EN 62124:2005

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Photovoltaische (PV)-Inselsysteme - Bauarteignung und TypprüfungSystèmes photovoltaïques (PV) autonomes - Vérification de la conceptionPhotovoltaic (PV) stand-alone systems - Design verification27.160Solar energy engineeringICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 62124:2005SIST EN 62124:2005en01-junij-2005SIST EN 62124:2005SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 62124 NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2005 CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2005 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 62124:2005 E
ICS 27.160
English version
Photovoltaic (PV) stand-alone systems –
Design verification (IEC 62124:2004)
Systèmes photovoltaïques (PV) autonomes –
Vérification de la conception (CEI 62124:2004)
Photovoltaische (PV)-Inselsysteme - Bauarteignung und Typprüfung (IEC 62124:2004)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2005-02-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
(dop)
2005-11-01 – latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn
(dow)
2008-02-01 Annex ZA has been added by CENELEC. __________ Endorsement notice The text of the International Standard IEC 62124:2004 was approved by CENELEC as a European Standard without any modification. In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60721-2-1 NOTE Harmonized as HD 478.2.1 S1:1989 (not modified).
IEC 61277 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61277:1998 (not modified).
IEC 61724 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61724:1998 (not modified).
IEC 61725 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61725:1997 (not modified).
ISO/IEC 17025 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO/IEC 17025:2000 (not modified). __________ SIST EN 62124:2005

- 3 - EN 62124:2005
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. NOTE Where an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies. Publication Year Title EN/HD Year IEC 60364-7-712 - 1) Electrical installations of buildings Part 7-712: Requirements for special installations or locations - Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems
HD 60364-7-712 - 2) IEC 60904-1 - 1) Photovoltaic devices Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics
EN 60904-1 1993 3) IEC 60904-2 - 1) Part 2: Requirements for reference solar cells
EN 60904-2 1993 3) IEC 60904-5 1993 Part 5: Determination of the equivalent cell temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic (PV) devices by the open-circuit voltage method
EN 60904-5 1995 IEC 61215 - 1) Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval
EN 61215 1995 3) IEC 61646 - 1) Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules - Design qualification and type approval
EN 61646 1997 3) IEC 61730-1 - 1) Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification Part 1: Requirements for construction
IEC 61730-2 - 1) Part 2: Requirements for testing
- - IEC 62093 - 2) Balance-of-system components for photovoltaic systems - Design qualification natural environments
- -
1) Undated reference. 2) To be published. 3) Valid edition at date of issue. SIST EN 62124:2005

NORME INTERNATIONALECEIIEC INTERNATIONAL STANDARD 62124Première éditionFirst edition2004-10 Systèmes photovoltaïques (PV) autonomes – Vérification de la conception
Photovoltaic (PV) stand-alone systems – Design verification
Pour prix, voir catalogue en vigueur For price, see current catalogue IEC 2004
Droits de reproduction réservés

Copyright - all rights reserved Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photocopie et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher. International Electrotechnical Commission,
3, rue de Varembé, PO Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, SwitzerlandTelephone: +41 22 919 02 11 Telefax: +41 22 919 03 00 E-mail: inmail@iec.ch
Web: www.iec.ch CODE PRIX PRICE CODE W Commission Electrotechnique InternationaleInternational Electrotechnical CommissionSIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 3 – CONTENTS FOREWORD.7
1 Scope and object.11 2 Normative references.11 3 Acronyms.13 4 Testing methods.13 5 Marking.15 6 Testing.17 7 Pass criteria.19 8 Design specifications.21 9 User manual.25 10 Technicians manual.27 11 Major defects.27 12 Load specification.29 13 Performance test.29 14 Outdoor testing.37 15 Indoor testing using a solar simulator.41 16 Indoor testing using a PV module simulator.51 17 Determination of the system balance point.53 18 Modifications.55 19 Report.55
Annex A (normative)
Classification of irradiation and systems.57 Annex B (normative)
Instrumentation and equipment for the system test.59 Annex C (normative)
Determination of the module output for the indoor testing
using a PV module simulator.63
Bibliography.77
Figure 1 – Flow diagram representing the verification process.17 Figure 2 – Sample test profile for the stand-alone PV system performance test.35 Figure 3 – Daily irradiance profiles for functional test, 10 days.45 Figure 4 – System characterisation chart, charge sequence example with 3 irradiation profiles and 10 cycles. Discharge: constant load profile.55 Figure C.1 − Flowchart to arrive at appropriate settings for a constant current source simulating the PV module.63 Figure C.2 − Set of IV characteristics for a daily irradiance profile (example).67 Figure C.3 − Approximation of array characteristics by a set of array operation lines.69 Figure C.4 – Iteration process for current adjustment.71 SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 5 – Figure C.5 – Experimental set-up for PV system performance testing.73 Figure C.6 − Flow chart for simulation of the array performance
