Indoor Test Stand for

Solar Thermal Collectors

Operating and Service Instructions

Manufactured for the

Concordia University

Contact address:
PSE AG
Emmy-Noether Str. 2
79110 Freiburg
Germany

www.pse.de

February 2011
1. GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................... 1

1.1. Limits of application ..................................................................... 1

1.2. Operator responsibilities .............................................................. 1

1.3. Security warnings ......................................................................... 2

1.4. Installation and connection........................................................... 5

1.5. Electrical Interface ........................................................................ 5

1.6. Maintenance................................................................................. 5

1.7. End of life cycle............................................................................. 7

1.8. Conformance to engineering standards ......................................... 8

1.9. Maxim .......................................................................................... 8

2. INDOOR TEST STAND ......................................................................... 9

2.1. General description ...................................................................... 9

2.2. Vertical carriage ......................................................................... 11

2.2.1. Overview ............................................................................ 11
2.2.2. Maintenance....................................................................... 12

2.3. Lamp field................................................................................... 13

2.3.1. Overview ............................................................................ 13
2.3.2. Safety Instructions .............................................................. 14
2.3.3. Maintenance....................................................................... 15
2.3.4. Technical specifications ...................................................... 16

2.4. Artificial sky ............................................................................... 17

2.4.1. Overview ............................................................................ 17
2.4.2. Getting started.................................................................... 18

I
 2.4.3. Removing the glass modules of the artificial sky .................. 18
2.4.4. Disassembling and cleaning of the glass cassettes .............. 19
2.4.5. Assembling and disassembling of the lamps........................ 20
2.4.6. Maintenance....................................................................... 21
2.4.7. Technical specifications ...................................................... 21

2.5. Collector test platform ................................................................ 22

2.5.1. Overview............................................................................. 22
2.5.2. Horizontal carriage.............................................................. 23
2.5.3. Separate collector test platform and undercarriage .............. 26
2.5.4. Electrically swiveling collector support................................. 31
2.5.5. Support for semitransparent PV-modules ............................. 32
2.5.6. X-Y-Scanner ........................................................................ 33
2.5.7. End switch released of X-Y-scanner...................................... 35
2.5.8. Ventilation unit ................................................................... 36
2.5.9. Maintenance....................................................................... 37
2.5.10. Technical specifications ...................................................... 38

2.6. Thermostat and collector circuit .................................................. 40

2.6.1. Overview............................................................................. 40
2.6.2. Deaeration of the collector circuit ........................................ 41
2.6.3. Maintenance of the thermostat............................................ 42
2.6.4. Technical specifications of the thermostat ........................... 42

2.7. Connection to the cold water grid ................................................ 44

2.7.1. Overview............................................................................. 44
2.7.2. Maintenance....................................................................... 45
2.7.3. Technical Specifications...................................................... 45

3. ELECTRONICS ................................................................................... 47

3.1. Electrical Cabinets ...................................................................... 47

3.1.1. SS 1 – solar simulator 1 ...................................................... 48
 3.1.2. SS 2 – Solar Simulator 2 ..................................................... 51
3.1.3. CP – collector test platform ................................................. 51
3.1.4. DA – Data acquisition.......................................................... 52
3.1.5. ATLAS cabinet..................................................................... 54

3.2. Three phase auto transformer ..................................................... 55

Technical Specifications ...................................................................... 55

3.3. Emergency stop .......................................................................... 56

3.3.1. Position / limit switches...................................................... 56
3.3.2. Safety Rope Pull Switch....................................................... 56
3.3.3. Operation pendant station .................................................. 57

3.4. Maintenance............................................................................... 58

3.5. Technical specifications.............................................................. 58

4. SENSORS ......................................................................................... 59

4.1. Ambient air temperature sensor .................................................. 59

4.2. Fluid temperature sensors........................................................... 59

4.3. Pyranometer ............................................................................... 60

4.4. Solar cell .................................................................................... 62

4.5. Anemometer ............................................................................... 63

4.6. Volume flow meter ...................................................................... 63

4.7. Manometer ................................................................................. 65

4.8. Technical specifications survey ................................................... 65

4.9. Data logger................................................................................. 66

5. LABVIEW – MEASUREMENT & CONTROL .......................................... 69

III
6. GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) .................................................. 71

6.1. Overview .................................................................................... 71

6.2. Menu bar .................................................................................... 71

6.3. Stand control .............................................................................. 73

6.3.1. Status Frame....................................................................... 74
6.3.2. View mode buttons (Target and Current) .............................. 74
6.3.3. File managing buttons (Reset, Load and Save) ..................... 75
6.3.4. Error panel.......................................................................... 77
6.3.5. Control mode switch ........................................................... 77
6.3.6. Angle/Distance mode.......................................................... 78
6.3.7. Direct Control...................................................................... 78
6.3.8. Start / Stop movement button ............................................. 79

6.4. Lamp .......................................................................................... 81

6.4.1. Lamp formation panel ......................................................... 82
6.4.2. Current position panel......................................................... 83
6.4.3. Target panel........................................................................ 83
6.4.4. Lamp control arrows............................................................ 84
6.4.5. Error and warning panel ...................................................... 84
6.4.6. Actions panel...................................................................... 85

6.5. Measure ..................................................................................... 87

6.6. Main Lamp field .......................................................................... 88

6.6.1. Temperatures panel ............................................................ 90
6.6.2. Artificial Sky panel .............................................................. 90
6.6.3. Error and warning panel ...................................................... 90
6.6.4. Target Position panel .......................................................... 90
6.6.5. Actions panel...................................................................... 92
6.6.6. Operation status panel........................................................ 92

6.7. Main scanner control................................................................... 95

 6.7.1. Measurements panel........................................................... 96
6.7.2. Ventilation panel ................................................................ 96
6.7.3. Visualization display........................................................... 96
6.7.4. Scanner Head control.......................................................... 97
6.7.5. Start- / End-position settings............................................... 97
6.7.6. Scan area settings .............................................................. 98
6.7.7. Scan movements .............................................................. 100
6.7.8. View mode and memory button array ................................. 101

6.8. Mobile lamp field control .......................................................... 105

6.8.1. Height Adjustment ............................................................ 106
6.8.2. Lamp operation and central visualization display............... 107

6.9. Mobile scanner control.............................................................. 107

6.10. Setup ....................................................................................... 109

6.10.1. Language.......................................................................... 109
6.10.2. Maintenance..................................................................... 109
Release brake ................................................................................... 109
Stop Horn ......................................................................................... 110
6.10.3. Calibration Instruments..................................................... 110
6.10.4. Change PIN ....................................................................... 110
6.10.5. Calibrate Lamps................................................................ 111
6.10.6. Calibrate Lamp Field ......................................................... 111
6.10.7. Calibrate Platform ............................................................. 111
6.10.8. Calibrate Mobile Stand...................................................... 111
6.10.9. Shut down ........................................................................ 111
6.10.10. Restart ......................................................................... 111

6.11. Lock ......................................................................................... 112

6.12. Modifying the IP Address of the system ..................................... 113

6.12.1. Touch screen .................................................................... 113
6.12.2. Lamp Control computer ..................................................... 113

V
6.13. Web interface and working with it.............................................. 114

6.14. File format for Stand Configuration ............................................ 115

6.15. File format for scan files ............................................................ 117

6.15.1. Why does not the scanner move anymore and a error is shown
in the GUI? ........................................................................................ 118
6.15.2. End switch released. Well then?......................................... 118
6.15.3. Safety pull rope switch released. Well then?....................... 118
6.15.4. Why does the Pyranometer measure negative signals? ....... 118
6.15.5. Why the irradiance values between pyranometer and solar cell
are differing?..................................................................................... 118
6.15.6. Some parts of the X-Y-Scanner motors are getting very hot. Is
that normal?...................................................................................... 119
6.15.7. How do I get my scan files (*.scn) from the touch screen to
other computers? .............................................................................. 119
6.15.8. I can't switch on the lamps ................................................ 119
6.15.9. How do I start a scan? ....................................................... 119
6.15.10. How do I stop a scan? ................................................... 119
6.15.11. How do I view scan results more detailed? ..................... 119
6.15.12. How can I view the Wind, PV-cell or Pyranometer values? 119
6.15.13. May I switch on the electrical cabinets of the different test
stand components in an arbitrary order? ............................................ 119
6.15.14. May I move the main or mobile lamp field during lamp
operation? 120
1. General information

1.1. Limits of application

The indoor test stand is laboratory equipment for the testing of solar thermal collectors as
well as PV-modules. It is only for industrial and research purpose.
The system consists of the steady state solar simulator, including a lamp field and an
artificial sky, as well as a collector test platform including a X-Y-scanner and a ventilation
unit. The test stand is completed by switching cabinets and control means (e.g. software).
Moreover there is additional equipment: a mobile lamp field, a mobile climate chamber
including a second scanner and finally a mobile solar air collector test stand. These devices
do have a specific separate manual.
Standard operation is the measurement of the efficiency of solar thermal collectors
according to EN 12975. Moreover the opportunity of testing semitransparent PV-Modules is
provided.
The plant is not suitable for use in aggressive chemical environments, or in environments
with danger of explosions.

1.2. Operator responsibilities

The institution operating the plant is responsible for complying with PSE's stipulations
regarding the necessary interfaces.
The operating institution is responsible for a clean and adequate illuminated work
environment, as well as for the correct use of the safety equipment.
The costumer is responsible for the statics of the building.
Furthermore institution operating the plant is responsible for security and must ensure that
only staff familiar with the operating instructions has access to the plant. Access to the plant
must be secured against unauthorized persons.

The operation and maintenance of the system is a difficult task

and may involve risks. Only specially trained technicians should
be allowed access.

1
1.3 Security warnings

To avoid risk of injuries and damage, please read these instructions, especially the security
warnings, carefully!
PSE will not be liable for injuries, defects or damage caused by incorrect operation.

1.3. Security warnings

For the main risks, special symbols are used. All warning signs, you'll find on the main test
stand, the additional equipment an also in this manual are listed here. The meanings of
these symbols are:

General warning! Only authorized staff in this area!

Avertissement général! Accès interdite à personnel non autorisé!

General warning!
Danger général!

Danger of electricity!
Danger électrique!

Danger of stumbling on floor mounted parts as rails, energy chains

or pilotages!
Risque de trébuchement sur éléments fixé à la terre comme rails,
chaîne d'énergie ou autres conduites.

Please make sure that no persons or parts are in the moving space
of the collector test platform.
Attention installation de convoyage sur rail! T'assure, que ne
personne et pas d'objets se trouve dans l'étendue d'mouvement de
la PEC (plate-forme d'essayer des collecteurs), s.v.p.

Bruising Hazard!
Danger d'écrasement!

2
 1 General information

Danger of hand (or arm, foot etc.) injuries!

Keep a safe distance from all moving parts of the system while they
are moving or when they could move!
Danger de se blesser à mains (ou bras, pieds etc.)!
Éloigner toi de toutes éléments mobiles pendant ils se bougent ou
peut-être pouvoir se bouger!

Warning: Remotely started equipment!

Attention: installation d'enclenchement automatique!

Pay attention on hot surfaces!

Gare à toi à cause de surfaces avec haute température!

Warning: hot fluid media!

Attention: Eau chaude!

Warning: UV hazard!
Attention: Risque de rayonnement ultraviolet!

Warning: Optical radiation hazard!

Attention: Risque de rayonnement optique fort!

Danger of blow-out!
Attention: agent lumineux peut éclater!

Prohibition: No access!
Interdiction: Entrée interdite aux personnes non autorisées!

3
1.3 Security warnings

Prohibition: Keep off areas! Don’t walk or stand on!

Interdiction: Ne pas marcher ou se mettre ici!

Prohibition: Don’t Climb!

Interdiction: Ne pas grimper!

Prohibition: No stoppage or storage!

Interdiction: Ne pas déposer ni entreposer!

Prohibition: No persons with pacemaker!

Accès interdit aux personnes porteuses d'un stimulateur cardiaque!

Mandatory: Wear hardhat!

Protection obligatoire de la tête!

Mandatory: Wear eye protection! While operating the lamp field, all
staff must wear eye protection against ultraviolet irradiation.
Protection obligatoire de la vue! Pendant le panneau de luminaires
est en service, tout le personnel doit porter des lunettes
protectrices contre le rayonnement ultraviolet.

Mandatory: When directly working under the operated lamp field,

additional skin protection is required.
Protection obligatoire du corps! Si vous travaillez au-sous du
panneau de luminaires activé, il faut additionnel protection pour la
peau.

Mandatory: Wear cloth protective cloth gloves.

Protection obligatoire des mains!

4
 1 General information

1.4. Installation and connection

Transportation, construction and start-up of the described parts are to be carried out by PSE.

1.5. Electrical Interface

All work on the electrical system must be done by an electrical specialist according to EN
50110-1 and CSA SPE 1000.

1.6. Maintenance
In case of maintenance the system must be disconnected from the grid. Only when the
system is disconnected from the grid staff is allowed to work. In case of maintenance: All
staff members under the lamp field and under the collector test surface must wear helmets.

In case of maintenance the system must be disconnected from the

grid. Only when the system is disconnected from the grid staff is
allowed to work.

In case of maintenance you have to disconnect the control system

from load to make sure that no personal damage occurs as a result
of uncontrolled drive mechanisms.

In case of maintenance: All staff members under the lamp field and
under the collector test surface must wear helmets.

When working on parts of the main spindle (e.g. replacing of the

drive, maintenance of the brake of the drive) the vertical lamp base
frame has to be supported mechanically. Because the spindle is not
locked against turning by drive or brake.

Detailed maintenance descriptions of the separate subsections are

marked in the text with the symbol shown on the left.

5
1.6 Maintenance

Chapter Component and maintenance operation Service Interval

General Check all parts of the test stand by a visual Daily

examination, if they are damaged!

Check if any power line is damaged! Daily

Lubricate the bearings! 12 month

Check all screws and tighten any loose screws! 12 month

2.2 Vertical Because of wear between spindle gear and screw Every 100 km
carriage nut the nut has to be replaced after 100 km. This
equates to about 39000 times carry up and
down.

Check the distance between safety nut and 12 month

travelling nut of the spindle gear! The initial
distance can be taken out of the protocol in the
annex. The distance measured in fact has to be
logged in the attached inspection sheet.

Check the lubrication of the rack and the gears of Refer to the manual of
the movement! the manufacturer.

2.3 Lamp field Replace lamp bulbs! Every 1000 operating

hours

Arrange an inspection of the lamps! 12 month by a trained

technician

2.4 Artificial Empty the storage tank for condensate! If necessary

sky

Clean the glass panes! If necessary

2.5 Collector Maintenance of the electrical gear-wheel Every month

test platform movement:
Ensure that gear-wheel and gear-rod are free of
dirt and well coated by a lubricating film. Look
out for any damages at the electrical gear-wheel
movement during every lubrication procedure!

