Device to control photovoltaic modules 1) monitor each panel 2) monitor each strings array 3) wireless (no cabling required) 4) integrate monitoring and controls by inverter

1. Mario Cesana mcesana@semtechnologies.it
Camilla Camarri ccamarr@semtechnologies.it
Mario Resadi mresadi@semtechnologies.it

2. Contents
• Acronym
• System Description
• Functionality
• Application description
• Advantages
• Calculated Savings
• User Interface
• Junction Box
• Certifications

3. Acronym
Solar
PV module
Integrated
Management
Patent Pending

4. System Description
• SPIM is an electronic device embedded into the PV
module Junction Box.
• This devices enables the PV module to became an
intelligent entity capable to communicate in a wireless
network
• Each PV module is seen in the network as a single unique
node
• The network is driven by an external ‘master coordinator’
that is controlling up to 200 PV modules.

5. Functionality
has been designed to:
• Monitor and mesure the functional parameters of a every single
PV module during operations
• Enable the possibility to compare any PV module actual field
performances with the expected performances
• Stop the power production of any PV module in case it is
removed from its original position and reinstalled elsewere.
(theft deterrent)
• Measure the production of any single PV module regardless of
the size of the installation.

6. Functionality
periodically checks and monitors all PV Module electrical
parameters, such as: current, voltage, power and temperature.
SPIM compares the measured values in the PV field Module with those
specified by the manufacturer and in case of failure SPIM informs the Network
Master and the customer with a message of Failure Alarm: therefore the
user can obtain faster and easy maintenance.
PV Module electrical parameters are stored in a database of the HOST
controller; these values can be reviewed by the user in any moment and
connected to the solar meter of the PV plant: therefore the customer can
distinguish the performance of a PV Module from another.
During the day the Master Unit automatically checks the presence and
integrity of the PV plant and in case of theft gives an alarm. At the same
time, the SPIM in the stolen PV Module blocks its functionality and its
power supply.

7. Application Description
The system is composed by two units:
SLAVE Device
MASTER Device
Slave device is inserted in a dedicated Junction
Box and electrically connected to the PV module that controls.
Master device is connected to an HOST system (i.e.
Computer/server etc) and it is interfaced by a dedicated User
Interface Software, available also as a Web Service appplication.
Such a system allows the user to know in any moment the
functionality and status of any single PV module in the PV plant.

8. Application Description: Network
S..
S2 S..
S2
S200
S.. S200
S1 S2
S1
S200
S1
BUS RS485
USB/ETH

9. Device Description: SPIM slave
Lenght: 75 mm
Width: 80 mm
Height: 17 mm
V(p): 3,3 V
I(p): 50 mA
Power: <1% of PV Module
Energy: < 0,1% of PV Module
Module V(max): 40 V (others upon request)
Module V(min): 14 V
Module I(max): 9 A
System V(max): 1000 V
Temp. range: da -40°C a + 85°C
Environment: IP 65
UL: V0
In Compliance with 2002/95/CE
Powered by the PV module

10. Device Description: SPIM slave

11. Device Description : SPIM slave

12. Device Description :Spim Master
Lenght: 150 mm
Width: 110 mm
Height : 70 mm
V(p): 3,3 V
I(p): 50 mA
Power: 220 V Ca (with ext. Pwr. Supply or other)
PC interface: USB 2.0
Nbr of SPIM Slave driven: 200
Temp. range: da -40°C a + 85°C
Environment: IP 56
UL: V0
In Compliance with: 2002/95/CE

13. Device Description: SPIM master

14. Device Description : SPIM Master

15. Advantages
• No cabling needed to monitor the installation of the all solar plant.
• Easy user friendly interface to manage and control the solar plant
performances
• Faster reset/ maintenance thanks to the ability to pin-point the
defective PV module very precisely in the solar plant
• Performances control down to the single PV module and ability to
compare the real actual values with those specified by the
manufacturer, easy documented claim in case of failure
• Monitor of the electrical productivity at single PV module level
connecting to the solar meter of the PV plant. This makes possible to
know and monitor in real time the energy production of the single PV
module and of the total PV plant as well
• Thefts Deterrent thanks to the prompt inhibition of any functions of PV
modules that are removed from their original point of installation

16. Advantages
grants immediate savings with reduction of
the reaction times to maintenance, real full
time monitoring and management of the energy
production, inhibition of functionality in case of theft.

17. Estimated Savings
Assumed scenario:
• 1.0 Mw solar Plant
• DC voltage 800 V
• PV Modules 220Wp 37V Voc.
• Each PV module series = 20 PV Modules =4.4 Kwp
The application of the SPIM device will virtually reduce to zero the
reaction time to identify a potential failing PV module on a series and
will cut down the average maintenance times in a half.
Assuming a standard defect rate of 0.1%/year on a 5000 PV modules
installation we can then forecast 5 maintenance calls/year.
Over a 25 year life we can in such a case forecast 125 total maintenance
calls.
That can be estimated in a saving of about 25 K€ or 0.025 €/Wp

18. Estimated Savings
SPIM can also replace the use of an ‘intelligent’ PV module series end
box.
That can be replaced with a simple connection device.
This change has been estimated in a saving of about 33K€ or 0.033 €/Wp
Also the data transmission cabling is not needed anymore with an
estimated saving of 0.0025 €/Wp
SPIM will also grant the total control in performance of the solar plant
so the customer can get this figure in real time.
This will give warranty on producibility. This is an estimated saving of
0.05 €/Wp
Theft deterrent, can reduce the theft insurance premium. Estimated in
0.02 €/Wp

19. Estimated Savings
Savings Euro/Wp
Saving on maintenance calls 0,025
Saving on End string boxes 0,033
Data transmission cabling 0,0025
Warrenty on producibility 0,05
Saving on insurances 0,02
Total savings 0,13

20. User Interface
The control software designed and bundled with the Spim
device is easy installable on any Windows based
Computer. It enables the user to know in any moment the
presence, conditions and functionality on any PV module
installed.
The programmed monitoring checks automatically the
presence and integrity of the PV plant; the electrical
parameters are stored in a database and can be reviewed
by the user/customer in any moment.
The device can be applied to any PV module and it is able
to manage any size of solar plant.
User interface Software built in Visual Basic 6.0® and
running under Windows Xp®.

21. User Interface

22. Junction Box
is installed into a Junction box with the following
caracteristics:
Dimensions: 160 x 170 x 29 mm
Auto-estinguish rating: UL94-V0
Protection rating: IP 65
UV Rays: f1
Connectors protection rating : IP 67
Designed according to IEC61730

23. Certifications
In compliance with RF standards
ETSI EN 300 328 V1.7.1 (2006-10)
ETSI EN 301 489-1: 2008
ETSI EN 301 489-17:2008
IEC 61215