5

CellLineChecker(Faultmoduledetector)

PV Doctor

Receiver Transmitter
Type SPLC-A-Y1
Rated power voltage 9.0Vdc(Range: 6.5 to 9.0Vdc)
Magnetic field mode 15.0Vdc to 1000.0Vdc
Applicable voltage
0V to 1000.0Vdc
range Electric field mode
(0V for open-circuit fault detection)
Transmitter Current consumption (Magnetic field mode)
Detecting method
Signal input (Electric field mode)
Signal frequency 5kHz
Dimensions 153 x 120 x 50mm
Weight Approx. 290g (with battery)
Rated power voltage 9.0Vdc (Range: 6.5 to 9.0Vdc)
Receiver sensitivity Select from 5 levels.
level Each level has 5 level adjust from -20% to +20%.
Receiver Receiving level display: Flashing 10 green LEDs
Receiver display
Alarm sound synchronized with LED flash
Dimensions 235 x 60 x 30mm
Weight Approx. 160g (with battery)
Procedure
Phenomenon Function
CB Transmitter Response of receiver
Combiner box

[Magnetic field
No system map mode]
and no information
on configuration Configuration
per string check of the Connect to
string breaker for string
configuration Receiver shows
response by sound
check. and LED.

Flow of signal
Combiner box No response part

[Magnetic field The fault may be caused by the interconnector

Output drop open circuit or cluster failure.
mode]
Functions e.g.) cluster failure
e.g.) interconnector Off
Fault point
open-circuit
location Connect to
breaker of fault
string.

Combiner box Flow of signal

Area showing response by receiver
[Electric field No response part
mode]
<Open circuit or
loose connection>
Voc=0 by I-V curve Open-circuit
tracer or tester between
modules and Connect plus
loose terminal to
breaker and
connection, etc. minus terminal
to earth.

Detailed specification page 11 to 14

6
 PV Doctor

(IVcurvetracer)

Displaying 4-string I-V curves

in a screen
Easy determination of faulty module
by the relative comparison of strings
SPST-A1-Y1
Usable at the installation inspection
SPST-A2-Y1

Purpose
Electrical failure of module at string level can be detected in the residential, industrial, and
utility-scale PV power generation systems.
Installation inspection and maintenance check can be conducted effectively.

Features
Four measuring modes: Individual I-V measurement, simultaneous I-V
measurement, string voltage/current measurement, and voltage test
Relative comparison of I-V curves of each string makes the performance check
quick and easy.
Measured data can be saved on SD card and used on PC.
*The data management software is Windows 7 compatible.
For relative comparison among strings, pyranometer and thermometer are not
necessary.
For STC conversion, pyranometer and thermometer (options) are necessary.

Functions
Function Detail of function
Individual I-V curve String I-V curve can be measured by 1 channel at a time. Measured results, up to 4
measurement strings, can be displayed in a graph, and each string condition can be compared
CB in the combiner box relatively. Needle type probes for 1 channel shall be contacted with the terminals of a
shall be OFF. string at a time; therefore, there is no need to clamp the leads to the terminals.
String I-V curves up to 4 strings for SPST-A1-Y1 and 2 strings for SPST-A2-Y1 can be
Simultaneous I-V curve
measured at a time, and measured data can be saved. All measured results (max. 4
measurement &
strings for SPST-A1-Y1 and 2 strings for SPST-A2-Y1) can be displayed in a graph, and
String condition check strings can be compared relatively to check the conditions.
CB in the combiner box
VOC is measured to judge whether the relative comparison of I-V curves is effective by
shall be OFF.
checking the string circuit failure, number of string modules, etc.
In a certain intervals, voltage and current of the strings (max. 4 strings for SPST-A1-Y1
String voltage/current
and 2 strings for SPST-A2-Y1) can be measured at a time, and the data can be saved.
measurement Measuring item (voltage/current) and strings can be selected.
CB in the combiner box
Continuous measurement up to 7 days is possible.
shall be ON, and inverter
Results can be displayed in either numerical data or graphs in the screen.
shall be under operation.
* When continuous measurement mode is selected, make sure to use the accompanied AC adapter.
Voltage test
Open circuit voltage of a string can be measured.
(VOC measurement)