Check also functionality of the vertical bearings If necessary

at the test plane and lubricate if needed!

6
 1 General information

2.6 Thermostat Check thermostat according to the HUBER 12 month

manual.

2.7 Cold water Control the pressure of the cold water circuit! Regularly, best daily
grid

3 Electronics Check the electronics! According to the

country-specific
standards

Test the functional capability of the kill and end 12 month

switches!

Control the data acquisition unit and the According to the

sensors! specified calibration
intervals

For further information according to the maintenance of the components please refer to the
corresponding subchapters in this manual.

1.7. End of life cycle

The disposal of all replaced parts, especially parts containing environmentally hazardous
substances must be carried out according to the relevant Canadian environmental
directives.

7
1.8 Conformance to engineering standards

1.8. Conformance to engineering standards

This device has come under a field-inspection by an Intertek agent in compliance with CSA-
SPE-1000-9.
The product fulfils the requirements of the following EU directives:
Richtlinie 98/37/EG Anhang II B (Maschinenrichtlinie)
Richtlinie 2004/108/EG (EMV-Richtlinie)
Richtlinie 2006/95/EG (Niederspannungsrichtlinie)
The product fulfils the requirements of the following harmonized standards:
EN 349
EN 954-1
EN 982
EN 13857
Furthermore the VDI 2854 was applied.

1.9. Maxim

Caution: This machine has no brain. Use your own!

But of course, please never hesitate to contact us if you have a
question that is not explained in this manual.

8
2. Indoor test stand

2.1. General description

The main test stand consists of the following components:
Figure 2.1:
General
description

11

7 6
4
5

8 9 10

No. Description

1 Lamp field with 8 metal halide lamps for the simulation of the irradiation. Each single
lamp and each lamp row can be moved electrically. Each lamp is controlled by an
Electronic Power Supply (EPS). The complete lamp field, equipped with the artificial
sky, can be moved in vertical direction. Moreover the lamp field may be inclined
within an angle of 0 to 90°.

9
2.1 General description

2 Artificial sky to avoid errors during the test of collector caused by the heat of the
lamps. It consists of 4 glass modules and the air circuit, including air ventilation and
air cooling. The artificial sky is directly attached to the lamp field.

3 Vertical carriage for the height adjustment of the lamp rig (lamp field and artificial
sky).

4 Vertical support, which mainly consists of vertical rails and a spindle gear; it is the
interface of the solar simulator to the building.

5 Collector test platform; it consists of the collector support, the railway carriage and
the thermostat as well as the ventilation unit, the X-Y-scanner and the data
acquisition unit.

6 Collector support, where the test collector is mounted on; the distance to the lamp
field as well as the inclination angle is variable.

7 X-Y-scanner; two axis sensor head with the following sensors: pyranometer for
accurate measurements of the irradiation homogeneity, anemometer for wind speed
measurements, and a solar cell for fast irradiation measurements.

8 Ventilation unit; provides a controlled wind speed on the collector surface. The height
of the ventilation unit can be changed to correspond with different thicknesses of test
collectors.

9 Thermostat; it controls flow and temperature of the heat transfer medium of the
collector circuit.

10 Electrical cabinet "SS2" (solar simulator 2)

11 Electrical cabinet "CP" (collector platform)

The description and the operation instructions of further engines such as mobile scanner,
mobile lamp field, mobile climate chamber and solar air collector test stand are given in
separate manuals.

10
 2 Indoor test stand

2.2. Vertical carriage

2.2.1. Overview
The vertical support of the solar simulator mainly consists of two vertical rails, the main
spindle gear for the vertical movement of the lamp rig (lamp field and artificial sky) as well
as a sensor for height measurement and various limit switches. Its interface to the building
is the fixed footing on the floor and the connection to the building.

The vertical carriage is a steel structure, which carries the lamp rig in vertical position and is
driven by the main spindle. It also carries a switch cabinet and the cylinders for adjusting
the tilt angle of the lamp rig. Those cylinders each have a spindle inside.

The spindle gear for the vertical movement must not be used more
than 6 minutes per hour (10 % on-time).

The lamp rig consists of a steel structure which supports the lamp field and the artificial sky.
The artificial sky includes the glass cassettes, two ventilation modules and several air ducts
for air circulation as well as the two water-air-coolers. The whole lamp field is adjustable
between 0 and 90 degrees.

Figure 2.2:
Protection boot
Spindle gear of
the vertical
support

Travelling nut

Safety nut x
Main spindle

Electric motor

11
 2.2 Vertical carriage

2.2.2. Maintenance
When working on parts of the main spindle (e.g. replacing of the
drive, maintenance of the brake of the drive) the vertical trolley has
to be supported mechanically. The reason is the spindle is not
locked against turning by drive or brake.

Because of friction between spindle gear and screw nut the nut has
to be replaced after 100 km. This equates to about 39000 times
carry up and down.
Please check the distance between the travelling nut and the safety
nut of the spindle gear (denoted by a red x in Figure 2.2). The
starting distance can be found in the inspection sheet in the annex.
The distance must be checked annually; the measured data have to
be documented in the inspection sheet. For more information
according to maintenance of the worm gear screw jack please refer
to the manual of PFAFF-SILBERBLAU® in the annex.

Figure 2.3:
Left: Grease
nipple for the
bearing of the
vertical support
spindle.
Right:
Main string pot
encoder for the
height
measurement
of the vertical
carriage.

12
 2 Indoor test stand

2.3. Lamp field

2.3.1. Overview
The lamp field consists of 8 metal halide (MHG) 1 lamps. The MHG lamp bulbs contain a
small quantity of rare earths producing a dense multiline spectrum that is similar to the
AM 1.5g spectrum defined by EN 60904-3. In combination with special glass filters, the MHG
lamp systems provides a spectral distribution very close to natural sunlight, which fulfils the
specifications of the relevant standards EN 12975:2006 and ISO 9806-1:1994. For more
information please refer to the manual of the manufacturer ATLAS MTT® in the annex.
In order to provide homogeneity of the irradiation according to the standard it is necessary
to adjust the height and the angle of the lamp field.
Additional to the height-and-angle-adjusting of the lamp field in generally, the test stand
has the possibility to adjust each lamp row (in Y-direction), as well as each lamp itself (in X-
direction), as it is shown in the following figure.

Figure 2.4:
Degrees of
freedom of
lamps,
lamp rows
and lamp field.

With these additional degrees of freedom it is possible to adjust the position of the lamps in
the way that other configurations concerning homogeneity (for example a better

1
MHG stands for “metal halide global”.

13
 2.3 Lamp field

homogeneity on a smaller area) are possible. How to move the lamps and the lamp rows is
explained in the chapter software.

2.3.2. Safety Instructions

During operation of the lamps, no person should be in front of the

lamps and in the illuminated area. Betake yourself only there, if it
is absolutely necessary and always have another person watching
you from the control room.

Read the safety instructions of the lamp manufacturer ATLAS MTT®!

Very rarely lamps may burst. Damaged or old lamps may burst more
likely. As rare as this is, the system should never be operated
without or with damaged filter glass (i.e. the spectral selective
glass plates of the MHG-lamps).
To fulfil the requirements of solar simulation, the arc of the lamp
has extreme high luminance and emits a high proportion of
ultraviolet radiation. Irreparable eye damage can occur by looking
directly at the arc. Severe skin damage can occur due to an
exposure of just some minutes.

Protect your skin! Wear appropriate protective clothes (UV-

absorbing or reflecting) that cover all parts of the skin.

Protect your Eyes! Use UV-protecting sunglasses! Also with this

sunglasses do not look directly in the discharge arc of the lamps!
Several protective sunglasses are delivered together with the solar
simulator; an example is displayed in the following figure.

Figure 2.5:
Recommended
protective
sunglasses

14
 2 Indoor test stand

2.3.3. Maintenance

It is necessary to change the lamps every 1000 operating hours

because they loose their spectral quality.
For more information according to maintenance of the lamps
please refer to the manual of ATLAS MTT® in the annex.

The lamps have to be maintained once a year by a trained

technician.

Please check lubrication of the gear rack and the gears of the
lamp row movement. For more information according to
maintenance of the movement please refer to the manual of
LEANTECHNIK® in the .

Figure 2.6:
MHG-lamp in
operation seen
through
welder's
goggles.

15
2.3 Lamp field

2.3.4. Technical specifications

Technical specification Details

Effective degrees of freedom of lamp rig 3 linear, 1 rotational (0° to 90°), actuators
and lamps electrically controlled, height and inclination
sensors

Lamp type ATLAS MTT® “Solar Constant 4000”

Weight per unit 20 kg

Operating conditions for lamps +10° C to +50° C, no dew

Spectral Quality according to EN12975: 2006 and

ISO 9806-1:1994

Life expectancy of lamps 1000 hours

Size of test area with 1200 W/m² (without 2.0 m x 2.4 m

artificial sky), ± 10% homogeneity

Temporal stability of light intensity ± 1%

Collimation approx. 80% of the emitted radiation lies in the

range in which the IAM of a regular flat plate
collector varies by no more than 2%

Intensity Control 75 - 100%

Number of lamps 8

Heat Load to the Test chamber 8 x 4.6 kW = 36.8 kW

Connected power Please refer to the wiring diagram of the ATLAS

cabinet.

Main supply 400V/60 Hz 3PH/N/PE

Operating Conditions for EPS +10°C up to +32°C, no dew

For further information please refer to the attached instructions of ATLAS MTT®!

16
 2 Indoor test stand

2.4. Artificial sky

2.4.1. Overview
The lamp field produces a lot of heat. The collector has to be protected against this long
wave irradiance. With the artificial sky it is ensured, that only the light - and not the heat -
achieves the test area. The artificial sky consists of four double-glass-modules made of
glass with high transmittance (antireflective coated glass CENTROSOL HiT-C+). To cool down
the glass and imitate the temperature of the sky, the space between the two glass panes of
each glass module is flushed with cooled air, whereas this air is circulated by two ventilation
modules and conditioned by two water-air-coolers, which are connected to the cooling grid
of the building. How to connect the heat exchanger with the grid is explained in chapter 2.7.
The air circuit is closed in order to minimize the cooling losses and to avoid the entrance of
dust.
The artificial sky is directly connected with the lamp field to ensure their absolute
parallelism and its constant distance. In cases of tests without the artificial sky, the coolers
and the ventilation modules of the air flow have to been set off. In such cases or for
maintenance purpose, the glass modules can be removed as it is described in this chapter.
Due to the fact that the artificial sky air circuit is the coldest point of the test facility,
condensate might occur. This condensate is collected directly behind the cooling units in a
storage tank. The storage has to be emptied if necessary.

Figure 2.7:
Condensate
Storage

17
 2.4 Artificial sky

2.4.2. Getting started

Before starting a new test it is always necessary to activate the ventilation units of the
artificial sky by pressing the reset button of the electrical cabinet SS1 (see chapter 3.1.1).
This is also necessary after an emergency shut down and a shut down due to the overheating
of the artificial sky ventilation units.

2.4.3. Removing the glass modules of the artificial sky

Wear cloth protective gloves to prevent fingerprints on the glass.

Traces of grease may stove irremovable into the glass during
operation.

Work in pairs!

Accomplish the following steps:

1. Make sure the collector test platform is not under the lamp rig.
2. Turn the lamp rig in horizontal direction (0°).
3. Lowering the lamp rig until the height of the glass modules level is suitable for the
users.
4. Disconnect the system from grid.
5. Remove the cover plates at both sides of the frame (see Figure 2.8).
Figure 2.8:
Removal the
glass modules

6. With (minimum) two persons only: Slowly pull the glass modules at the knurled
screws, until both people can carry the module at the shorter edge.

Attention: the two knurled screws are only for pulling the glass
module, NOT for carrying it!

18
 2 Indoor test stand

7. Store the glass modules in vertical direction in a clean place and avoid damages
during the storage.

For mounting the cassettes: please work in reverse order.

During the setting in, it may happen that - shortly before reaching its final position - a
module abut against the yellow steel cross in the middle of the artificial sky and then you
can't push it further anymore. This is due to an ineluctable slight sagging of the module.
Don't worry! Just push the module frame a bit from bottom-up until it slides effortless over
the edge.

2.4.4. Disassembling and cleaning of the glass cassettes

When working with the glass cassettes it is necessary to be very careful. A data sheet of the
anti-reflex coated glass, type CENTROSOLAR HiT-C+®, can be found in the annex. It has a
thickness of 4.0 mm.
After pulling one glass module out of the frame as described in the section above, put it on a
clean, stable and well illuminated worktop.
First loose the 4 knurled screws and all hexagon socket counter sunk screws, as shown in
Figure 2.9

Figure 2.9:
Disassemble
the glass
modules:
step 1.

19
 2.4 Artificial sky

Figure 2.10 shows, how to push out the rigid PVC mounting of the glass. Work in pairs!
Figure 2.10
Disassemble
the glass
modules:
step 2.

Now you may clean the glass panes with warm, dematerialized water without chemical
cleaners. Hard materials such as steel wool, scrub sponges with a rough side, scrapers or
stuff like that may scratch the surface. Most suitable is soft cotton cloth or chamois leather.

Don't use chemical cleaners!

Don't use means which could damage the surface!
Work in pairs!

To assemble the glass module, do all steps in reverse order.

2.4.5. Assembling and disassembling of the lamps

Work in pairs!
Read the attached instructions of ATLAS MTT®!

Before disassembling the lamps, please first remove the artificial sky glass modules as
described above. Then act as described in the following:
1. Make sure the lamps are disconnected from load.
2. Remove the glass pane which covers the lamp. Use clean cotton gloves.
3. Remove the lamp by loosing all fixture screws.
To mount the lamps, please work in reverse order.

20
 2 Indoor test stand

2.4.6. Maintenance

Empting of the storage tank for the condensate if necessary.

This will be probably very rarely.

Clean the glass panes of the artificial sky regularly.

2.4.7. Technical specifications

Technical specification Details

Glass panes double-sided antireflective coated toughened

white glass

Dimensions of the artificial sky 4 glass modules with circa 2200 x 1100 mm
each

weight per module circa 65kg

air flow max. 2 x 2000 m³/h

necessary flow of cooling fluid at 6°C 1,5 - 2 m³/h

Electrical power consumption of the max. 2 x 1,40 kW

ventilation modules

Air ducts all around insulated

For more information please refer to the datasheets and manuals of glass and ventilation
modules in the annex.

