The Solar-Log1000 is therefore not only able to connect to and evaluate a greater number of sensors. It now also has a control system for up to four network sockets for optimising your own power consumption. In the power management version it also offers the possibility to connect two digital ripple control devices which allow the network operator to control the reactive power of Cosinus Phi (cos phi) in order to prevent malfunctions in the network.
"Thanks to the new monitoring and control options the Solar-Log1000 can now be used even more effectively", emphasises Jörg Karwath, CEO of Solare Datensysteme GmbH. "Solar-Log data loggers have thus definitely become an indispensable component of photovoltaic plants from small private plants with one inverter to large inverters in the megawatt range".
Improved sensor connection
With the firmware version Release 2.3 available from mid January, the Solar-Log1000 has a significantly more comprehensive evaluation function for sensors to measure the solar radiation, the module temperature and the outside temperature or the wind speed. These are offered by Solare Datensysteme as accessories. In operation, the data logger immediately and continuously compares the yield data from the photovoltaic plant with the measurement results from the various sensors.
Errors and malfunctions in the inverter, and also damage to modules, is thus able to be filtered out and analysed even more quickly and reliably. Should deviations arise, Solar-Log not only generates an error message; the sensor evaluation also provides information concerning the cause of the malfunction. The evaluation is so accurate that it is able to recognise decreases in yields due to shadow, for example, but also due to faulty sensors. Up to nine sensor boxes can now be connected to the Solar-Log1000 so that even larger plants or plants with differently aligned fields can be optimally monitored and evaluated.
Efficient control of your own consumption
With increasing electricity rates, your own consumption of the power that you generate is becoming increasingly interesting, the more so as the Renewable Energy Law (EEG) provides for payments for power that you use yourself in the case of plants up to 500 kWp. As the rate of payment is increased yet again for your own consumption of the solar power that you generate, optimum control of consumers is a must.
The latest software for the Solar-Log1000 and the Solar-Log500, in connection with a digital power consumption meter, offers a clear overview of the actual current balance both on the Solar-Log1000 appliance display and on the internet. This allows the operator to determine the ideal time for switching on consumers. In addition, the Solar-Log1000 can now independently switch on and off up to four so-called network sockets using the current balance. Therefore, as well as being able to operate suitable washing machines and driers at the optimum cost-efficient time, the same applies to air conditioners or heat pumps for hot water tanks, for example.
If the energy yield is less than that required by the consumers, various options can be configured in the programme, such as a later switch-on time. While the digital meter reader is connected to the Solar-Log1000 via the S0 interface, the network sockets that are available as options are controlled via ethernet network cables.
Optimised power management
In addition to improved sensor functions and own consumption functions, as of production year 2011 the hardware of the Solar-Log1000 PM will also receive enhanced power management for controlling the reactive power cos phi in order to prevent malfunctions in the network. For photovoltaic plants with more than 100 kWp the legislator stipulates a method of control such as this via the network operator. Up to two digital ripple control receivers can be connected to the Solar-Log1000 PM. If required, the network operator can use these to send a command to control the reactive power. The power management module in the Solar- Log1000 PM then adjusts the plant to the required value using the corresponding compatible inverters.
Enhanced inverter compatibility
As a multi-vendor capable monitoring device, Solar-Log offers reliable and comprehensive monitoring for photovoltaic plants with all popular inverters. With the firmware version Release 2.3, Solare Datensysteme has once again significantly increased the number of inverters supported by all Solar-Log models. In addition to the numerous previously supported inverters of various brands, the Solar-Log data loggers can now also be connected to inverters from GE, Aros, Hyundai, IDS as well as the central inverter from Rudolf Fritz.
Furthermore, Solare Datensysteme has improved the support of Fronius, Solutronic and Kaco inverters so that the Solar-Log data loggers now support all of the models including the central inverters. The power management function is now possible as of now also for devices suited to this purpose from Fronius, Diehl Ako and Solutronic.