presented for one time step of the PTOC profile.75
Table 1 – Acceptable ranges for the module temperature depending on the irradiance.37 Table 2 – Cycles of the performance test.47 Table 3 − Typical step profiles for daily irradiation cycles.47 Table A.1 – Irradiation classes.57 Table B.1 – Parameters to be measured/determined.61
62124  IEC:2004 – 7 – INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION ___________
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) STAND-ALONE SYSTEMS –
DESIGN VERIFICATION
FOREWORD 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations. 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user. 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter. 5) IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any equipment declared to be in conformity with an IEC Publication. 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication. 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication. 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. International Standard IEC 62124 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 82: Solar
photovoltaic energy systems. The text of this standard is based on the following documents: FDIS Report on voting 82/355/FDIS 82/364/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting indicated in the above table. This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 9 – The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed; • withdrawn; • replaced by a revised edition, or • amended.
62124  IEC:2004 – 11 – PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) STAND-ALONE SYSTEMS –
DESIGN VERIFICATION
1 Scope and object The specifications, test methods and procedures included in this document cover stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems. It covers systems containing one or more PV modules, a support structure, storage batterie(s), a charge controller and typical DC loads such as lights, radio, television and refrigerators. AC loads with dedicated inverters are considered as DC loads. The load as specified by the manufacturer is an integral part of the PV system with regards to the design verification. The focus of the test methods and procedures in this document is limited to system performance evaluation. Individual sub-systems and components may be monitored, but only to evaluate the performance of the overall system. The results of this test are applicable to the exact components that are tested. Any changes in components or components' specifications require design verification.
NOTE An exception to this rule is the load. Retesting is not necessary, if the nominal power of the load and its characteristics are not altered, always provided that the new loads are also type tested (provided a type test is available) and the operation frequency of the loads electronics controller (if any) do not vary more than 50 % from the new one to the one tested and being replaced.
Hence, the replacement of a pure ohmic load by lights using high frequency electronic ballasts would require retesting, but not the change from one electronic lighting product to another one. The standard is valid for system testing both for outdoors in prevailing conditions and indoors under simulated conditions. The testing conditions are intended to represent the majority of climatic zones for which these systems are designed.
The object of this standard is to verify system design and performance of stand-alone photovoltaic systems. While individual components may be qualified to environmental and safety standards, the assembled system needs further verification, to ensure that the components operate properly together as specified by the system manufacturer. The performance test consists of a check of the functionality, the autonomy and ability to recover after periods of low state-of-charge of the battery, and hence gives reasonable assurance that the system will not fail prematurely. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. IEC 60364-7-712, Electrical installations of buildings – Part 7-712: Requirements for special installations or locations – Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 13 – IEC 60904-1, Photovoltaic devices – Part 1: Measurement of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics IEC 60904-2, Photovoltaic devices – Part 2: Requirements for reference solar cells
IEC 60904-5:1993, Photovoltaic devices – Part 5: Determination of the equivalent cell temperature (ECT) of photovoltaic (PV) devices by the open-circuit voltage method IEC 61215, Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval IEC 61646, Thin-film silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – Design qualification and type approval IEC 61730-1, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for construction
IEC 61730-2, Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 2: Requirements for testing
IEC 62093, Balance-of-system components for photovoltaic systems – Design qualification 1 3 Acronyms AC
Alternating current DAS
Data acquisition system DC
Direct current DRT
Daily run time (of the load) FS
Full screen HVD
High voltage disconnect (of the charge controller) LVD
Low voltage disconnect (of the charge controller) NOCT
Nominal operating cell temperature PV
Photovoltaic(s) STC
Stand testing conditions UBC
Usable battery capacity VI
Visual inspection 4 Testing methods 4.1 Methods The procedures of the performance test are subdivided into 3 different tests: the functional test, the autonomy test and the recovery test. Outdoor and indoor tests are feasible.