21
 2.5 Collector test platform

2.5. Collector test platform

2.5.1. Overview
The collector test platform affords the fixation of a collector specimen and includes all
Figure 2.11: equipment for the conditioning and the data acquisition which is needed for testing or
Collector test certification of solar thermal collectors.
platform with
X-Y-scanner,
electrically
tiltable test 14
3
surface, 4
ventilation,
thermostat and
measured data
acquisition 13
equipment. 5
12
11 1
10
9 8 7 6 2

The electrically driven horizontal carriage includes the following subcomponents:

No. Description

1 Collector test platform (see also Figure 2.14).

2 Undercarriage (see also Figure 2.14).

3 Electrically swiveling collector support with integrated electronic tilt angle control.

4 X-Y-scanner with pyranometer, solar cell and anemometer. The first two instruments
are suitable for measurement of irradiance. The latter one detects the wind velocity
on the test surface.

5 Ventilation unit mounted on the lower edge of the test surface; electrically
adjustable to different collector thicknesses.

6 Thermostat with integrated temperature sensors.

22
 2 Indoor test stand

7 Electrical cabinet "DA" for data acquisition.

8 Electrical cabinet "DA2" with Data acquisition unit aka data logger.

9 Box containing pipes, pump and valve for flow control and flow regulation of the
collector circuit. Also contained: heat exchanger between Thermostat and collector
circuit.

10 Volume flow measurement device.

11 Limit switch of the safety rope.

12 Trench with rails and energy chains (containing power supply and cold water circuit
pipes).

13 Electrical cabinet "CP".

14 Sensor for ambient temperature.

Attention: The test platform comprises different moving parts!

Danger of hand (or arm, foot etc.) injuries!
Keep safety distances from all parts of the system while they are
moving or when they could move

2.5.2. Horizontal carriage

The horizontal carriage consists of two main groups of components: undercarriage and
collector test platform. They may be separated, as described in following section. The
undercarriage is running on rails in a trench and bears all superstructural parts called
"collector test platform". The latter includes e.g. the support structure for the electrically
swiveling test surface, a pair of electric lifting cylinders and different valves and piping,
ventilation, a X-Y-scanner, semitransparent PV-module support as well as different sensors.
Moreover there's a thermostat in the centre of the horizontal carriage providing the
conditioning of the collector circuit. For more details see paragraph 2.6.
The switching cabinet "CP" for the horizontal carriage is located at the back end of the
containing all controllers of the electrical drives. For safety aspects there are kill switches at
the front and the back end, and a circular kill switch rope.
Finally there is a data acquisition unit and an appropriate electrical cabinet.

23
 2.5 Collector test platform

Figure 2.12:
The
horizontally
drivable
collector test
platform. This
picture was
taken at a
former indoor
test stand
similar to your
one, but
without a
trench.

Automatically positioning is possible via centralized controls. The horizontal axis for the
collector distance movement is the rail slide in the trench. The movement is done by an
electrical gear-wheel drive which is in contact with a gear rack at the rail slide (manual here).
A second gear-wheel is connected with a sensor and communicates the distances to the
controller. On the basis of this the distance of the horizontal carriage to the solar simulator
can be varied and monitored by the controller.

Figure 2.13:
Electrical gear-
wheel drive c,
sensor of
distance d
and gear rail
e. 2 1

24
 2 Indoor test stand

Attention: Danger of hand (or arm, foot etc.) injuries!

Keep safety distances from all parts of the system while the
horizontal carriage is moving or when it could move!

Danger of stumbling on floor mounted parts as rails, energy chains

or pilotages!

Pay attention on hot surfaces!

Please make sure that no persons or parts are in the moving space
of the collector test platform, particularly in the trench!.

Don’t walk or climb at the test platform and thermostat!

25
 2.5 Collector test platform

2.5.3. Separate collector test platform and undercarriage

This is only allowed, if the collector test platform has been driven in
a horizontal position!

Wear Hard hat while every lifting operation, thus also at-the
collector test platform separation!

The collector test platform and the undercarriage may be separated, as shown in Figure
2.14.

Figure 2.14:
collector test
platform and
undercarriage.

26
 2 Indoor test stand

Obey the hereafter instructions:

Disconnect the collector test platform from grid by switching of the main switch at the
electrical cabinet CP (see chapter 3.1.3).
Switch of the entire test stand by the main switch on the electrical cabinet SS1(see chapter
3.1.1). Unplug all power supply and measurement cable shown in Figure 2.16.

Figure 2.15:
Power supply
connectors of
the collector
test platform.

Then shut the four red stopcocks visible in Figure 2.16. Afterwards separate the collector
test platform from the main cooling circuit by loosing the fitting between the two stopcocks
of supply and return flow.

Danger of hot water effluence!

Figure 2.16:
Connection
hoses for the
cold water
circuit

27
 2.5 Collector test platform

Afterwards loose the gear wheel. But never touch the positioning sensor otherwise the
platform will loose the position and the collision detection will not work.
Figure 2. 17:
Electrical gear
wheel.

Now loose the four arrest screws as visible in Figure 2.18 and remove the yellow clamping
plates.

Figure 2.18:
Loosing the
arrest screws
for the collector
test platform.

After this fasten round slings at the four lifting points as shown in Figure 2.19. Fix the two
green slings (length = 2 m) at the therefore destined eyes and the violet ones (length =
1.5 m) at the tilt bearings. Use only the provided polyester round slings. Don't use steel
chains; they could damage the surface of the steel structure. If you do it in another way, the
platform may tilt and crash when lifting …
Conduct the round slings through the superstructures in a way, so that they don’t lie against
any parts (see Figure 2.20). The latter could deform irreparable while lifting.

The collector test platform weighs about 2500 kg.

Assure that the lifting device (fork lift / overhead crane) is designed
for such weight!
Assure that the round slings are designed for such weight

28
 2 Indoor test stand

Figure 2.19:
Fastening of
the round
slings for
collector test
platform lifting.

Now you may lift up the collector test platform. Don’t bother about, if it hangs a bit lopsided.
The sum of the four lifting points doesn't coincide exactly with the center of mass.
Figure 2.20:
Round sling
conduction.

29
 2.5 Collector test platform

Well! Now mount the four BLICKLE® swivel caster with brake (foot operated) at the destined
flange plates as shown in Figure 2.21.
Figure 2.21:
Example
mounting
position of the
swivel caster
with brake (foot
operated).

After mounting the heavy duty rollers you can lift the collector test platform down and move
to any other suitable place. Don't forget to lock the foot parking brake after each relocation.

If you want to set back the collector platform onto the undercarriage work in reverse order,
as described above.
Do the "reunion operation" only in pairs: one person controlling the overhead crane, the
other one controlling the position of the collector test platform. First fix the four polyester
slings again, lift up and remove the rollers.
Let the platform down very slowly onto the undercarriage. During that pay attention that the
dowel pin hits the corresponding conic bushing.
Finally mount the arrest screws an clamping plates again.
Figure 2.22:
Setting
platform back
on the
undercarriage.

30
 2 Indoor test stand

2.5.4. Electrically swiveling collector support

The collector support carries the collector, the ventilation unit and the X-Y-scanner. Its tilt
angle can be varied via a pair of electric cylinders and is monitored by an angle sensor, while
the end positions are determined by limit switches.
The test surface is made of extruded aluminum profiles allowing a flexible adaptation to
different types and dimensions of collector specimen. Further attaching material is
internationally available at ITEM®.
Please only use adequate accessories for the fixation of the collector.

Figure 2.23:
Picture of
electrically
swiveling test
platform with
lamps shining
bright. In the
foreground you
see some parts
of the solar air
collector test
stand.

Maintenance, collector fixing and all other works at the platform must only be done in
horizontal end position of the collector support. Please make sure that the collector is fixed
and that there are no parts, e.g. tools, which may fall down when swiveling the tilt angle.

Attention during collector assembly and disassembly! Danger of hot

water effluence!

For the connection of the test specimen to the collector circuit, use hoses and fittings
appropriate for very hot and cold water.

31
 2.5 Collector test platform

2.5.5. Support for semitransparent PV-modules

The indoor test stand is equipped with a special support system for measuring the
transparency of semitransparent PV-modules.
This system mainly consists out of two holding brackets (see Figure 2.24). You may set these
brackets into the destined retainers on either side of the collector support. Do that in pairs,
'cause they're quite a bit heavy!
Move the holding brackets along their guide rails to adapt the distance between both
brackets to the size of the module specimen.
It's allowed to incline the test platform during PV-testing.

Attention! Make sure, that all locking lever of the bracket retainers
are fixed, before swiveling the test plane!

Figure 2.24:
Support for
semitransparent
PV-modules:
c Holding
Bracket;
d Retainer for
the Brackets;
e Guide rail;
f Example PV- 4
Module;
g Module arrest 5

2
3

To measure the transparency or more precisely the (mean) transmittance T , you may use the
pyranometer installed on the scanner — or alternatively you use an custom irradiance sensor
such as a luxmeter or another sensor with a higher sensitivity.

32
 2 Indoor test stand

In either case you first have to carry out a scan to detect the irradiance distribution without
shading. Optimize the lamp positions if desired and repeat the first scan. You'll receive a
discrete matrix of irradiance values E ( xi , y j ) and a mean value E .
Now you may put the module specimen onto the brackets and clamp them with the destined
star-handle arrest screws.
Finally do a second irradiance-scan with the same parameters and the installed shading PV-
modules. This gives you a second data matrix E ' ( xi , y j ) . The mean E ' is.
Finally the mean transmittance/transparency of the PV-module is

E
T= .
E'
Please notice that the simulated sunlight of the simulator isn't as parallel or collimated as
natural sunlight.

2.5.6. X-Y-Scanner
The irradiance and the wind speed in the collector plane have to be measured.
For this purpose a pyranometer is moved automatically over the test surface, with the help of
an X-Y-scanner, and measures the irradiance distribution on the test surface. An additionally
solar cell is installed which allows fast but not that much precise scans of the irradiance. So
this cell cannot be used for the computing of the efficiency factor of the collector but allows
a good overview of the irradiance-homogeneity in the collector plane.

Figure 2.25:
X-Y-Scanner
with
pyranometer,
solar cell and
anemometer.

33
 2.5 Collector test platform

Figure 2.26:
X-Y-scanner
with
pyranometer,
solar cell and
anemometer
(CAD drawing).

The third sensor on the X-Y-scanner is an anemometer to measure the wind velocity in the
collector plane according to the EN 12975:2006. It is fixed by a magnet and can be easily set
in protection position (see "brown position" in Figure 2.1). The height of the test probe
above the collector surface has to be set manually.
More and detailed information concerning the sensors you'll find in chapter 4.

Only collectors with a height up to 30 cm can be tested.

Figure 2.27:
X-Y-scanner
with controlled
axes.

Due to the installation height of the pyranometer and the X-Y-scanner, it is not possible to
take irradiance measurements exactly at the level of the collector cover. Therefore, the
measurement data must be taken on a parallel level above the collector cover. After the

34
 2 Indoor test stand

irradiance distribution determination, the collector surface must be shifted into the test
level.
You can do this by means of the central control touch screen. The required movement of
collector platform and lamp field is calculated based on the positions and angles of lamp
field and test surface in combination with the thickness of the collector. This repositioning
must be carried out by the test stand user via the centralized controls (see chapter 6
software).
The software developed especially for this purpose ensures an automatic scan process as
well as recording and graphic representation of the measurement results.

Attention: Danger of hand (or arm, foot etc.) injuries!

Keep safety distances from all parts of the system while the scanner
is moving or when it could move!

Some parts (the brakes) of the linear motion step motors may get
very hot!

2.5.7. End switch released of X-Y-scanner

On each scanner axis there are three special inductive sensors. Two of them are located on
both end of tooth belt axis and serve as limit switches. A third one is situated next to one of
them called reference switch. In Figure 2.28 these switches are marked with red arrows. The
sensors contain little orange built-in lights gleaming if the switch is connected and working.
Figure 2.28:
End switch c,
3 reference
1 switch d and
contact plate
sensor e on a
2 scanner axis.

When the contact plate sensor of the carriage slide is nearby an inductive sensor the light
goes out and the sensor sends a signal to the control unit. That's no problem if it happens at
the reference sensor. This one serves for orientation that is as benchmark for the movement.
The other two "end"-switches shouldn't be approached in normal operation. Anyhow that
can happen e.g. during a software breakdown. Then the scanner-motion will stop
immediately and can't be activated via the GUI.
In this case you've got to release the brake. There's a button to do this in the GUI (see
section 6.10.2).

35
 2.5 Collector test platform

Attention!
The collector test platform has to be driven in 0°-position, i.e.
horizontal. Otherwise the cross axis may crash down uncontrollable
and generate serious damage at person and machinery.

If the brake is released you may push the scanner axis manually away from the limit switch.
Possibly you still get an error message on the GUI-screen. Then it's advisable to restart the
GUI.

2.5.8. Ventilation unit

The ventilation unit consists of two cross-flow fans, in a customized cabinet furnished with a
protective grid on the front and back openings.
Figure 2.29:
electrically
height
adjustable
ventilation
unit.

The ventilation unit is mounted on the lower edge of the test surface. You can vary the height
of the ventilation unit electrically to adapt the position of the air flow to the collector
surface. The air flow speed and the position is set via the test stand’s centralized control
(see section 6.3.7).

Attention: Danger of hand (or arm, foot etc.) injuries!

Keep safety distances from all parts of the system while the
ventilation is running or moving or when it could move!

36
 2 Indoor test stand

2.5.9. Maintenance

Maintenance of the gear-wheel movement:

Please make sure that the gear-wheel and the gear rack is free of
dirtiness and a lubricating film is coated. When lubricating the gear
wheel, check if any parts are damaged.

Check the bearings every 6 month and lubricate when is needed.

Grease both electric cylinders by means of the grease fittings shown

in Figure 2.30 regularly every 30 to 50 operation hours. For more
information have a look to page 23 in the ENZFELDER® catalog.

Figure 2.30:
Grease fittings
at the lifting
electric
cylinders.

37
2.5 Collector test platform

2.5.10. Technical specifications

Collector test platform

Technical specification Details

Total weight about 2,500.00 kg

Horizontal carriage

Technical specification Details

Railway 9460 mm

approx. l = 4700 mm, b = 2500 mm,

Max. size
h = 1900 mm/5100 mm

Electrical connection 400 V/60 Hz 3PH/N/PE

Electrically swiveling test platform

Technical specification Details

Test surface net: 2.4 m x 3.2 m, gross: approx. 2.5

m x 3.3 m

Max. load approx. 400 kg laminar

Range of incline 0° to 90°

Precision ± 1°

38
 2 Indoor test stand

Ventilation Unit

Technical specification Details

Number of cross-flow fans 2

Max. air flow speed 4 m/s

Electrical power approx. 1000 W each

Electrical connection 230 V/60 Hz

X-Y-Scanner

Technical specification Details

Net scan surface 2.2 m x 3.4 m (width x height)

Max. collector thickness 30 cm

Precision ± 1 mm

39
 2.6 Thermostat and collector circuit

2.6. Thermostat and collector circuit

2.6.1. Overview
To get an idea of how collector circuit and thermostat are interconnected, first please take a
look to the hydraulic drawing in Figure 2.31 or in the annex.

