Software modifications

Danfoss driver: Item number 421.065

• FLX Pro series inverters will be supported with immediate effect.
  Data sheet

Power One Central driver: Item number 421.006

• The control limit of the inverters can now be set for active power reduction on the data logger's Power Control website. This means the limit for inverters supporting control at 0% can also be set to 0%.

Sputnik driver: Item number 421.080

• The serial number of all inverters is read and displayed on the WEB'log websites.
  Data sheet

Kaco driver: Item number 421.010

• The minimum waiting time between two Power Control commands can now be configured on the Power Control website. All bus devices can therefore be given ample time for implementing all Power Control commands.

All drivers

• In some countries, the SMTP server is blocked for the sending of emails or requires authentication. If the WEB'log recognises that an SMTP server cannot be reached via the port address 25, it will resort to the port address 25025 for sending emails.

All drivers which support Power Control

• In the event of an error message, a two-step procedure can be defined:
  The first step uses a predetermined Power Control process.
  If that is also defective, the fallback values defined in step 2 become active.
  
  The currently available Power Control drivers are listed in the data sheet.

Circuit board for monitoring up to 24 strings

The i'catcher 24-1B model is a new addition to our string measurement technology range and allows up to 24 measuring channels to be monitored per circuit board. The model with 24 measuring inputs provides all the functions and features also shown by the i’catcher 8-1B and 16-1B.

The i’catcher, which was specially developed for use in the string monitoring station, is designed for the multiple channel measurement of string currents in PV systems. Regardless of the inverter used, the circuit board monitors the strings on the direct current side of PV systems and enables a quick fault identification and rectification. Faults can include:

• Contamination through pollen, dust or soot
• Meteorological influences such as hail or snow loads
• Installation error
• Manufacturing error
• Theft and vandalism

You can place the modules directly onto supporting rails (DIN rails 35 mm in accordance with DIN EN 60715). For on-site operation and monitoring, parameters such as voltage, current and temperature can be displayed directly on the integrated LC display. When it comes to controlling and reading data, the modules have a Modbus interface for connecting with meteocontrol's monitoring system. In the event that more solar module strings need to be connected than there are inputs available on the i’catcher in question, It is also possible to combine individual modules in one system see data sheet.

i'catcher 24-1B: Item number 423.103

Discontinuation: faxes

• In the future, the notifications of the safer'sun Professional remote monitoring portal and virtual control room will be sent only by email and SMS. Notifications will no longer be sent by fax since the communication method is now outdated. Existing alarm settings for sending notifications by fax will be switched to email.

New park graphics in the VCOM:
total energy and history of the installed power and/or the number of systems

• The new park graphics provide you with clear information on the total energy generated by your portfolio of systems. You can also gain a graphic-based understanding of the history of the installed power and/or the number of systems in your entire portfolio.

Park graphic view:

As usual, you can also add the park diagrams as content at park level under "Options":

Better estimate of the generated yield and fault identification, even with normal performance

The efficiency of existing PV systems without a remote monitoring system cannot be assessed accurately. The objective estimate of the generated yields, which are also heavily influenced by deviations in the annual irradiance values amongst other things, is especially important in terms of the sale and purchase of such a system. It is often difficult to draw performance-related conclusions, especially if the yields calculated in a report are not achieved. We are therefore offering system operators, owners and investors a new service:

The Solar Index displays deviations in the global irradiance of individual months compared to long-term monthly averages with clear and easy-to-understand graphics. The percentage deviation value reveals whether the reduced yield is due to heavily below-average irradiance or a defect. Also, "normal" performance in the event of above-average irradiance indicates a possible defect, which must be found and rectified. As a result, no reduced yields can originate in subsequent years with just average irradiance.

Use one of two versions of this new tool:

• Solar Index Basic: Item number 310.100
  
  Percentage deviation of monthly values of the horizontal global irradiance over the past year compared with the 5-year monthly average values for the region of the site in question (50 km x 50 km).
   
• Solar Index Premium: Item number 310.300
  
  Deviation of monthly values of the horizontal global irradiance over the past year compared with the 10-year monthly average values for the chosen site. The corresponding irradiance values and the absolute and percentage deviation for each month are included.

We would be happy to provide you with detailed information for our newest service. Contact us by email at sales@meteocontrol.com or by telephone on +49 (0)821 / 34 666-80. Give us a call!