——————— 1 To be published. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 15 – It is recommended that an outdoor test be only performed if the outdoor testing conditions at the testing site are similar to the outdoor conditions simulated in this standard. If the outdoor conditions at the testing site greatly differ, an indoor test is recommended. The tests in this standard are performed under conditions of irradiance and temperature that cover a large part of the world in which these systems are being installed. However these tests can be adapted to meet specific climatic conditions, if these are significantly different from the testing conditions in this standard. 4.2 Sampling Two complete systems for verification testing (plus spares as specified by the supplier) shall be taken at random from a production batch or batches. The systems shall have been manufactured from specified materials and components in accordance with the relevant drawings and process sheets and have been subjected to the manufacturer’s normal inspection, quality control and production acceptance procedures. The systems shall be complete in every detail and shall be accompanied by the manufacturer’s handling, mounting and connecting instructions, including safety instructions. It is also essential that the batteries in the systems to be tested, which are an integral part of the design verification, are identical to the batteries which are later going to be sold in the field. A copy of the relevant test certificate of the PV modules, charge controllers, batteries and lamps shall be included. When the systems to be tested are prototypes of a new design and not from production, this fact shall be noted in the test report (see Clause 19).
5 Marking The manufacturer shall provide equipment, sub-units and plug-in parts of the system with the following clear and indelible markings: • name, monogram or symbol of the manufacturer/supplier; • type or model number; • supply voltage, kind of voltage and frequency; • serial or batch number; • polarity of terminals or leads; • connecting points for the incoming conductors; • precautionary warning concerning special requirements for storage or handling. The date and place of manufacture shall be marked on the component or be traceable from the serial number. All components shall be provided with relevant documents concerning their rating, certificates and specifications in the language of the user and/or technician. Instead of a written user’s manual, illustrations may be used where appropriate. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 17 – Labelling on equipment shall be in accordance with good ergonomic principles so that warning notices, controls, indications, test facilities, fuses, etc., are sensibly placed and logically grouped to facilitate correct and unambiguous identification. 6 Testing The system shall be subjected to the test sequences in this standard, carried out in the order laid down.
In carrying out the tests, the tester shall strictly observe the manufacturer’s handling, mounting and connection instructions. Should one of the 2 previously sampled systems fail any test, another system meeting the requirements of 4.2 shall be subjected to the whole of the relevant test sequence from the beginning. If this system also fails, the design shall be deemed not to have met the verification requirements.
Figure 1 represents the verification process.