Figure 2.31:
Hydraulic plan
of the
thermostat and
collector
circuit.

Strictly speaking there are three circuits: on the left side you see the collector circuit. It's
interconnected with the second circuit of the thermostat via a heat exchanger. Purpose of
the thermostat is heating and cooling of the fluid in the collector circuit.
The thermostat is a "HUBER® Unistat 510w FB spez" and its operation manual is attached in
the annex. Please look there for further information and operation instructions. Switch on
the thermostat before testing. Control happens by means of LabVIEW.
The chiller inside the thermostat is cooled by water out of the cold water grid (see section
2.7) – and that's the third circuit. The internal cooling and heating circuit of the Thermostat
requires special silicon Oil type M40.165.10 (see datasheet here).

Take care that the level of the silicon oil in the sight glass is above
the minimum mark!

The volume flow is recorded by an electromagnetic flow sensor (EFS) and regulated with the
help of a pump controlled via a frequency inverter and a special motorized control valve. In

40
 2 Indoor test stand

addition, a temperature sensor on the volume flow meter measures the temperature of the
fluid, so the mass flow can be calculated (see more in chapter 4 and 1).
A drainage tap with a short piece of hose on it allows a complete discharge of the collector
circuit. On the left and right side of the EFS you find to valves with a hose connection facility
for volumetric dosing of the EFS.

2.6.2. Deaeration of the collector circuit

When replacing and connecting a new collector specimen, always air gets in the collector
circuit. That's why the system has to be deaerated. For this purpose you need the mobile
filling unit (see manual here). The filling unit is equipped with a GRUNDFOS® MQ 3-45 pump.

Attention! The internal pump (GRUNDFOS® 80F) in the

collector circuit will get damaged irreparable, if it draws air in
a non-deaerated system!

Figure 2.32:
Mobile filling
station.

To start the deaeration, the filling station has to be connected to the filling valves on the
collector test platform (c and d.in Figure 2.33).
Figure 2.33:
Filling valves
2
on the collector
platform.
5

Then please work in the order of the following steps:

41
2.6 Thermostat and collector circuit

1. Disconnect the old collector.

Attention during collector disassembly! Danger of hot water

effluence!

2. Connect the new collector.

3. Turn the mode switch at the electrical cabinet CP (on the right side) in the "filling"
position. The motorized control valve opens and water may flow free in the collector
circuit.
4. Open the bypass-cut-off-valve.
5. Fill in water into the mobile filling station.
6. Close the valve e (closed if perpendicular to the pipe).
7. Open the valves f and g.
8. Switch on the pump of the mobile filling station and let the water flow through the
system.
9. Keep going until there are no more air bubbles in the barrel of the mobile filling
station (this can take several minutes).
10. Close valve f.
11. Keep running the pump until the system has reached the right pressure.
12. Close the upper valveg.
13. Switch of the pump and undock them.
After this procedure the new collector specimen can be tested. Before doing that you've got
to turn the mode switch on "Testing".

2.6.3. Maintenance of the thermostat

For more information please refer to the attached manual of

HUBER®.

2.6.4. Technical specifications of the thermostat

Technical specification Details

Temperature range -50 … 250°C

Temperature stability @ -10°C ±0.1 K

Heating power / Cooling power 12 kW / 5 kW

42
 2 Indoor test stand

Max. cooling water pressure 6 bar

Main supply 440 V/60 Hz 3~N

Controlling via LabVIEW

There are much more technical specifications and you'll find them in the attached data sheet
which can be found in the end of the manual. For even more operation information please
refer to the manual in the annex.

43
 2.7 Connection to the cold water grid

2.7. Connection to the cold water grid

2.7.1. Overview
The cold water grid is necessary for the cooling of the artificial sky and the thermostat
tempering the collector circuit. A more detailed plan you find in the annex.
All circuits of the indoor test stand are closed and deliver thermal energy to the cold water
grid of the building by means of an external heat exchanger. There is just one connection to
the external heat exchanger. The cooling circuit is split in two parts via a distributor.
The connections and piping of the test stand are displayed in the following drawing.

Figure 2.34:
Drawing of the
cooling system
and its 5
6
connection to
the cold water
grid.
3
4 1

No. Description

1 Connection to the cold water grid

2 Cold water distributer

3 Inlet thermostat

4 Outlet thermostat

5 Inlet artificial sky

6 Outlet Artificial sky

44
 2 Indoor test stand

2.7.2. Maintenance

The pressure of the system should be controlled regularly. If

the pressure is too low or too high it has to be adjusted. The
operating pressure should be about 1,5bar.

It has to be checked once a year if the safety valve in the cold

water circuit is operable.

The operator has to make sure that no algae are growing in

the cooling circuit.
Check that annually!
Take a small water sample out of the cooling circuit of the
thermostat and make a visual inspection for possible green
coloration. That indicates an infestation.
Don't use chloride-containing agents which may corrode and
damage copper pipes or any gaskets!
Use a special algae killing agent for water circuits!

2.7.3. Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications Details

Pumps 2 x GRUNDFOS® UPS 32 160 F (cold water

grid)
GRUNDFOS® UPS 32 80 F (thermostat) @
25 l/min

Operating pressure 1.5 bar

For more information please refer to the manuals in the annex.

45
3. Electronics
The electric components are installed in different cabinets. In the following you will find a
short description of the signals and switches installed at the electric cabinets. For more
technical details please refer the wiring diagrams.

3.1. Electrical Cabinets

There are eight electrical cabinets:

Abbreviation Name Supply voltage

SS1 Solar Simulator 1 AC 400 V / 60 Hz / max 20 A

SS2 Solar Simulator 2 AC 400 V / 60 Hz / 8 A

CP Collector Test Platform AC 400 V / 60 Hz / 20 A

DA Data Acquisition AC 230 V / 60 Hz / max 2 A

DA2 Data Acquisition 2 AC 230 V / 60 Hz / max 1 A

MS Mobile Scanner AC 230 V / 60 Hz / 5 A

ML Mobile Lamp Field AC 400 V / 60 Hz / max 10 A

SAC Solar Air Collector Test Stand AC 400 V / 60 Hz / max 10 A

ATLAS ATLAS® cabinet for lamp control AC 400 V / 60 Hz / max 146.6 A

In the upcoming sections these abbreviations will be used many times.

All single cabinets have to be connected to the main power distributing cabinet. The latter
one is provided by the customer.

Danger of electric shock!

The operator isn't allowed to open the electrical cabinets!
Some wires are conducting high voltage and heavy current.

47
3.1 Electrical Cabinets

3.1.1. SS 1 – solar simulator 1

This cabinet serves the control of the main test stand. It's equipped with a touch-sensitive
screen. With the help of this you may operate the control software via a graphical user
interface (GUI). A description of this GUI can be found in chapter 6.
Also connected to the cabinet is a dead man's switch that has to be pressed down during all
test stand movements.

After each start up the emergency shut off has to be released by

pressing the button (9) otherwise no movements can be ´don

This electrical cabinet must be switched at the latest 5 minutes

after the Atlas cabinet otherwise a timeout will make a
communication impossible.

The switches and buttons at the front side are described in the following picture and chart.

48
 3 Electronics

Figure 3.1
Electrical
Cabinet SS 1.

6
9

10 5

11
4

12
3

No. Name Function

1 Main switch Power supply ON/OFF.

2 Ventilation Turn ON/OFF the power supply of the artificial sky

ventilation.

3 Ventilation ON Shining, if power supply of the artificial sky

ventilation units is established.

4 Power Supply Shining, if power supply of the drives for changing the
Lamp position single lamp positions is established.

5 L1, L2, L3 Monitoring of each phase.

49
3.1 Electrical Cabinets

6 Reset Ventilation Reset the power supply fort he artificial sky

ventilation after shut off by the internal thermostat of
the fans.

7 Emergency stop Interrupts immediately all power supply.

Note: The emergency shut of chain includes the
cabinets SS1, SS2, CP, DA, ML, ATLAS
but not MS (mobile scanner)!

8 Touch Screen For entering commands in the GUI.

9 Reset Emergency Shut Off Reset power supply for the main drives after
activating the emergency shut down.

10 Power Supply Shining, if power supply of the drive for changing the
Lamp Field Height height position of the lamp field is established.

11 Power Supply Shining, if the power supply of the drive for changing
Lamp Field Inclination the inclination of the lamp field is established.

12 Touch screen ON/OFF Turns ON or OFF the touch screen.

50
 3 Electronics

3.1.2. SS 2 – Solar Simulator 2

This is the cabinet installed on the lamp field support. There are no switches or buttons to
activate. The main switch of SS1 automatically establishes also the power supply of SS2.
Figure 3.1:
Electrical
Cabinet SS2.

3.1.3. CP – collector test platform

The electrical cabinet CP mainly contains wiring and frequency converter for most of the field
devices on the collector test platform.
Figure 3.2:
Electrical
Cabinet CP.

51
3.1 Electrical Cabinets

1 3

No. Name Function

1 Main Switch Turns the power supply of the collector test platform
on/off.

2 L1, L2, L3 Monitoring of each phase of the power supply.

3 Thermostat Control "OFF": Thermostat, pump and motorized valve off.

testing OFF testing
"filling": Switch in this position during filling and
deaerating the collector circuit (see section 2.6.2).
The motorized Valve opens.

"testing": The circulation pump is running at

minimum speed to avoid stagnancy in the collector
(25 l /min). Speed can be changed using LabVIEW.

3.1.4. DA – Data acquisition

In the data acquisition cabinet wires from all sensors (chapter 4) merge together and will be
bundled for getting relayed to the data logger. For details please refer chapter
"measurement" or the electric wiring diagram.
At the front plate there are also several bushes for interconnection to the solar air collector
test stand (see separate manual).

52
 3 Electronics

Figure 3.3:
Electrical
Cabinet: “Data
acquisition”

2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

No. Name Function

1 Main Switch Turns the power supply of the data acquisition

cabinet on/off.
Shining green, if ON.

2 Connector 1 • dp_V_50_air
• dp_V_250_air

3 Connector 2 • dp_V_2500_air
• dp_room/air

4 Connector 3 • p_room_air

5 Connector 4 • T_in_air

6 Connector 5 • T_out_air

7 Connector 6 • T_massflow_air

8 Connector 7 • T_heatexchanger_air

9 Connector 8 • dp_collector_in/out_air

10 Connector 9 • dp_collector_in/room_air

53
3.1 Electrical Cabinets

11 Connector 10 • Humidity/
• T_amb_air

12 Connector 11 • safety_valve_pressure
• frequency_inverter

3.1.5. ATLAS cabinet

This cabinet includes the lamp controllers for the MHG-lamps of the main as well as mobile
lamp field. So there are 14 electronic ballast devices in it. Before ignite the lamps, you've to
turn on the main power supply switch c.
This electrical cabinet must be switched at the latest 5 minutes before the electrical cabinet
SS1 otherwise a timeout will make a communication impossible.
For more detailed information please refer the manual from Atlas.

54
 3 Electronics

Figure 3.2:
Electrical
Cabinet: ATLAS
Lamp
controller.

3.2. Three phase auto transformer

The three phase auto transformer is installed for the thermostat it runs only with 440V an
60Hz but not with the 400V which is supplied by Concordia.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: ULMER TRANSFORMATORBAU
Type: TDSG 5 20 kVA

55
 3.3 Emergency stop

3.3. Emergency stop

3.3.1. Position / limit switches
To avoid any collisions and damages during movement there are several limit switches
installed at different positions in the test stand.
Figure 3.4:
Limit switch at
the CTP.

Figure 3.4 shows an example of such a limit switch. Depending on which one of them gets
activated, the corresponding actual movement(s) will stop directly. Movements can start
again when they are released. This is done automatically by the software.

3.3.2. Safety Rope Pull Switch

There's a safety rope installed around the collector support (see datasheet here). Figure 3.5
shows rope and switch.
In case of emergency pull the red rope. The pull switch gets activated and every motion
concerning the collector test platform will be interrupted immediately.
The test stand will not move till the rope was pulled out again while pushing button (1) (see
following figure). Afterwards the Emergency-Stop release button at the electrical cabinet SS1
has to be pressed.

56
 3 Electronics

Figure 3.5:
Safety rope pull
switch

2
1

No. Description

1 Switch with release button.

2 Rope mounted around the collector support

3.3.3. Operation pendant station

This device is connected to the electrical cabinet SS1. Figure 3.6 shows the station. It
includes a dead mans push button c and a mushroom operator for emergency stop d.

Figure 3.6:
Operation
pendant station

The push button must be pressed down during every movement of the test stand. By
releasing it, the motion will stop instantaneous.

57
3.4 Maintenance

Pressing down the emergency stop operator will activate the emergency shut off chain. Then
the following actuators are stopped by interrupting the power supply:
1. Lamp field height drive
2. Lamp field inclination drive
3. Collector support position drive
4. Collector support inclination drive
5. Ventilation collector support
6. Artificial sky
The same happens if you push down the emergency shut off operator at the SS1

3.4. Maintenance
Please check every 12 month if all limit switches, emergency
shut off chains and kill switches work.

All electrical components should be checked in conformity

with the standards of the operator’s country.

3.5. Technical specifications

Please refer to the wiring plans and the manuals in the annex.

58
4. Sensors
In this chapter all the Sensors connected to the data logger are described. They are all
connected to the data logger and displayed in the LabVIEW application.

4.1. Ambient air temperature sensor

There's a little silver box nearby the middle of the collector test platform – Figure 4.1 shows
it to you. This box contains a Pt100-air temperature sensor with tolerance class A.
Figure 4.1:
Sensor for
ambient
temperature
measurement.

A little 60 W splashing water proof fan (IP54) creates a constant air volume flow round the
housing of the Pt100-Sensor according to EN 12975-2. For the temperature calculation out of
the measured resistivity values DIN EN 60751 parameters are used. See also the tabular in
the following section.

Sensors must be recalibrated from time to time!

The calibration intervals have to be defined by the user.

4.2. Fluid temperature sensors

For the measurement of the fluid temperature at different positions in the collector circuit
several Pt100 resistance temperature detectors (RTD) are used.

