Product added to compare
Product Compare added Product Compare

The sun factor: Monitoring photovoltaic power stations

Modern photovoltaic power stations consist of two basic components: the solar modules in the photovoltaic field that convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy and an inverter station that converts the direct current of the solar modules and integrates it into the alternating current grid. Large-scale stations are frequently realized with centralized inverters.

These large inverters have a capacity of approx. 500 kW and modules can be added up to 40-50 MW. Only a few years ago, the fields still yielded a system voltage of 1000 V and currents of several 100 A. Today the majority generate voltages of 1500 V. This is why the corresponding inverters must have a maximum input voltage greater than 1500 V.

Inexpensive and safe monitoring of photovoltaic power stations using specialized signal conditioners

Protection of personnel and the system

Solar power providers face the challenge of ensuring that their system operates efficiently and achieves the greatest possible power yield. In the ideal case, efficiency is increased with little or no extra effort without compromising electrical safety. To trace interference and regulate capacity adjustment, currents and voltages are measured on the DC side. The system voltages indicated above require suitable isolation of the measuring systems in order to protect both the operating personnel and the regulation and evaluation systems.

For this reason, measurements are taken via downstream signal conditioners with accordingly high galvanic isolation. In 1000 V stations, protective separation of 1000 V AC/DC is required in accordance with EN 61140.

When the system voltage is raised to 1500 V, the requirements for protective separation become more rigorous. Protective separation is achieved by double isolation that guarantees a safety margin of 100 percent.

Reliable isolation up to 1800 V

The signal conditioners in the P41000 series (current measurement) and P42000 series (voltage measurement) from Knick establish protective separation up to 1100 V in accordance with EN 61140 (overvoltage category OV III / pollution degree PD 2). In the P41100/ P42100 design, protective separation up to 1800 V AC/DC (OV III and PD 2) is possible. With these signal conditioners, photovoltaic power stations that ensure compliance with the relevant safety standards can be built. With a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 96 years, the products are reliable.

Return on investment

  • Current and voltage measuring technology installed centrally in the inverter on the basis of signal conditioners increases efficiency and saves money at the same time since it makes decentralized measurement unnecessary.
  • Central signal conditioner arrangement simplifies the station concept development and also results in cost advantages.
  • The precise measurement of total current makes it possible to detect defective station components early on, thus avoiding yield losses and increasing the safety and reliability of solar power stations.
  • High operational safety with galvanic isolation of up to 1000 V or 1800 V AC/DC
  • Calibrated switching of up to 16 input and output ranges offers flexibility and reduces storage costs.

H2 [Ind] [Proc] [App] Application Description

[Ind] briefly: where can be used Knick products [Proc]  [App] Detailed application description, why is measured, which customer problem is solved 

H3 [App] Initial Situation

Was there a solution before, which was perhaps not good enough? Have requirements changed

H3 [App] Requirements of Application

What were the special or biggest requirements: Operating environment, legal requirements, High Voltage

H3 [App] Solution

 Products used and why the solution was implemented in this form

Matching products

Associated industries and applications

In order to guarantee the optimal output, modern wind turbines contain a range of sensors whose measuring signals must be acquired, converted, and queried – in many cases over long distances.
Knick transducers and signal conditioners have been used in a range of applications in the energy industry for many decades

Latest blog post

Stack and String Voltage Measurement in Electrolyzers and Fuel Cells

Voltage, current and temperature measurement in electrolyzers with P40000 series high voltage transducers

New 30 mV Shunt Resistors for Knick Transducers

Knick is expanding the accessory range for its high-voltage transducers with immediate effect by adding shunt resistors with a 30 mV voltage drop
Innovations at InnoTrans 2024

Innovations at InnoTrans 2024 for rolling stock and DC traction power supply

At InnoTrans 2024 Knick presents electrical measurement solutions for rolling stock and DC traction power supply applications

Knick Austria - direct customer contact in Austria from 2024

Reorganization of sales in Austria and new contacts in the field of process analytics and interface technology

Energy storage - the handshake between renewable energy and electric vehicles

Energy storage technology such as battery and hydrogen are critical for growth and continuous development of renewable energy and e-mobility.

P52000VPD voltage presence detector reliably detects voltages up to 4200 V DC

The new P52000VPD voltage presence detector reliably monitors areas with high voltages and sends a signal to the downstream plant control system when a specified threshold value is reached.

Knick Interface at Battery and Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo

Knick will be showcasing high-voltage electrical measurement and signal conversion products.

Quadruple Standard Signals in Just One Signal Conditioner

The A20340 can output a standard input signal to four calibrated and galvanically isolated outputs in parallel.

Electrical measurement and process analytics for hydrogen production

Knick products optimize hydrogen production in the process and in electrolyser operation.

Condition Monitoring of High-Voltage Motors

Having an active predictive maintenance campaign in place for large rotating equipment can be a key strategy for maximizing process uptime.

Pulse frequency conditioner for speed sensors

The new P16000 from Knick is a pulse frequency conditioner that converts frequency signals from speed sensors into standard signals.

Worldwide smallest transducer up to ±2200 V

The P40000 series from Knick enables reliable voltage measurements from ±50 mV to ±3600 V and current measurements from ±100 mA to ±20 kA.

Importance of broad-range power supplies for DC electrical measurement

Many DC electrical measurement products manufactured by Knick contain universal, also known as broad-range, power supplies.

Measuring Photovoltaic Degradation

Photovoltaic (PV) array degradation is an important aspect to consider for system design and installation.

Electrical Measurement Solutions: Control from 480 to 4800 Volts

Voltage and current transducers from Knick bring true control to electrical measurement applications across a wide-range of industries.

Benefits of High Voltage Transducers versus Instrument Transformers

When a need arises to step voltage in a circuit either up or down for purposes of power transmission or distribution, there is no doubt that transformers are essential.

Shunt Resistor versus Hall Effect Technology

There are many systems where measurement of large DC currents are needed for performance and safety.

MTBF beyond 3000 years: A snap hook for your plant

Failure of equipment on the plant floor can lead to considerable and costly disruption.

Knick Products Comply With UL - What Does That Mean?

There are different assessments and approaches to reach an adequate level of safety. Manufacturers are typically on the “safe” side, if they comply with recognized standards.

High-voltage transducer offers more safety on railway vehicles

The requirements placed on railway vehicles have increased significantly in recent years. Products for rolling stock need to ensure a higher level of functional safety than ever before.

True RMS Measurement with P41000TRMS

Traditional millivolt AC transducers are very susceptible to errors due to their poor insulation and are only designed for pure sinewave measurement.

Functional safety and maximum availability can go together

The requirements on operational and safety-related circuits are continuously growing.