SamplingGeneral check (completeness, certificates, etc) Outdoor test Indoor test PV sun simulator PV module simulator Performance characteristicsPass/failIEC
1333/04
Figure 1 – Flow diagram representing the verification process SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 19 – 7 Pass criteria A system design shall be judged to have passed the verification test, if each test sample meets all the following criteria: 7.1 System completeness The system shall be complete, i.e. contain the following elements. • All the necessary hardware. • Specification by the manufacturer concerning daily run time (DRT) under testing conditions. An important design parameter is the size of the load and the daily number of hours the system can service the load under testing conditions (DRT). Reference is made to Annex A for the irradiation class II. Daily run time under testing conditions shall be stated by the manufacturer. In addition, the manufacturer shall specify the classification of the system under testing conditions (see Annex A). • Specification by the manufacturer concerning the design load (Wh), the irradiation level for which this design load can be energized by the system, the autonomy and the classification under design conditions (see Annex A). These specifications enable the test lab to verify the manufacturer’s calculations. • Specification by the manufacturer concerning the days of autonomy under testing conditions. • Certificates (see 7.2). • User manual, including list of spare parts and tools, as laid down in Clause 9. • Technicians’ manual as laid down in Clause 10 shall be supplied for installation, operation and maintenance. 7.2 Certificates PV-modules, charge controller, battery and the relevant loads such as lighting or others as specified by the manufacturer and included in the set shall bear a type approval certificate from an internationally recognised PV quality system. The PV modules shall be qualified according to IEC 61215, IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2 in the case of crystalline silicon PV modules and according to IEC 61646, IEC 61730-1 and IEC 61730-2 in the case of thin film PV modules. The Balance-Of-System (BOS) components shall be qualified according to IEC 62093. 7.3 Performance tests The system shall pass the performance tests laid down in Clause 13. The following pass/fail criteria apply: 1) the load shall function at all stages of the test unless the charge controller has disconnected the load due to a low battery state of charge. (If LVD occurred, this data shall be noted); 2) the battery capacity shall not decrease over the testing period more than 10 %, expressed by (UBC0 − UBC2) / UBC0 < 10 % (see Figure 2 for the signification of UBC); SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 21 – 3) recovery: the ‘recovery test’ should exhibit an upward trend in the system voltage. During the recovery test, the total net Ah into the battery should be ≥50 % of UBC1; 4) after capacity test UBC1, the load shall begin operating again on or before the third ‘recovery test’ cycle;
5) the system balance point (see system characterisation plot) shall match the defined minimum irradiation class or be below it; 6) the measured days of autonomy shall match the defined minimum days of autonomy as indicated by the manufacturer or be above it; 7) the load shall operate undamaged according to the manufacturer’s specification at the maximum battery voltage occurring during periods of high irradiance and at high state of charge; 8) no sample shall exhibit any abnormal open-circuit or short-circuit during the tests. 7.4 Visual evidence of a major defect There shall be no visual evidence of a major defect, as defined in Clause 11, both before and after the performance test, as laid down in Clause 13. 7.5 Design specifications The design specifications laid down in Clause 8 shall be met. 8 Design specifications 8.1 Prevention against battery discharge into the module(s) Battery discharge into the module(s) shall be minimised. The means by which this is achieved shall be documented. If blocking diodes are used, the current capacity shall be 50 % higher than the short circuit current (at STC). The peak inverse voltage of the diode shall be at least double the open circuit battery voltage. In any event, battery discharge should not exceed energy losses associated with a blocking diode. 8.2 Support structure and foundation The manufacturer shall provide calculations/evidence that the support structure, with the PV modules mounted, is able to withstand the design wind speed.
Any outdoor structure, including hardware for all external connections, shall be corrosion resistant. The manufacturer shall provide proof (calculation/evidence) of adequate resistance. 8.3 Wiring Electrical connections shall, by design, be mechanically robust to minimise loosening by thermal cycling and provide adequate strain relief. Between solar modules and the charge controller, only water resistant, mechanically robust and UV resistant cables shall be used.