59
4.3 Pyranometer

Their tolerance class is 1/3 DIN B. In Figure 2.31 they are marked by this sign:
For more accuracy and to eliminate the resistivity of the cables, all temperature sensors
(also these for air temperature measurement) are wired by 4-point probes method except
that one for the cooling water temperature (T_cooling_water). That's why each sensor needs
two channels on the multiplexer card 34921A. The connection on the modules for the 4-wire-
configuration is always 2 wires on channel 1…20 (Bank 1) and two wires on the channel
20…40 (Bank 2).

Sensors must be recalibrated from time to time!

The calibration intervals have to be defined by the user.

The sensors delivered are calibrated and the certificates can be found in the annex (see also
section 4.9). The following table gives a survey of all Pt100 Sensors, their denomination in
LabVIEW and their fitting parameters calculated out of the calibration certificates. These
parameters are needed for the calculation of the temperature T out of a measured
resistivity value R . LabVIEW handles this calculation and the corresponding formula is

[ ]
1
− R0 A + ( R0 A) 2 − 4 R0 B ( R0 − R ) 2
T ( R) =
2 R0 B
Also Sensors of the solar air collector test stand are listed. For the calibration parameters
which have to be entered in the LabVIEW VI please refer to the Excel sheet in the annex.
• T_in_collector
• T_out_collector
• T_massflow
• T_ambient
• T_ventilation_left
• T_ventilation_right
• T_in_air
• T_out_air
• T_massflow_air
• T_heat_exchanger_air
• T_cooling_water

4.3. Pyranometer
A pyranometer (see Figure 2.25) is a wavelength-integrating radiometer and measures
irradiance values.

60
 4 Sensors

The homogeneity of the irradiance on the collector surface must be monitored before and
after each test according to EN 12975:2006 to enable reproducibility of the test conditions.
The irradiance measurements have to be made on the same level as the transparent
collector cover. By entering the collector thickness in the software-menu "measure" you may
accomplish a correction movement, so that the collector surface gets driven into the
previously scanned plane.
The pyranometer is mounted on the X-Y-scanner head. Thus one can gather irradiance data
points in a grid inside of the test-area. The scan time for every data point of the grid has to
be at least 5 seconds resulting from the response time of the pyranometer. Moreover you've
to add circa 3 seconds for the linear movement of the scanner — dependent of the grid
fineness.
The Pyranometer type CMP 21 is fabricated by KIPP & ZONEN. It provides small voltage
signals to the data logger. Afterwards the software computes the irradiance value by means
of the sensitivity. The CMP21 has an individual calibration certificate containing the
sensitivity value.
The sensitivity is temperature-dependent and therefore the calibration certificate contains
data for this dependency. The resulting effect isn't very large. Nevertheless the GUI-software
regards this factor. Other correction terms or offset-effects — e.g. cosine-deviation,
nonlinearity or radiation transfer effects — won't be comprised 'cause they're too small or
hard to estimate. There's a detailed user's guide in the annex containing information related
to that measurement errors and offsets. Look here for a short instruction sheet.

Maximum irradiance: 4000 W/m²

Maximum temperature: 80°C / 176°F
Minimum temperature: -40°C / -40°F

Please clean the quartz glass dome regularly with soft cloth
and water or alcohol.
Keep the instrument leveled!

Please check the desiccant regularly. Replace it if clear 'cause

then it's saturated with water.

Recalibrate the instrument at least every 2 years.

Technical Specifications of the CMP21 pyranometer

Spectral range 285 to 2800 nm

61
4.4 Solar cell

Sensitivity Please refer to the

calibration sheet in the
annex.

Response tome 5s

Zero offset A ± 7 W/m²

Zero offset B ± 2 W/m²

Directional error (up to 80 ° with 1000 W/m² beam) < 10 W/m²

Temperature dependence of sensitivity (-20 ºC to +50 ºC) ±1%

Operating temperature range -40 °C to +80 °C

Maximum solar irradiance 4000 W/m²

Field of view 180 °

4.4. Solar cell

Another possibility of irradiance measurement is given by a small monocrystalline solar cell.
It's mounted on the X-Y-scanner head together with the pyranometer. This radiation detector
has the advantage of a very small response time.
And that's, why there's a fast-homogeneity scan-option in the "Main Scanner"-menu of the
control software. This is useful in order to check the irradiance of large test areas.
Unfortunately it has a less accuracy then the pyranometer on so the solar cell cannot be
used for the tests according to the standard. When tests according to the EN 12976:2006
are made always a scan with the pyranometer is necessary.
Under illumination the solar cell delivers small voltage signals. It has an outlet of
approximate 75 mV @ 1000 W/m² and hence its sensitivity is about 75 μVm²/W.
There's a datasheet of the cell type TRITEC Spectron 210 in annex.

Keep the surface of the cell always clean!

Sensors must be recalibrated from time to time!

The calibration intervals have to be defined by the user.

62
 4 Sensors

4.5. Anemometer
The wind speed in the collector plane has to be measured by an anemometer for valid test
sequences. Like all the other sensors the velocity transmitter D12-65V C is wired to the
AGILENT data logger. The values delivered by the sensor lies in a range of 0 V to 10 V. The
wind speed can be calculated by a linear relation from 0 up to 10 m/s with an accuracy of
±0.1 m/s.
The anemometer is mounted on the X-Y-scanner-head as like as the pyranometer and the
solar cell (see Figure 2.25 and Figure 2.26). The height has to be set manually (please refer
to chapter X-Y-scanner).
For more information have a look to the corresponding datasheet.

4.6. Volume flow meter

The volume flow in the collector circuit is measured by an electromagnetic flow sensor. The
instrument is a KROHNE Optiflux 4000 in combination with a KROHNE IFC 300 signal
converter. Figure 4.2 shows them. One can set the output to current or to pulses – or both as
done here.
The pulse output is connected to an WAGO TCP controller and this one again to the LabVIEW
application for an automatic flow regulation.
The current output lies in a voltage range of 4 to 20 mA. This corresponds to volume flows in
between 0 to 1000 l/h during delivery. Other measuring ranges can be set at the signal
converter KROHNE IFC 300. The current signal is send to the AGILENT 34921A Module. For
the calculation of the mass flow the temperature of "T_massflow"-Pt 100 sensor has to be
used.
Figure 4.2:
On the Left:
Electro-
magnetic flow
meter.
On the Right:
signal
converter in
wall mounted
housing.

63
 4.6 Volume flow meter

Figure 4.3:
In the annex you'll find a datasheet, quickstart instructions and a detailed handbook for the
Motorized
Optiflux 4000. Also there are datasheet, quickstart instructions and handbook for the IFC
valve in the
300.
collector
circuit.
Sensors must be recalibrated from time to time!
The calibration intervals have to be defined by the user.

To guarantee as constant as possible volume flow, i.e. to minimize fluctuations a bypass has
been installed in the collector circuit. The cut off valve in the bypass must always be opened
during testing operation. For a volume flow higher than 300 l/h the valve has to be closed.
The volume flow can be regulated by a driving speed change. Moreover there's a motorized
valve as showed in Figure 4.3 to do this.

This valve gets controlled by voltage signals from LabVIEW. A manual adjustment can be
done by means of the black colored hand wheel. The actual condition of the valve can be
read by a little indicator on the scale at the bottom side. There's a. If the indicator is at the
top, the valve is open and contrariwise it's at the bottom by closed valve.

64
 4 Sensors

4.7. Manometer
There's an analog manometer in the collector circuit. It shows the actual pressure in the
collector circuit. Operating pressure should be 1.5 bar.
Figure 4.4:
Analog
manometer in
the collector
circuit.

4.8. Technical specifications survey

Sensors and data acquisition equipment

Technical Specification Details

Temperature sensors Pt-100

Pyranometer KIPP & ZONEN CMP 21

Solar cell TRITEC Spectron 210

Anemometer AIRFLOW D12-75 (Model C) 0-10 m/s (+/- 0.1

m/s + 2%)

Volume flow sensor KROHNE Optiflux 4000 + IFC 300 W

Measurement Software LabVIEW 8.6

65
 4.9 Data logger

4.9. Data logger

The data logger consists of the Agilent switch 34980A (datasheet here) containing a plug in
module 34921A (user's guide here). It is located at the collector test platform and shown in
Figure 4.5.
Figure 4.5:
Data logger.

This Module is a 40 channels armature multiplexer with 4 additive current measurement

channels. The plug in module is relevant for the measurement and the control of the test
stand according to the standard EN 12975:2006.
The configuration of the plug-in-module 34921A is displayed in the following table:

Sensor Channel Calibration Sensors necessary

on module certificates for EN 12975:2006

T_in_collector 001 + 021 x x

T_out_collector 002 + 022 x x

T_massflow 003 + 023 x x

T_ambient 004 + 024 x

T_ventilation_left 005 + 025

T_ventilation_right 006 + 026

T_in_air 007 + 027

T_out_air 008 + 028

T_massflow_air 009 + 029

<disengaged> 010 + 030

T_cooling_water 011

66
 4 Sensors

<disengaged> 031

T_amb_air 012

<disengaged> 032

<disengaged> 013

<disengaged> 033

Pyranometer 014 + 034 x x

Wind speed 015

Solar cell 035

dp_room/volume_air 016

<disengaged> 036

dp_collector_in/out_air 017 x

<disengaged> 037

dp_collector_in/room_air 018 x

<disengaged> 038

Humidity/Temp_air 019 x

<disengaged> 039

dp_collector_in/room_air 020 x

<disengaged> 040

Volume_flow 041 (current) x

dp_V_50_air 042 (current) x

dp_V_250_air 043 (current) x

dp_V_2500_air 044 (current) x

The following table shows some technical specifications of the data logger (switch 34980A):

67
4.9 Data logger

Specifications and characteristics Details

Channels / configurations 40 2-wire or

20 4-wire or a mixture of these two
4-current
1.5 A fused

Max volts ±300 V

Max switch current 1A

Max carry current 2A

Power 60 W

Offset voltage < 3 μV

Initial closed channel res < 1.5 Ω

DC Isolation (ch-ch, ch-earth) > 10 Ω

Scanning speeds 100 ch/sec

Open / close time, typical 4 ms/4 ms

68
5. LabVIEW – Measurement & control
The measurement and the control according to collector tests are driven by a LabVIEW VI.
The functions are shown in a separate manual.

69
6. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.1. Overview
The main test stand and all additional components get controlled by a graphical user
interface (GUI). This GUI can be operated via a touch screen (SS1). This enables controlling
not only of the main lamp field, artificial sky and the collector test platform but also of the
mobile lamp field and the mobile scanner. The control includes operation of all mechanically
moving components plus dimming of the lamps. The additional testing devices have their
own manual. Control of the solar air collector test stand happens via LabVIEW. The mobile
climate chamber has an own control panel and isn't connected to the central touch. Figure
6.1 gives you an overview about the control interconnections between all testing devices.

6.2. Menu bar

You may select any of 9 menus by touching the appropriate button in the dark purple menu
bar on the bottom of the screen. The selected menu will be highlighted yellow. The order of
the menus from left to the right follows a bit the proceeding at the preparation of a collector
specimen test.
Figure 6.1: The
menu bar.

The menu item in detail to make this clear:

• First of all in the Stand menu (section 6.3) the lamp field and collector test platform can
be carried in a desired configuration. You may vary position, inclination and distance.
Configurations may be saved or loaded.
• Then use the Lamp panel to control the lamp positions of the main lamp field ( 6.6).
• Afterwards under Measure you may consider the thickness of the collector to align
scanning plane and collector surface in preparation for a measurement (section 6.5).
• Hereafter you switch on the light In the Main Lamp field menu. You can also dim them
and activate the ventilation of the artificial sky (section 6.8).

• And finally a pyranometer scan can be done in the Main Scanner menu (section 6.7)
before starting the intended collector measurement (e.g. characteristic curve).

71
 6.2 Menu bar

• Affiliated to this are the control items for Mobile Lamp field (section 6.8) and Mobile
Scanner (section 6.9) control.
• In the Setup panel you may do different adjustments and special operations for
maintenance as well as entry calibration parameters (see section 6.10).
• With the Lock function you may protect the touch screen against unwanted intervention
of a third party (section 0).
Each of these menu items will be explained in a separate section in the following. Please
note: in every interface all selectable buttons arrows or input fields are marked in light
Figure 6.1: purple.
Overview of all
controllable
devices.

72
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.3. Stand control

After starting the electrical cabinet SS1 the desktop showed in Figure 6.2 will appear on the
touch screen when the computer has booted. At the beginning always the stand menu is
selected.
Figure 6.2:
7
Stand control
(in
angle/distance
mode) shown in
the GUI after
2 startup.

9
3 4 5

No. Description

1 Menu bar.

2 Status frame.

3 View mode buttons.

4 Buttons for setting mobile lamp field and transparent PV collision control

5 File managing buttons.

6 Error and warning panel.

7 Angle and distance settings.

8 Control mode switch.

9 Start or stop movement button.

73
 6.3 Stand control

6.3.1. Status Frame

This frame schematically displays the current configuration of the system in lateral view. You
may recognize simplified pictograms of the vertical carriage with eight lamps and artificial
sky, the tilted collector test platform on the horizontal carriage and also the position of the
scanner head symbolized as small yellow circle on a thin line. Even the actual positions of
the lamps in the lamp field are shown correctly.
When the stand is not moving and no settings have been changed, the current position will
be presented in yellow as shown in Figure 6.2.
If you change the numerical entry in the angle/distance settings, these settings will be
showed in yellow. In contrast now the current configuration is always displayed in light blue
outline drawing behind the target. Figure 6.3 shows you, what is meant.

Figure 6.3:
Stand control.
Desired
position shown
in yellow,
actual or
current
position shown
as gray
shadow.

In the right upper corner of the status frame you may read precise values for lamp field
height and inclination (first two lines) and collector support position and angle (bottom two
lines).

6.3.2. View mode buttons (Target and Current)

Sometimes it will be a bit confusing to see both: current and target position. Then with the
view mode buttons you may switch between current and combined view. Tap on Current und
the actual configuration will be shown in blue as illustrated in Figure 6.4. Tap on Target and
both views will be shown again.

74
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.4:
Stand control
with status
frame in current
view.

6.3.3. File managing buttons (Reset, Load and Save)

Beside the view mode switches there are three buttons to reset, load and save
configurations.
After changing the positioning settings, you may delete these setting and reset them to the
current position by tapping on Reset. The light blue frames will disappear and only the
yellow current position is visible.
By tapping on Save a file manager panel will be opened like shown in Figure 6.5. If you are
in the Stand menu, only *.std files and folders will be shown (folders doesn't have filename-
extensions). A *.std-file contains all specifications of a test stand configuration (see
section 6.14). The selection panel contains all configurations that have been saved
previously. Tap on a folder to open it. You can't create new folders with this file manager.
How to do this is explained in 6.13. Scrolling is possible by using the arrows or directly
moving the file list with the finger.
Tap on Filename … and a keyboard will appear for typing in a favored file name (only small
letters allowed).
Tap on Load and a dialog box will come up asking you if you want to load a target position.
Tap on Yes and the file manager will open. Select a desired file by tapping on it. It will be
emphasized in dark blue like shown in Figure 6.6. Tap on load.