7
 Specifications
[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] *1 Voltage: 1%rdg 5dgt
Voltage 20.0V to 700.0Vdc Accuracy Current: 1%rdg 5dgt
SPST-A1-Y1
measuring [Hybrid (Si-HJT)] *1 Power: 2%rdg 5dgt
20.0V to 600.0Vdc Measuring points 100 points (per string)
range
SPST-A2-Y1 20.0V to 1000.0Vdc Measuring time Approx. 100ms (per string) *4
[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] *1 Max. continuous use - LCD display on: Approx. 9 hours
Current 0.5A to 10.0Adc (LCD brightness set: - Touch screen operation: Approx. 6 hours
SPST-A1-Y1 +10) *5
measuring [Hybrid (Si-HJT)] *1 - I-V measurement: Approx. 4 hours
range 0.5A to 7.0Adc 500 files/day x 100 days = Max. 50,000 files
SPST-A2-Y1 0.5A to 10.0Adc Manage the data with the software in case
Savable data
[General (c-Si, CIS, etc.)] *1 the number of files exceeds the above.
Delete the data in the SD card.
Power 10W to 4900W
measuring SPST-A1-Y1
[Hybrid (Si-HJT)] *1 Other functions Automatic power off (5 minutes)
range 10W to 2900W Dimensions 19511570mm
SPST-A2-Y1 10W to 8000W SPST-A1-Y1 690g (excl. batteries)
Weight
Rated [AC adopter] SPST-A2-Y1 600g (excl. batteries)
power 100V to 240Vac, 50/60Hz Clamp probe, Needle probe: 1set,
[Size AA battery4] I-V test lead, SD card *6, AC adapter,
voltage Accessories
6.0Vdc (Range: 4.8 to 7.2Vdc) *2, *3 Instruction manual, Shoulder belt,
Size AA battery: 4, and Carrying case
*1 Measuring ranges are different depending on the module types.
*2 If battery level is decreased, measurement will stop because the inrush current causes the instant voltage drop.
*3 Battery can be NiMH rechargeable battery or alkaline battery.
*4 I-V curve measurement (individual mode) takes 3.1 sec to measure a string: 1sec for probe contact check + 100ms for I-V measurement + 2 sec for
the interval until the next measurement
I-V curve measurement (simultaneous mode) needs 5 sec interval between measurements. Within 5 sec after a string measurement, start selection
button will not be shown on the screen.
*5 Hours are based on the continuous use of full charged four(4) 1900mAh NiMH batteries.
*6 SD card contains the data management software and software installation manual.

Accessories

AA alkaline batteries SD card

Clamp probes
(SPST-A1-Y1: 4 sets)
(SPST-A2-Y1: 2 sets)

I-V test leads

(SPST-A1-Y1: 4 sets)
(SPST-A2-Y1: 2 sets)

Needle probes AC adapter Carrying case

Options

Pyranometer & thermometer

Type SPST-A-F2
Measuring range 0 to 1200W/m2(5%rdg 5dgt)
(accuracy) -20 to 100(1%rdg 2dgt)
Length of cable 10 meters
Clamp sensor
Pyranometer: Magnetic test probe
Type SPST-A-F1 40x100x80(mm)
Dimensions
Measuring range 0 to 10.0A Thermometer: Type SPST-A-F4
(accuracy) (1%rdg 5dgt) 50x70x6(mm) Length of cable 1.5 meters
Length of cable 1.5 meters Pyranometer: 700g Withstand
Weight 1000V CATIII
Weight 80g/unit Thermometer & cable: 720g voltage

8
 I-V curve measurement modes

10


PV Doctor

(Faultmoduledetector)

String configuration can be identified.

Fault point (wiring failure) can be detected.
Shadow on the module will not affect the results.
Installation inspection is effectively conducted.
Detection can be conducted on the rear surface of
modules.
SPLC-A- Y1

Purpose
Detect the string configuration and fault module and cell at the time of PV systems
maintenance.