62124  IEC:2004 – 23 – The continuous maximum current rating of the conductors (after any deratings for temperature or installation conditions) in PV source and output circuits shall be at least 125 % of Isc (short circuit current) and shall not be less than the rating of any overcurrent device protecting those conductors. • Calculate or measure the voltage drop from the module(s) to the battery, excluding diode losses and list it in the test report. Typically, it shall be less than 5 % at full current load. • Calculate or measure the voltage drop from the battery to the load and list it in the test report. Typically, it shall be less than 5 % at full current load. All wiring shall be colour coded and/or labelled. 8.4 Connectors Splices and connections in module wiring shall be made using devices and tools approved by the manufacturer, and shall be installed using instructions provided with the device. The devices shall be suitable for the environment, provide appropriate physical protection including strain relief, and the spliced or connected conductor shall have at least the same mechanical and electrical conduction and insulation properties as the unspliced wire. All connectors shall be polarised and be able to withstand 156 % of the short circuit current at STC. The rated current carrying capacity of the joint shall not be less than the circuit current rating. 8.5 Fuses and circuit breakers The battery shall be protected against short-circuit by a fuse(s), as close as possible to the battery terminal(s). Where fuses of different capacity are installed, they shall have clear colour coding or labelling or be of different physical size. Fuses shall: • be sized per the conductor size and per the component they are protecting as specified by the manufacturer, • be rated for the environment they are going to be used in (care shall be taken to ensure that corrosion or explosion by battery gasses is avoided), • be marked with rated current, voltage and use (AC or DC), • be rated for DC service in DC applications, • have appropriate voltage ratings for the circuit they are protecting. Overcurrent devices protecting PV source and output circuits and carrying currents from the PV modules shall be rated for 156 % of Isc (short circuit current) and shall have a voltage rating of 125 % Voc (open circuit voltage). SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 25 – Circuit-breakers shall: • if used in a DC circuit, be rated for DC service, • be rated for the environment they are going to be used in (care shall be taken to ensure that corrosion or explosion by battery gasses is avoided), • be marked with rated current, voltage and use (AC or DC), • have voltage ratings greater than the maximum circuit voltage, and • shall be sized to protect the circuit, as specified in IEC 60364-7-712. If normal transient surges are expected, the fuses or circuit breakers shall have an appropriate time-delay before activation. 9 User manual The user manual shall be written in English and the user's language and shall include the following. • Electrical safety recommendations. • Battery safety requirements. • Battery maintenance requirements. • Battery replacement requirements. • An instruction to always use the distribution panel when installing additional circuits and avoid direct connections to the battery. • A description of all user-interactive hardware. • Procedures for proper system operation, including a list of load limitations and any problem loads. These procedures shall include suggested operation, including load conservation, during periods of inclement weather, and/or a low voltage disconnect event. A checklist of what to do in case of a system failure shall be included. The procedures for checking that the PV array is not shaded and how to prevent shading shall be explained. • Maintenance items. • Emergency shut down procedures. • Installation and operating instructions on the charge controller (ambient conditions, threshold settings). • Functional block diagram. System performance shall be specified in: • Rated average energy supply. • Autonomy. • Hours of use of appliances. • Test conditions. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 27 – 10 Technicians manual The technician’s manual shall be written in English and in the technicians’ language and include the following. • A copy of the user manual. • A complete list of all system components and spare parts, with associated manufacturer’s literature, specifications and warranties. • A complete set of diagrams and drawings composing the system final design (electrical schematic, mechanical composition and lay-out, etc.). • A description of necessary tools and equipment required for installation. • Installation instructions. • Post-installation acceptance test procedures, including all appropriate set points and test procedures. They will include: −
procedures for verification of the voltage set points of the controller, if relevant, −
procedures for measuring the current from the array under charging conditions, −
test procedures of proper load operation, −
procedures for cycling the battery to check the capacity, −
procedures for voltage drop measurements to verify the required maximum voltage drop. • A recommended maintenance schedule, with maintenance instructions. • A troubleshooting guide referencing all the system components. This shall include repairs and diagnostic procedures that can be done by the supplier. • A functional block-diagram. • Emergency shutdown procedures. • Grounding and lightning protection instructions may be included. All the relevant information for installation, operation and maintenance shall be included in the technician’s manual and not referred to, even if they are available at the product specifications or instructions of the manufacturer of the individual components. 11 Major defects For the purpose of design verification, the following are considered to be major defects. • Failure of any system component, including load. • Broken, cracked, bent, misaligned or torn external surface of any component (PV module, battery, charge controller, other balance of system (BOS) component). • Browning of any printed circuit board. • Loss of mechanical integrity, to the extent that the installation and/or operation of the system would be impaired. • Deterioration of wiring insulation. • Electrolyte leakage from the batteries. • Signs of overheating or corrosion. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 29 – 12 Load specification The manufacturer shall provide the system together with the actual loads the system is designed for. In the case of multiple loads, the manufacturer shall specify the switching sequence, if relevant. In such a case, the required switching sequence shall also be indicated on a visible label at the switchboard or any appropriate location clearly visible by the end user. All loads shall be operated simultaneously in all tests.