75
 6.3 Stand control

Figure 6.5:
The file
manager when
saving.

Figure 6.6:
The file
manager when
loading.

76
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.3.4. Error panel

Of course not all test stand configurations are allowed. The travel ranges are limited and it
wouldn't be a good idea to drive the lamp field into the floor.
That's why during the position setting of the test stand forbidden configurations and
collisions between lamp field and CTP will be detected. Then you'll get error messages in the
error frame. It has a scroll bar on its right side if there is a host of messages …
Moreover there are red indications in the status frame to show you, where exactly the
problem arises. Figure 6.7 shows this case.
Only if the error panel is empty, movements may get started!

Figure 6.7:
Stand menu
with messages
in the error
panel.

6.3.5. Control mode switch

Movements of the test stand may be done in either of two ways
• Angle/Distance
• Direct Control
You may switch between these modes by tapping on Angle/Distance or Direct Control
marked by a i in Figure 6.2.

77
 6.3 Stand control

6.3.6. Angle/Distance mode

How the GUI looks has already been showed in Figure 6.2. In this mode only entries for the
inclination of both – lamp field and collector support – as well as for the distance between
lamps and measurement plane of the pyranometer are possible.
The set distance between the lamps and the test platform will be maintained if you change
the angle value. The same applies for distance changing.
Distance and angle value may be increased or reduced by multiple tapping on the little blue
triangles on the left and the right side of each input field.
Alternatively you may tap on the value itself. This will bring up a numeric keypad where an
arbitrary value may be entered.
Please note: In the upper part of the keypad the permitted interval for values is shown. For
each input field and corresponding keypad there are of course different intervals. Apart from
that the program will let you know, if an entered value is forbidden.

6.3.7. Direct Control

Tap on Direct Control to reach the settings for direct control of lamp field and collector
support shown in Figure 6.8. Now all positions may get entered individually. In the lamp
field box you may enter position and angle for the lamp field. 0° corresponds to a horizontal
position and 90° to a vertical one. The position i.e. height of the lamp field is measured from
the floor to the middle of the lamp field. In horizontal position this is just the vertical
distance between a lamp bulb and the floor.

Figure 6.8:
Stand panel
(in direct
control mode).

78
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

In the collector support box you may enter position, angle and height. Let's see: Position of
the CTP means the horizontal distance to the wall which is the vertical carriage is hanging
on. Angle is the inclination of the collector support and Hgt (height) means the height of the
electrically drive collector support ventilation. Changing this value enables the adjustment
of the air flow to the collector surface.
By means of the direct control also e.g. (implausible required) configurations with different
inclinations of test surface and lamp field are possible. Have fun!

6.3.8. Start / Stop movement button

Before starting any movement, please note the following warnings!

Before driving the collector test platform in 0°-position:

Make sure, that no objects has been deposited on the
electrical cabinet CP or on the base frame of the collector
support!

Make sure that no persons or objects are located in the

horizontal travelling range of the collector test platform!
In particular the trench must be not covered!

Make sure that no persons or objects are located in the

swiveling range of the lamp field or the collector support! For
example the crane must not be in the way.

The Start Movement button will not be activated if any errors are detected. If you try to start
the movement while there are still error-messages, the test stand drawing on the screen will
get red colored and nothing will move like shown in Figure 6.9. Then you've got to tap the
Reset Error button and eliminate all error messages before again start the movement.
But if no error messages exist anymore and if all settings for the target position are done,
tap on that button and you'll get requested to press down the green push button on the
pendant operation station (Figure 3.6).
A warning signal sounds and finally the test stand will start to move.
During the movement the screen will turn like in Figure 6.10. The current position is appears
displayed in blue and the target position is shown as light gray contour in the background.
While the system is moving it's not possible to change the target.
Hold down the button during the whole movement. The movement is finished, if the stand on
the screen turns yellow again.
The movement may be stopped at any time either by releasing the bush button or by tapping
on Stop Movement.

79
 6.3 Stand control

Figure 6.9: This

happens if you
try to start a
movement
while there are
still error
messages.

Figure 6.10:
Stand menu
during
movement.

80
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.4. Lamp
Tap on Lamp in the menu bar and you'll reach the screen shown in Figure 6.11. The Lamp
interface is used for positioning of the lamps in the main lamp field. It contains 6 panels
whose functions will be explained in the following.
Figure 6.11:
2 1 3
Lamp control
interface.

No. Description

1 Lamp formation panel.

2 Current position panel.

3 Target panel.

4 Lamp control arrows.

5 Error and warning panel.

6 Actions panel.

81
 6.4 Lamp

6.4.1. Lamp formation panel

In the middle of the Lamp interface you see 8 yellow squares. They symbolize the lamps and
are numbered from 1.1 to 1.8. The formation panel shows the lamp field in that way, you
would see it if standing in front or underneath of it.
If no changes or settings were done, the current formation of the lamps will be symbolized
with yellow squares. The minute you change settings, only the target position will be
displayed in yellow whereas the current positions are shown as gray outlines (see Figure
6.14).
Tap on any lamp and the whole lamp row will be selected. This is indicated by a yellow frame
round both lamps (see Figure 6.12). Now you may change positions of these two lamps
either by the Target Position panel (subsection 6.4.3) or by the Lamp Control arrows
(subsection 6.4.4), which are light purpled now.
But there's also an option for lamp positioning by drag-and-drop. Just choose a lamp with
you finger and then pull the lamp around on the screen until you're happy. The selected
lamp will shine as red outline and if a positioning is forbidden, red indicators will appear as
illustrated in Figure 6.13.

Figure 6.12:
Lamp Panel
after selecting
a lamp row.
Note the
selection box
surrounding
the selected
lamps and the
highlighted
arrow controls.

82
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.13:
Change lamp
positioning by
drag-and-drop.

6.4.2. Current position panel

On the left there's a Current Position panel indicating the numerical values for the current
position of all lamps at every time. The distances are given in millimeters. Origin of the
reference system is the middle of the lamp field at the intersection point of the big gray
cross (symbolizing the glass panes of the artificial sky).
The first column shows you the Y-coordinates of the 4 lamp rows. In the second and third
column you see the X-coordinates of each lamp.
Here's nothing to tap or change.

6.4.3. Target panel

The Target Position panel is constructed analogically as the Current Position Panel. But as
you may recognize, all fields are purpled and that means: touch it and change the positions
of every lamp. Tapping on any button will pop up a keypad where the target value may be
entered directly. If you've entered a number, tap on OK.

83
 6.4 Lamp

The lamps may only be positioned pair wise. This means that only one row at a time may be
selected.
When the target position has been set, both the target and current positions are indicated
on the center panel. The current position is indicated with a gray outline and the target
position with a yellow square (see Figure 6.14).

6.4.4. Lamp control arrows

Lamp positions can also be changed directly by using the arrow control pads in the Lamp
Control panel below right. Since lamps move pair wise both up and down arrows have the
same function. But left and right movement is possible for each single lamp.
Tapping on the arrows only set the target coordinates, the lamps are only moved when the
Start Movement button is pressed.

Figure 6.14:
Lamp Panel
after changing
the target
position.
Please note the
gray outline
indication a
current lamp
position.

6.4.5. Error and warning panel

If you try to set lamps or lamp rows to a forbidden position, for example if there's a collision,
then a red indication will appear in the lamp formation panel. Moreover the error panel
shows you a list with a short description of the problem.
Only if the error panel is empty and no problems exist anymore, starting the lamp movement
is possible.
The error panel also shows you, what's going on at the moment during the movement.

84
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.15:
Lamp formation
panel with
errors indicated
in the top in red
and detailed on
the bottom
error list.

6.4.6. Actions panel

On the left of the Lamp interface there's a panel called Actions with a Start Movement
button. his button starts the lamp movement.
The button is only enabled, if no errors are in the error panel anymore. After tapping, the
lamps will start moving and the button will change to Stop Movement. In contrast to stand
movements no dead man switch has to be pressed during the lamp motion.
At any time during the move it is possible to stop the lamp movement by taping Stop
Movement.
During movement the current position is indicated with a blue square and the target position
with an outline as shown in Figure 6.16. The actual process of the movement will be shown
in the error panel.
The target position may not be changes while the lamps are moving.
After the lamps have stopped the new position is indicated on the lamp formation panel.

85
 6.4 Lamp

Figure 6.16:
Lamp interface
after starting a
movement.

86
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.5. Measure
Do the following steps only after you have set the lamps and
did the scanning process.

The reference plane for calculating the distance between collector support and lamp field is
the scanning plane of the pyranometer. Exactly in this scanning plane the irradiance
distribution gets measured. Maybe this plane is special distinguished 'cause you've got
optimized the lamp constellation to get there a very well irradiance homogeneity or a
particular mean irradiance value.
Unfortunately this measurement plane isn't the same as the collector surface, because the
pyranometer is running above the test sample. So that’s why you've to carry the collector
surface in the analyzed measurement plane. This has to be done always after scanning and
before beginning a collector test program. Otherwise your identified parameters are not
valid.
Hence a measure interface has been designed. Tap on Measure in the menu bar and the
interface shown in Fig 6.17 will open.
All you've got to do now is enter the accurate collector thickness in the provided input field
on the right side. Then tap on Start Movement.
Similar to the Stand interface you'll get requested to press and hold down the green push
button on the pendant operating station. Don't release the button until the movement has
finished completely. The error panel shows you, what's actually going on.

87
 6.6 Main Lamp field

Figure 6.18:
Measurement
interface.

6.6. Main Lamp field

In the Main Lamp field interface you may control all aspects of the lamp field and artificial
sky beyond mechanical positioning. These controls get reached by tapping on the Main
Lamp field button in the menu bar. Take a look on Figure 6.19.

Figure 6.19:
The Main Lamp
field interface.

88
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

1 4
6

No. Description

1 Temperatures panel.

2 Cold Sky panel.

3 Error and warning panel.

4 Target Position Panel.

5 Actions panel.

6 Panel visualizing operation status as well as positions of the lamps.

89
 6.6 Main Lamp field

6.6.1. Temperatures panel

The temperature panel indicates the value of four temperature sensors in the artificial sky.
These sensors are located each left and right at the air-inlet as well as outlet. Unit of the
output values is degree Celsius. In this panel there's nothing to tap.

6.6.2. Artificial Sky panel

In this panel you may switch on and off the ventilation and the pump for the cold water
supply of the artificial sky. If it is switched on, the ON/OFF-button will turn yellow as shown
in Figure 6.20. Moreover you'll hear the ventilation running.

Figure 6.20:
Artificial sky
panel, when
switched on.

6.6.3. Error and warning panel

As like as in all the other so far explained control interfaces also here the warning and error
panel serves as communicator between machine and operator. Warnings occur for example,
if a lamp is not found or if its intensity cannot be set because it is cooling down. Basically
this panel will tell you always, what's going on at the moment.

6.6.4. Target Position panel

Using this panel enables you to configure the intensity of each lamp. Dimming levels in
between 50 % to 100 % are allowed. Please note: If you're dimming a lamp below 75 %, the
spectral quality of the emitted radiation will lower. In practical terms, that means, that a
significant deviation from the aimed spectrum AM 1.5 occurs.
Tapping on any button of the Target Position panel will bring up a keypad to enter the new
dimming values as shown in Figure 6.21.
By tapping on Set all Lamps, you're in the position to change the operation status of all
lamps at the same time. Now the buttons of all modified lamps will shine yellow and show
the target operation status (see Figure 6.22).
However this is not sufficient to ignite the lamps. That will only happen, when you've tapped
the Lamps On button.
You may also change the intensity values of one or all lamps during operation while the
lamps are burning. Simply set the intensity by tapping on the button for the relevant lamp or
by tapping on Set all Lamps. Please note, that these changes will be assumed without any
additional confirmation.

90
6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.21:
Pop-up-panel
for entering
new dimming
values.

Figure 6.22:
A desired
operation
status will be
shine yellow in
the Target
Position panel.

91
6.6 Main Lamp field

6.6.5. Actions panel

All target settings done? Then it's finally time to start the lamps. Just tap on Lamps On in the
Actions panel. The button description will turn into Lamps Off.

From this moment, no one should be inside the testing room!

Strong optical radiation!
Don't look into the lamps!
Wear eye and skin protection!

You may possibly hear the switching in the Atlas cabinet before igniting. During the lamps
are in operation they will send out a noticeable buzzing. But that is normal.
The operation status of the lamps is shown in the operation status panel as given exemplary
in Fehler! Verweisquelle konnte nicht gefunden werden.. For more details have a look to the
upcoming section.

Don’t put any inflammable objects (e.g. paper, plastic or

sticker) directly in front of the lamps, while they are in
operation – strictly speaking: not between artificial sky glass
and lamps.
Irradiance values can be local such high, that a serious fire
hazard is given!

Tapping on Lamps Off will deactivate the whole lamp field. Please note: After switch off the
lamps you've got to wait 10 minutes before reactivation the lamps. This is necessary to
avoid damage of the lamp bulbs.

6.6.6. Operation status panel

The operation status panel is displayed in the middle of the Main Lampfield interface. It
indicates the status and intensity of each lamp in real time. It gets the operation status
directly from the lamp controller. Left and right is determined by an observer looking at the
lamps from the front as like as in the Lamp-interface.
The lamps are symbolized as small squares again containing a description of the actual
operation status. Additionally they're painted in a color indicating that status as shown in
Figure 6.23. Please note: the intensity of the operation status panel indicates the real
intensity, whereas the intensity on the Target Position panel shows the intended values.
If a lamp is damaged or is currently in cool down mode this is also reported on the panel
with color and text.

92
6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.2: The

lamps in the
operation panel
shows the
actual
operation
status – here in
light green
symbolizing
maximum
intensity
(100%).

Figure 6.23:
Operation
panel with
lamps at
different
intensities.

93
6.6 Main Lamp field

The following values may be displayed:

Setting Description

On / … % The lamp is switched on. The current intensity is also shown as percentage of
the maximum output intensity. Each lamp square is green colored. The lower
the intensity, the darker the color.

Off The lamp is switched off. The lamp is painted gray.

Error A lamp error has occurred. If this happens please contact PSE.

Ignite The lamp controller is currently igniting the lamp.