Features
Cluster failure and bypass diode open circuit can be easily [Magnetic field mode]
detected.
Open circuit or loose connector between modules can be [Electric field mode]
detected.
Detection can be conducted under the cloudy weather.
Cell interconnector failure can be detected; therefore, [Magnetic field mode]
module power output reduction is possibly predicted.

[Magnetic field mode]

Identification of a string configuration

Detection of fault modules, clusters, and cells

Detection of the fault bypass diode in a module

[Electric field mode]

Detection of the broken/disconnected wire between modules

Detection of the connecter between modules having fault continuity

Quality of installation of PV system can be enhanced because Cell

Line Checker can detect the wiring and connector failures between
modules.

11
 Detailed functions depending on module fault causes
Details of failure
Phenomenon Causes Applicable functions
phenomenon
[Magnetic field mode]
(1) Broken/loose connector or
Detection of fault module
disconnected wire between
No output from the Detection of wiring failure between
modules
string modules
(2) Damaged bypass diode and
*Series circuit in a string [Electric field mode]
disconnected busbar,
is disconnected. Detection of connector having
disconnected interconnector,
defective continuity or wiring
or damaged cell
Decline of disconnection
power output Declined output from (1) Fault busbar
[Magnetic field mode]
the string (2) Complete interconnector
Detection of fault module
*Series circuit in module disconnection
Detection of fault cluster in the fault
is disconnected. (3) Cell damage (severe)
module
Declined output from Detection of fault cell in the fault
(1) Disconnection of one of
the string
interconnectors module
*Part of series circuit in
(2) Cell damage (light) Detection of fault bypass diode
module is damaged.

Specifications
Transmitter Receiver
Rated power Rated power
9.0Vdc (Range: 6.5 to 9.0Vdc) *1
9.0Vdc (Range: 6.5 to 9.0Vdc) *1
voltage voltage
Magnetic field Select from 5 levels.
15.0Vdc to 1000.0Vdc Receiver sensitivity
Each level has 5 level adjust from -20% to
Applicable mode
level
voltage 0V to 1000.0Vdc +20%.
range Electric field Receiving level display: Flashing 10 green
(0V for connection fault
mode Receiver display LEDs
detection)
Current consumption Alarm sound synchronized with LED flash
Detecting (Magnetic field mode) Coil sensor: 1
Built-in sensor
method Signal input Electrode sensor: 1
(Electric field mode) Dimensions 235 x 60 x 30mm
Signal 5kHz
Weight Approx. 160g (with battery)
frequency
Display Other functions Auto-power off and Silent mode *3
Green or Blue LED by flashing or ON
Dimensions 153 x 120 x 50mm
Weight Approx. 290g (with battery)
Other
Auto-power off *2
functions
*1 One 9V battery is used. (Manganese or alkaline battery)
*2 [Magnetic field mode] The power is automatically turned off when input voltage gets less than 10V and non-operated duration exceeds 10min.
[Electric field mode] The power is automatically turned off when non-operated duration exceeds 2hr.
*3 The power is automatically turned off when no signal input and non-operated duration continues 10min.

Accessories Options

Needle probe

Clamps and test leads Type SPST-A-F3

Rod sensor
Withstand
Type SPLC-A-F1 1000V CATIII
voltage
2 coil sensors
Built-in sensor
(horizontal & vertical)
Rod length when Max. 2meters
detecting (0.92meter when storing)

Rubber Dimensions when

920(H)70(W)60(D) (mm)
sheet storin
Approx. 850g
Weight Magnetic test probe
(without receiver)
Angle adjustable sensor Type SPST-A-F4
Other function
head Length of cable 1.5 meters

Carrying case Storage bag and shoulder Withstand

Accessories 1000V CATIII
belt voltage

12
 Example of detection

13


14

PVDoctorSeries
PhotovoltaicModuleFaultDetectors

HEADOFFICE(PlanningGroup,GlobalDepartment)
11OhtakaraKitamachi,Saga
8400802Japan
TEL 81952254131
FAX 81952259767
[email protected]
URLhttp://www.togamielec.co.jp/index_en.html

TOKYOOFFICE(StrategySalesGroup,GlobalDepartment)
TogamiBldg.,4113Aobadai,Meguroku,Tokyo
1530042Japan
TEL 81334655324
FAX 81357383622