The manufacturer shall specify the daily number of hours the system can service the load under the test conditions described in this standard (DRT). This number shall be derived using the irradiation class II, specified in Annex A. For the purpose of the test and while the PV modules are connected, the load is never operated during daylight or at times when the solar irradiance is above 50 W/m2. 13 Performance test 13.1 Instrumentation and equipment Annex B contains a description of the instrumentation and equipment for the system tests. 13.2 Test documentation In addition to recording all the relevant system data, the tester shall keep relevant test data, calculations, and appropriate comments. An electronic copy of the system data shall be kept for future reference.
13.3 Installation 13.3.1 General Install the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For outdoor testing, ensure an unobstructed solar window, i.e. the PV array shall not be shaded by any objects, buildings or vegetation during the testing period.
For indoor testing, a class C solar simulator or an electronic power supply simulating the module can be used.
Depending upon the system configuration, it may be easier to install the data acquisition system during the system assembly. The tester shall not modify or add to the system: the system shall only be installed and tested as it is received and as specified in the documentation.
If cabling is pre-cut for system installation, the tester shall use the full length of cable received with the system. NOTE Caution should be used when installing the charge controller, as some need to be connected in a specified sequence to avoid damage. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 31 – 13.3.2 System preconditioning Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding electrolyte and preconditioning the battery for system operation. If battery preconditioning is not called for in the system documentation, the system shall be subjected to: • at least 5 cycles from HVD to LVD in an outdoor test or
• at least 5 cycles at C10 for an indoor test. Certain advanced charge controllers need a few days/cycles to find the optimum settings matching the system design. The manufacturer shall state this and the performance test shall be preceded by the prescribed number of cycles. PV modules exhibiting light-induced degradation (for example amorphous silicon) shall be subjected to initial light soaking according to IEC 61646.
13.3.3 Verify load operation The load is an integral part of the system and the size of the load is an important design parameter. For the purpose of this test, all the loads shall be installed and shall be operated simultaneously. Verify that the load starts and operates properly. In systems with multiple loads, verify that each individual load can start and run while all other loads are operating.
For this test, it is only necessary to operate the loads long enough to determine if they function correctly. For example, run a low-pressure sodium lamp until it reaches full brightness, usually about 15 min. Turn off all loads after verifying they operate properly. 13.3.4 Installation notes Note any missing steps or difficulties in following the manufacturer-supplied installation procedures. 13.3.5 Data acquisition system installation Install the plane of array irradiance sensor (reference device). The irradiance sensor shall be as close as possible to the array without shading the array and shall be mounted in the same plane and within ±5° of the array tilt angle. Program the data acquisition system to monitor the measurement parameters and store as five-minute averages. Install the temperature sensors: • The ambient temperature sensor shall be mounted in an aspirated or double shaded shield. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 33 – • The temperature sensor on the back of the module shall be mounted in the middle of a solar cell within the center of a module, using thermal paste and covering the sensor with insulation material and foil. The battery temperature sensor shall be mounted as close as possible to the temperature compensation sensor. If temperature compensation is internal to the charge controller, a temperature sensor in addition to the battery temperature sensor shall be mounted to sense the controller temperature. Install voltage sensors for the PV array and loads.
Install the voltage sensor for the battery at the battery terminals. Maximum and minimum values of the signals specified in Table B.1 shall also be collected and stored. Install current sensors for the PV array, battery and loads. Calculate array and load DC Power. DC power may be computed by multiplying average DC voltage and average DC current. Install a sensor to detect proper load operation, for example a light sensor in front of a lamp.
NOTE In the case of a fluorescent lamp, it would not be adequate to only look at the current load as an indicator of load operation as the bulb could malfunction yet the ballast may continue to draw current.