Cool The lamp is cooling down. It takes up to 10 minutes before the lamp may be
switched on again.

? The lamp was not found, and is probably disconnected.

94
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.7. Main scanner control

The Main Scanner interface opens by tapping on the corresponding button in the menu bar
and is displayed in Figure 6.24.

1 3 4 Figure 6.24:
The Main
Scanner
interface.

6
2

No. Description

1 Measurements panel.

2 Ventilation panel.

3 Visualization display.

4 Scanner head control.

5 Start- / End-position settings.

6 Scan area settings.

7 Main performance control.

8 View mode and memory buttons array.

95
 6.7 Main scanner control

6.7.1. Measurements panel

This panel displays the actual measurement values of the instruments on the scanner head.
So that there are values shown, the data acquisition has to be switched on by tapping on the
ON/OFF button. It will shine yellow, if activated. Otherwise you'll get an error message as
shown in Figure 6.25.
Figure 6.25:
Error message
when there's
no connection
to the data
acquisition
unit.

6.7.2. Ventilation panel

With is panel activating the ventilation unit on the test platform is possible. You may set the
speed between 0 and 100%. The height can be adjusted in the Stand interface. If the
ventilation is running, you can hear it blowing.

6.7.3. Visualization display

Well, this panel shows the scan area, the actual position of the scanner head and the current
scan results. Differing from all previous view positions, this panel shows the vision of an
observer standing with the back to the lamp field and looking to the collector support.
The maximum possible scan area is bordered by a grey frame. The small yellow dots indicate
the grid points, adjustable in the scan area panel (see below). A little gray colored circle is
symbolizing the scanner head carrying the measurement instruments. It's only gray, when
not moving.
Make sure that no persons or objects are located in the
operation radius of motion of the scanner.
Danger of serious damages at man and machine up to death
respectively destruction!

Tap on any position in the display. The scanner head will immediately start to move to this
position. The screen turns in a way shown in Figure 6.26.
As you can see, the target position gets shown as circular outline, whereas the actual
position is indicated by a blue filled and moving circle.
The movement starts without delay. Pressing any start movement button isn't necessary. All
control buttons except the Stop Movement button will turn gray implying: locked. Tap on
Stop Movement will break the actual movement immediately!

96
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Figure 6.26:
Main Scanner
interface
during scanner
head is moving.

The visualization display also will show other activities and settings explained in the
following sections.

6.7.4. Scanner Head control

Another possibility of moving the scanner head is given by the Scanner Head panel. Here you
may enter decidedly X- and Y-position-values by tapping on the intended input fields. A pop-
up-pad will appear. Enter the desired coordinates. Unlike in the lamp and stand control
interface the movement will start directly. Origin of the coordinate system is the center of the
total scan area.
Supplementary there are four arrow buttons for incremental scanner head movement control.
Tapping on an arrow moves the scanner head the distance of the grid fineness in the
corresponding direction.
The circular center button moves the head to the center of the total scan area.

6.7.5. Start- / End-position settings

Now you want to scan a given area automatically? Therefore you first have to specify the size
and position of the scan area. Tap on any point on the visualization display. If the canner
has finished its movement and all control buttons have turned blue again, you may select
this position as start position by tapping on Set Start Position in the down right panel with
headline Actions. There will happen nothing on the screen.

97
 6.7 Main scanner control

Then tap on any other point in the visualization display. If the scanner head movement has
been completed, tap the Set End Position button. Now the area defined by start and end
position will appear as a blue rectangle. Figure 6.27 illustrates that.
Modifying scan area dimensions is multiple possible by choosing any other end position in
the same way as described above. Start position will remain the same. Only if you change
the start position, also additionally the end position has to been set again.
The described steps have to be performed in this order.

Figure 6.27:
A defined scan
area will
appear blue in
the
visualization
display.

6.7.6. Scan area settings

The Scan area setting on the right side of the screen give you the possibility of modifying
dwell time on each measurement point, grid fineness of the scan as well as the dimensions
of the scan area.
Let's look at these settings in detail:

Dwell time
Each measurement instrument has a specific response time. The CMP 21 pyranometer has a
95% response time of 5 s. So that's why you should grant a minimum 5 s dwell time to the
instrument for getting reliable measurement results. Longer dwell times will probably rise
the precision but unfortunately also massive prolong the total measurement time of the
whole scanning procedure. Statistically speaking it’s anyway more practical to make several
measurements to minimize measurement errors.

98
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

In practice the scanner head will be driven to a desired point. Then it waits for the declared
dwell time and after expiration of that time, the actual measurement value is transmitted to
the data logger.
You can change the dwell time by tapping on the Time (s) input text field. A keypad will pop
up as shown in Figure 6.28.
Figure 6.28:
A pop up key
pad for
entering scan
area settings.

Alternatively the value can get de- or increased by tapping to the arrows on the left and the
right of the input text field.

Instrument Response time (0.95)

Solar cell < 0.5 s

Anemometer 4s

Pyranometer 5s

Grid fineness
This input text field enables adjustment of the grid fineness of the data point scan. The grid
is symbolized by small yellow dots in the central visualization display. During a scan, the
scanner head will move incrementally in X- and Y-direction on this grid.
Also the direct scanner head control by arrow accesses to that grid.
Please note: the scan area may only be an integer multiple of the grid. For instance, if the
grid is 100 mm and the user enters a collector width of 1050 mm, the system will round the
scan area to an integral multiple of 100 mm (in this case 1100 mm).

99
6.7 Main scanner control

Width and Height of the scan area

These two input text fields serve for the setting of scan area width and height relative to the
start position. If no start position has been set so far, the benchmark is the ultimate down
left grid point.
If you already have selected a start position, and if this start position matches to the lower
left corner of your collector test specimen, just enter the real width and length of the
collector. These steps need not be performed in this order.

6.7.7. Scan movements

There are four buttons in the down left Actions panel for the performance control of the
scanner.

Park Scanner
Tap on Park Scanner to move the scanner head to the park position at the bottom right
corner.

Goto Start
Tapping on that button will move the scanner head to the user defined start position. If no
start position has been set so far, the start position is the ultimate down left grid point.

Fast Scan
You can only accomplish a scan, if a scan area has been declared.
Sometimes the user only wants to get a rough overview of the irradiance distribution in the
measurement plane. Therefore a fast scan facility is given. In this case the scanner will not
stop at each scan point. How to watch the values and switch between different view modes
will be described in the following section 6.7.8.
You better only observe the measurement values of the solar cell during a fast scan, 'cause
its response time is considerable shorter than that one of the pyranometer.
However the results are less accurate. Pyranometer values will still be recorded but they will
be inaccurate and hence not very meaningful.
Start the fast scan by tapping on Fast Scan.

Pyranometer Scan
You can only accomplish a scan, if a scan area has been declared.
The pyranometer scan is the most accurate integrating irradiance distribution measurement
method, given in this test stand. The accuracy partially depends on the dwell time, as
explained above.
A pyranometer scan will scan each grid point and wait for the dwell time indicated in the
time setting before recording a measurement value. How to view the results will be
explained in the upcoming section.

100
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Start a pyranometer Scan by tapping on Pyranometer Scan. The software will record raw data
(voltage signals) from the pyranometer as well as thermistor signals allowing a calculation of
the housing temperature of the pyranometer and a temperature correction of its sensitivity.
The Measurement panel shows temperature-corrected raw irradiance data! The temperature
corrected data can also be displayed.

While the scanner is moving, all buttons shine light gray except the Stop Movement button.
Tap on this button interrupts every movement of the scanner head instantaneous.

6.7.8. View mode and memory button array

Below the visualization display an array of 9 buttons with different functions is given
concerning view mode and file managing. In particular:

Scan
If a scan is in progress or has been completed, the scan area in the visualization display will
contain colored dots as shown in Figure 6.29. The color expresses the deviation Δ from the
mean value. Red means Δ ≥ ±10%, yellow symbolizes Δ ≥ ±5% and green is Δ ≤ ± 5%.
Tapping on Scan always brings you back to this view mode.
The representation of measurement values by an small circle or dot is physically correct.
Because strictly speaking you can (particularly with the pyranometer) only measure the
(area-related) irradiance referring to the finite, circular and black the sensor element
surface.
According to DIN EN 60904-9 it is a well sufficient assumption, that an irradiance
measurement at a single point represents excellent the mean irradiance for the whole
surface of the related mesh of the measurement grid.
But this indeed a lot depends on the fineness of the grid. For example the standard
mentioned above contains a precise specification the required fineness.
Hence the representation in the zoom view is a tessellation of squares (see below).
You may switch between different views of anemometer, pyranometer and solar cell

101
 6.7 Main scanner control

Figure 6.29:
Main scanner
panel during a
scan.

Pyra, Cell and Wind buttons

With these buttons you may switch between the measurement results of pyranometer, solar
cell and anemometer measurement values.

Zoom
Sometimes the normal view mode showing only colored dots will be unsatisfying. You want
to get further information such as numerical values? Or enlarge details of the scan area –
especially if the grid fineness is high?
Then you may obtain a zoomed view of the scan area by tapping on the Zoom button. The
screen flips to that one shown exemplarily in Figure 6.30. On the zoomed display you see
the raw measurement data as numbers directly superimposed over the scan area containing
colored squares. The color scheme has the same meaning as with the dots in normal view.
Additionally the average (mean) of all measured values so far is shown in the left upper
corner as well as current minimum and maximum.
In the zoom view mode there's also a button bar at the bottom of the screen. Its functions
are principally self-explanatory…
So Zoom Out and Zoom In will enlarge or shrink the view. The three buttons Pyranometer,
Solar Cell and Anemometer are once more destined for switching between the results of
these instruments. The None, Value and Difference button triplet enables viewing the raw
values itself, their difference to the mean or none values at all.
Tapping the Back button brings you back to the un-zoomed main scanner interface.

102
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Move the regarded excerpt of the scan area either by sliding it around with your finger
directly on the screen or by using the arrow keys in the right upper corner of the screen.

Figure 6.30:
Zoomed view of
the scan area.

Let's return to the remaining buttons in the array in normal view.

Clear
Tapping this button will delete all not saved measurement data on the screen. As a
precaution a pop-up-dialogue will demand for your confirmation.

Save and Load

After a scan has been performed it is possible to save them. Tap on the Save button and a
file manager will open similar to that one shown in Figure 6.5.
If you are in the main scanner menu, only folders and *.scn files will be shown (folders
doesn't have filename-extensions). A *.scn-file contains all results and specifications of an
accomplished scan (see section 0). The *.scn file corresponds to a comma separated text
file that may be opened with any spreadsheet for later examination.
The file selection panel contains all scans that have been saved previously. Tap on a folder
to open it. You can't create new folders with this file manager. How to do this is explained in
section 6.13. Scrolling is possible by using the arrows or directly moving the file list with the
finger.

103
 6.7 Main scanner control

Tap on Filename … and a keyboard will appear for entering a favored file name (only small
letters allowed).
It's also possible to view previous scan results. Simply tap on Load and a dialog box will
come up asking you if you want to load a scan. Tap on Yes and the file manager will open.
Select a desired file by tapping on it. It will be emphasized in dark blue like shown in Figure
6.6. Tap on load.
Please note: Save the actual scan before loading another one. Otherwise it will be deleted.
Loading will not affect the scan area start and end position settings.

Lamp
With the Lamp-button you may fade in or out the as light shadows. Look at this: The lamp
positions are horizontally mirrored by contrast with the view in the Lamp positioning and
dimming interfaces (compare the numbers). But that is intended that way, 'cause now you're
looking from behind through the lamp field onto the scan surface. So everything is as it
should be.
Even the operation status coloration and realistic lamp positions have been taken into
account.
The fade in function is disabled, if lamp field and collector support aren't in parallel position
(not in angle / distance mode).

Figure 6.31:
Lamps can be
superimposed
to the scan
area.

104
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.8. Mobile lamp field control

Tapping on the Mobile Lampfield button in the menu bar brings you to the screen shown in
Figure 6.32. This interface combines mechanically height adjustment and lamp operation
control of the mobile lamp field. The handling of the mobile lamp field hardy resembles in
parts to that one of the main lamp field, described in section 6.6.
Further explanations concerning other issues than control can be found in a separate
manual for the additional test equipment. For a clear terminology let's start with a short
overview of the most important panels.

1 6 Figure 6.32:
4
Controls of the
mobile lamp
field.

No. Description

1 Height Adjustment Panel

2 Start / Stop Movement Button

3 Mechanical Configuration Visualization

4 Lamp Operation State Visualization

5 Error / Operation Status Messages Panel

105
6.8 Mobile lamp field control

6 Target Position Panel

7 On / Off button for the lamps

6.8.1. Height Adjustment

All controls for the height adjustment of the mobile lamp field are located on the left side of
the screen.
In the panel entitled Mobile Lamp Field you may type in the desired Height of the lamp field.
Touch the input text field and a key pad will pop up for entering a desired value or tap on the
arrows to increase or lower the value. The distance is measured from the middle of the lamp
base frame to the floor.
If you've got entered a height value, tap on the Start Movement button. You will be prompted
to press down the dead mans push button on the operation pendant station. Keep the
button pressed down, until the movement has finished.

Attention!
Make sure that no persons or objects are located in the
operation radius of the mobile lamp field!
Danger of death or serious injuries respectively destruction or
damages at man and machine!

In the mechanical configuration visualization below the start movement button you can
track, what's actually going on. The current height is indicated in millimeters in the upper
section of the panel.
During the movement there's also a short description of the current processes in the error
panel g in Figure 6.32.
After tapping the Start Movement button this button turns into Stop Movement. It is
obviously, that tapping this button will stop the actual movement. Even easier stopping will
be achieved by release the dead man push button. However in this case an error message
will appear and it's necessary to reset this error.
Height adjustment during lamp operation is allowed.

106
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.8.2. Lamp operation and central visualization display

Operation and control of the lamps is absolute identical as at the main lamp field. So please
read carefully the sections 6.6.4, 6.6.5 and 6.6.6! Figure 6.33 shows the mobile lamp field
screen, if the lamps are in operation.

Don’t put any flammable objects (e.g. paper, plastic or sticker)

directly – strictly speaking: several centimeters – in front of
the lamps, while they are in operation. Irradiance values can
be locally so high that a serious fire hazard is given!

Don't worry about the windows and the glass panes of the big climate chamber. They will not
be affected, if you're positioning the lamps directly in front of them.

Figure 6.33:
Mobile lamp
field interface,
when lamps are
in operation.

6.9. Mobile scanner control

Control of the mobile scanner is possible by the central touch or an extra delivered
notebook.

107
 6.9 Mobile scanner control

Attention! Show particular care here!

