1. PV String Monitoring Solution
Electronic Cards for use in PV Combiner Box Applications

2. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
The goals of PV String Monitoring
For the investor: to measure energy produced and forecasted revenues
For the operator: to detect defects for maintenance
 But most existing systems have huge limitations
Precision is not good enough at inverter level
Monitoring systems are proprietary
Data interpretation is not easy
 Need for high quality universal monitoring systems

3. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
The advantages of string level monitoring
Detection of problems as soon as they appear
Precise localization of problems in the PV installation
Pro-active maintenance
Optimized PV installation performance
Secured ROI, predictive revenues and reduced OPEX

4. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Performance Ratio
Monitoring of instantaneous electrical parameters
Energy produced over time T
Energy expected over time T
Performance Ratio =
Monitoring of operating conditions: T°, sun,…

5. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
A precise control of the installation from the PV field to the inverter
String Monitoring
in the combiner box
Communication Gateway (GPRS, Ethernet, …)
Monitoring Software
Monitoring Software

6. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Product Offering
Flexible, High Performance Solution
Three Electronic Cards
MAIN Card
AUX Card
PROBE Card

7. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Monitor 6 to 30 strings by connecting up to (4) AUX Cards to the MAIN Card
Monitor up to 8 external inputs (7 analog + 1 digital) by connecting the PROBE Card

8. 3 external relay control
Diagnostic & control:
4 digital inputs
3 external relay control
Communication: MODBUS on isolated RS485 (1.2km cable)
Aux Card extension:
up to 4 Aux. cards in parallel
6 strings monitored per card
6, 12, 18, 24 or 30 strings can be monitored by one single box
Probe Card extension:
1 digital sensor
7 analog sensors:
4-20mA, ±1% precision
1-10V, ±1% precision
32bits microcontrollers
Modbus Communication
Measurement & data processing
16Mbit memory (6 months data storage worse case)
Reliable operating range
-40°C to +70°C operating temperature
onboard temperature sensors (-40°C to +100°C ±2°C)
Autonomous power supply from PV strings
250Vdc to 1000Vdc string voltage
Low power consumption:
6 PV string inputs
Max voltage: ± 1000 Vdc
Max current: ± 25 A
Precision: ± 0.5%
Integrated Bus Bar
150A combined output (two output terminals, 75A each)

9. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Features and Benefits
Built-in Power Supply – Take power directly from the PV string. Eliminates the need to purchase and install a separate power supply to power the monitoring device
Accuracy – 0.5% precision
Voltage and Current Measurement – Additional voltage measurement provides a greater level of detail and is required by some integrators

10. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Features and Benefits
Flexible 6-String Device – Allows for greater flexibility (can be configured for 6, 12, 18, 24 or 30 string boxes)
Integrated Bus Bar – Combines strings into 1 or 2 outputs based on ampere rating. Eliminates the need for separate comb bus bar
Increased Functionality – Option to connect up to 8 external sensors (anemometer, thermometer, sun sensor, etc…)

11. Mersen PV String Monitoring Solution
Available Resources and Tools
ep-us.mersen.com
Installation Guide
Data Sheet
Tech Topics
PowerPoint

12. PROBE Card
MAIN Card
AUX Card
ep-us.mersen.com