Note the load operation method. Modify a copy of the schematic to show the data acquisition system sensor locations.
This modified schematic shall be included in the report of Clause 19. 13.3.6 System photographs Photograph the PV system and load after the system has been installed and instrumented. Include the photos with the documentation. 13.4 Visual inspection The system and its components shall be checked for damage and workmanship (for example suitability of structural elements). After each test, flex all conductors along their entire length noting any discoloration or brittleness of the insulation. Undersized conductors and poor connections will tend to overheat, leading to brittle and discoloured insulation. Any particularities observed shall be carefully documented in the report (Clause 19) and if necessary by means of photography. Verify that all parts listed on the parts list are present. Note any missing system parts that should have been included. If essential parts, i.e. parts without which the system cannot go through the testing procedure, are missing, the system fails the test and shall be sent back to the manufacturer. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 35 – 13.5 Test sequences
Figure 2 indicates the different steps of the system performance test:
UBC 0 BC FTRT UBC1UBC2Vreg LVD Battery voltage TimeVI = Visual inspectionVIVIVI T=72 h (outdoor) T=12 h (indoor) Hold at LVD for at least 5 h Hold at LVDbetween 5 h and 72 hPV - Off Load - OnContinuously PV - On Load - Off PV - OnLoad - OnPV - OffLoad - OnContinuouslyPV - OnLoad - OffPV - On Load - On (see text) PV - OffLoad - OnContinuouslyPV - On Load - Off T=72 h (outdoor)T=12 h (indoor)T<0,5 hVIIEC
1334/04
Key UBC0
Initial usable battery capacity: initial capacity test – after installing the system, charge and discharge the battery, measure the usable battery capacity (UBC) Vreg
Voltage level at which the controller determines a ‘full battery level’ BC
Battery charging: recharge the battery before running the functional test FT
Functional test: run the functional test to verify that the system and load operate properly UBC1
First usable battery capacity: second capacity test and autonomy test – charge and discharge the battery. Measure the usable battery capacity. Determine the system autonomy RT
Recovery test: determine the ability of the PV system to recharge the discharged battery UBC2 Second usable battery capacity: final capacity test – charge and discharge the battery. Measure the usable battery capacity Figure 2 – Sample test profile for the stand-alone PV system performance test Various test sequences are applied during the test to verify performance for low discharge, battery recovery, functionality operation and ability to reach HVD under normal operation even after having been completely discharged, sunny weather provided. The system performance test can be done indoors or outdoors. 13.6 System characterisation graph Plot the values found in the tests and construct the system characterisation graph as described in Clause 17.
Determine the system balance point. SIST EN 62124:2005

62124  IEC:2004 – 37 – 14 Outdoor testing 14.1 Testing conditions, outdoor The temperature of the batteries and charge controller shall be kept at a temperature of
30 °C ± 3 °C. During the testing, the module temperature shall be monitored. On a daily basis, average hourly values shall be calculated and plotted against the average irradiance values over the same time period. At the end of each day, these values shall be compared with the values in Table 1. Values in between the values stated in the table may be calculated by linear interpolation. NOTE This procedure ensures a compatibility of the energy output of the module array of maximum ±5 % compared to the indoor measurement methods for the worst case (crystalline silicon cells).
Should any of the average hourly module temperatures fall outside of the range, the complete test shall be repeated. Table 1 – Acceptable ranges for the module temperature depending on the irradiance Irradiance
W/m2 Acceptable module temperature range
°C 100 14 to 34 200 18 to 38 300 21 to 41 400 28 to 48 500 32 to 52 600 40 to 60 700 43 to 63 800 50 to 70 900 54 to 74 1 000 58 to 78
If days with low solar irradiation have to be 'simulated', for example in the functional test, the only option to do so is to tilt the PV array in order to reduce the input energy as required for simulating bad weather conditions. Disconnecting the PV after having reached the required energy input on full power conditions is not acceptable. 14.2 Initial capacity test, outdoor Mak
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