If the scanner is built in the mobile climate chamber, you can't
see it while operating the central touch!
Make sure that no persons or objects are located in the
operation radius of the mobile lamp scanner!
Danger of death or serious injuries respectively destruction or
damages at man and machine!

Tap 2 on Mobile Scanner in the menu bar and you'll see the screen shown in Figure 6.34.
Actually it's very similar to that one of the main scanner. So please have a look to
section 6.7 to get an explanation of the main functions and controls.
Let's see the main differences: First there's only one measurement instrument. On delivery it
is a CMP 11 from Kipp & Zonen. Moreover the maximum scan area is smaller. The mobile
scanner is neither equipped with a ventilation unit. Finally mobile lamp field and mobile
scanner aren't structurally jointed among each other. So an automatic detection of their
relative positions isn't possible. Furthermore lamp positioning can only be done by hand.
That's why the lamps can't be faded in to the scan area.

Figure 6.34:
Mobile scanner
interface.

2
The term "tap" will be maintained, but of course when you're working with the laptop
you've got to "click", 'cause it's not equipped with a touch sensitive screen.

108
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.10. Setup
In the setup interface – available by tapping on Setup in the menu bar – diverse settings for
calibration or maintenance can be done. Figure 6.35 shows that screen. In the following
subsections each button in the array on the left will be treated. Tap on a button and the
corresponding panel will appear in the middle of the screen.

Figure 6.35:
Setup screen.

6.10.1. Language
Here you can change the language used for all messages and buttons in the whole GUI.
Choose from one language: English as shown in Figure 6.35. Other languages are possible.

6.10.2. Maintenance
Release brake
In this panel you can release the brakes of both scanners by tapping on the corresponding
button.
Attention!
The collector test platform has to be driven in 0°-position, i.e.
horizontal. The mobile Scanner has to be placed in a horizontal position
to be the floor. Otherwise the cross axis respective scanner head may
crash down uncontrollable and generate serious damage at person and

109
 6.10 Setup

machinery.

Stop Horn
When starting any test stand movement, which requires pressing down the dead mans push
button on the operation pendant station, a warning signal will sound emitted by a horn. This
contributes to your security!
Nevertheless you're allowed to turn off this signal by tapping on the Stop Horn button.

6.10.3. Calibration Instruments

This panel shown in Figure 6.36 enables changing the sensitivity of the different
measurement instruments on the scanner head.
This is possibly necessary after a recalibration or exchange. To change tap on the desired
text field and enter a new value by means of the pop-up-keypad.

Figure 6.36:
Calibration
panel.

6.10.4. Change PIN

You can lock the screen against operation by third parties as described in section 0. To
unlock, a PIN-input is required. You may change the current PIN to an arbitrary personal one.
Therefore tap on the Change PIN button. First you'll be requested to confirm the actual PIN.
After that the input of a new PIN is possible.
Memorize this PIN well!

110
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.10.5. Calibrate Lamps

This should only be carried out by PSE technicians. Therefore is password saved and
explained in a different PSE internal manual.

6.10.6. Calibrate Lamp Field

This should only be carried out by PSE technicians. Therefore is password saved and
explained in a different PSE internal manual.

6.10.7. Calibrate Platform

This should only be carried out by PSE technicians. Therefore is password saved and
explained in a different PSE internal manual.

6.10.8. Calibrate Mobile Stand

This should only be carried out by PSE technicians. Therefore is password saved and
explained in a different PSE internal manual.

6.10.9. Shut down

Shut down shuts down the computer it will not restart again. The CAN-Bus will be stopped.

6.10.10. Restart

111
 6.11 Lock

6.11. Lock
With the Lock function you may protect the touch screen against unwanted intervention of a
third party. If you tap on Lock in the menu bar a dialogue panel will pop up as illustrates.
Only click on YES if you know the correct PIN for unlocking the screen!

Figure 6.37:
Pop-up-panel
when locking
the touch
screen.

112
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.12. Modifying the IP Address of the system

In order to fit within the network of an institution, it is necessary to set up the IP address of
the Touch screen control computer and the embedded computer inside of the switching
cabinet of the lamp system.

6.12.1. Touch screen

The touch Screen runs SuSE Linux 10.3, and the IP address is configured by means of the
standard SuSE program, YAST. In order to get to a normal operating system it is necessary to
plug in a keyboard at the back of the touch screen where a USB port may be found.
When the machine reboots the user is presented with an option to boot into the GUI or to
Configure the computer. USe the arrow to select Configure Computer to get into a normal
command shell.
Log in as root with the password given by PSE.
Type in yast2
The IP address configuration may be performed under "Network" and then "Network
Devices". The IP address will change immediately after quitting Yast.

6.12.2. Lamp Control computer

The lamp control computer may be found inside of the lamp switching cabinet and runs MS-
DOS 6.1.
In order to change the IP addresses it is necessary to boot into DOS and edit two text files.
The control computer already has a keyboard installed in the switching cabinet.
Switch on the lamp field.
While the computer boots press F8 on the keyboard. It is important to keep the button
pressed while it boots, when the computer enters the light control panel the boot sequence
has been complete and should be rebooted again.
When the computer starts asking questions about starting different startup items alwayss
press "Y" until it asks to run "AUTOEXEC.BAT". Then press "N"
The computer will now be on a DOS prompt.
Type in
CD C:/TCP
EDIT TCP.CFG
Change the IP address, and exit by tapping Alt-D to go to the file menu.
Type in
CD C:/SOLSIM
EDIT TCP.CFG
Edit the IP address is this file as well. The machine will have the new address on reboot

113
6.13 Web interface and working with it

6.13. Web interface and working with it

The Web interface can be opened in a browser by typing in the IP address of the centralized
control. Via the web interface data which are stored on the centralized can be downloaded.
It is also possible to communicate with the web interface via LabVIEW. For further
information according to the communication with LabVIEW, please refer to the LabVIEW
manual.

114
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.14. File format for Stand Configuration

The current test stand configuration may be saved as described in section 6.3.3. File format
of these data is *.std. It contains a list of parameters and their values similar to
<key>=<value>. The keys and their meaning are listed in the table below. Unit of all distances
are millimeters and all angles are measured in degrees.
The saved configuration is always the target position, NOT the current position of the
system.
Coordinate system of the scan area has its origin in the middle of the scanner table. X-axis is
pointing to the right and Y-axis to the top as it is seen by an observer standing in front of the
collector test platform looking onto the scan area.
Coordinate system of the lamp field has its origin in the middle of the field and in a fictitious
plane containing all lamp bulb centers. Also here X-axis is pointing to the right and Y-axis to
the top as it is seen by an observer standing in front of the lamp field looking onto it, if It's In
vertical position (90°).

Item in file … Description

LAMPFIELD_HEIGHT Height of the bottom of the lamp field measured in

millimeters from the floor.

LAMPFIELD_INCLINATION Inclination angle of the lamp field in degrees. A

horizontal position corresponds to 0° and vertical one
to 90°.

LIGHTDIM_1_1 Dimming values of all 8 lamps in %- Number is always

LIGHTDIM_1_2 between 50 and 100. Lower dimming isn't possible.
...
LIGHTDIM_4_2

LIGHTPOS_1_1 X-positions of the 8 lamps. Origin of the coordinate

LIGHTPOS_1_2 system is the middle of the lamp field, X-axis pointing
...
to the right. Enumeration of the lamp is equal to that on
LIGHTPOS_4_2
in the lamp positioning panel (see section 6.6.6).

LIGHTROW_1 Y-positions of the 4 light rows. Origin of the coordinate

... system is the middle of the lamp field, y-axis pointing
LIGHTROW_4
upwards.

LINKED If the system is in angle-/distance-mode (see section

6.3.6), this parameter is set to 1. Otherwise to 0.

115
6.14 File format for Stand Configuration

LINK_DISTANCE Distance between measurement plane of the collector

support and a fictitious plane containing the center of
all 8 lamp bulbs. The parameter is ignored, when
system is not in angle / distance mode.

SCANNER_GRID Grid fineness used for the last scan.

SCANNER_TIME Dwell time of the pyranometer at a grid point during the

last scan.

SCANNER_X Last known position of the scanner head.

SCANNER_Y

SCANNER_XBOT Top and bottom position of the last scan area in

SCANNER_XTOP millimeters.
SCANNER_YBOT
SCANNER_YTOP
COLLECTOR_THICKNESS This is the thickness of the collector which was entered
during the test

TABLE_POSITION Position of the collector support relative to the origin of

its coordinate system, in millimeters. 0 corresponds to
the front end of the rails near the wall, the vertical
carriage is hanging on.

TABLE_TILT This is the inclination angle of the collector test

platform, if the system is in angle- / distance mode
(LINKED = 1) measured in degrees. A horizontal
position corresponds to 0° and vertical one to 90°.

VENTILATION_SUPPORT_HEIGHT Height of the ventilation unit of the collector support,

measured in mm.

VENTILATION_SUPPORT_SPEED Indicates the speed of the collector support ventilation

in percent (0 to 100).

116
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.15. File format for scan files

Scan results gets saved as *.scn-file. This file format can be viewed with most simple text
editors or spreadsheet programs for example Microsoft Excel.
The file contains a section for each instrument that has been recorded during the scan. Each
of these sections starts with a kind of header containing specifications of the scan condition
followed by a semicolon separated value array.
It's possible to store the results of main scanner pyranometer, solar cell, mobile scanner
pyranometer and anemometer. If any instrument is not installed the corresponding section
will not appear in the file.
Let's look at an example:

Item in file … Description

Pyranometer Name of the instrument.

NX;23 Number of Lines and

NY;19 number of rows.

XSTART;-1100.0 Start and end positions of the scan in X-

YSTART;-900.0 and Y-direction in millimeters. The
XEND;1100.0
coordinate system has its origin in the
YEND;900.0
middle of the collector support. Positive x-
coordinates are laying on the right,
negative ones on left. Positive y-
coordinates are on the top and negative
ones on the bottom.

GRID;100.0 Fineness of the measurement grid in

millimeters.

AVERAGE;395.17 Arithmetic mean of all measurement values

in the scan area of this instrument.

MINIMUM;-0.64 Minimum of all measurement values in the

scan area of this instrument.

MAXIMUM;1775.85 Maximum of all measurement values in the

scan area of this instrument.

-900.0;-0.506335 ; -0.472626 ; ... Finally the raw measurement data follows.

-800.0;-0.351406 ; -0.215939 ; ... These are not temperature corrected or
-700.0;-0.128003 ; -0.068123 ; ...
anything like that. Each line is beginning
...
with its y-coordinate.

117
6.15 File format for scan files

FAQ

6.15.1. Why does not the scanner move anymore and a error is shown in the GUI?

Reason 1: Scanner was running to a limit switch. Act as described in section 2.5.7.
Reason 2: Software bug or software breakdown. Save all files and restart the GUI.

6.15.2. End switch released. Well then?

Normally nothing worrying should happen. Only the movement gets stopped immediately.
Restart the movement again – but to another direction, 'cause probably the end of the travel
distance has been reached.
A problem occurs, if the stand has released the first and in addition the second end switch.
In normal operation that will never happen. The emergency shut off chain will be released.
Please contact PSE AG. Don't continue working, until the reason for the problem has been
eliminated.

6.15.3. Safety pull rope switch released. Well then?

Check the reason why the rope has been pulled! The current movement has been
interrupted. Tap again on the start movement button and continue your work.

6.15.4. Why does the Pyranometer measure negative signals?

This effect is evoked by infrared radiation transfer and temperature changes of the
instrument.
It may happen, that the pyranometer (housing) has got a higher temperature than its
environment, e.g. air, walls or components of the test stand. In this case heat, i.e. infrared
radiation is emitted. As like as incoming radiation induces negative voltage signals,
outgoing radiation leads to the opposite: positive voltage signals.
Usually this effect is very small and below the measurement accuracy of the instrument. By
means of the double glass dome and excellent thermal isolation, the effect has been
minimized by the manufacturer.
In the manual of the pyranometer this effect is described in detail called offset type A+B.

6.15.5. Why the irradiance values between pyranometer and solar cell are differing?
Because pyranometer and solar cell have different sensitivities. Moreover they are based on
different functional principles and physical effects. An pyranometer is a wavelength
integrating radiation detector containing a thermopile. However in a solar cell charge carriers
get lifted directly into the conduction band due to the photoelectric effect inducing a voltage
/ current.
Moreover a pyranometer is spectral sensitive over a wider range than a solar cell. The
measurement accuracy of the pyranometer is higher.

118
 6 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

6.15.6. Some parts of the X-Y-Scanner motors are getting very hot. Is that normal?
Yes! These parts are the brakes of the step motors. Don’t worry about that. That's normal.

6.15.7. How do I get my scan files (*.scn) from the touch screen to other computers?

Via the web interface (see chapter 6.13) or via LabVIEW (please refer to the LabVIEW
Manual).

6.15.8. I can't switch on the lamps

Is the power supply connected?
Are all required electrical cabinets switched on?
Perhaps the lamps are in the cooling mode. It's not allowed to switch on the lamps directly
after switching them off. You've got to wait for 10 minutes to avoid damages of the lamp
bulbs (see subsection 6.6.6).

6.15.9. How do I start a scan?

1. Go to the Main Scanner interface.
2. Define a scan area as described in section 6.7.5.

3. Adjust all scan area settings as described in 6.7.6.

4. It's up to you to decide if you want to accomplish a Fast scan or a high precision
pyranometer scan. Tap the corresponding button in the Actions panel of the Main
Scanner interface.

6.15.10. How do I stop a scan?

When a scan is started the Start Pyranometer Scan button will change into Stop Scan. Tap
this button and the scanner stops.

6.15.11. How do I view scan results more detailed?

Tap on the Zoom button in the Main Scanner interface! Read the corresponding paragraph in
section 6.7.8!

6.15.12. How can I view the Wind, PV-cell or Pyranometer values?

Switch between them by tapping on the relevant button at the bottom of the scan area in one
of the scanner interfaces (see section 6.7.8). This is available in both normal and zoomed
view.

6.15.13. May I switch on the electrical cabinets of the different test stand components
in an arbitrary order?
Switch on the SS1 cabinet at the latest 5 minutes after the Atlas cabinet. Otherwise there
will be no connection from the centralized control with the lamps.

119
6.15 File format for scan files

6.15.14. May I move the main or mobile lamp field during lamp operation?
@Main lamp field: Yes.
All movements such as lamp positioning, height adjustment or
inclination is allowed during lamp operation.
@Mobile lamp field: Yes and No.
Electrically height adjustment is allowed during lamp operation.
Manual positioning of the lamps (including loosing and arresting
several screws) is NOT allowed during lamp operation!
Loosing the brakes and driving the lamp field around is NOT allowed
during lamp operation!

120