Award Number: DE-EE0008165CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6Solar Energy Technologies OfficeLocation(s): AZOffice(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
August 10, 2017
Estimated Read Time min
Non-contact Simultaneous String-Modules I-V Tracer
Award Number: DE-EE0008165
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Solar Energy Technologies Office
Location(s): AZ
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to Arizona State University (ASU) to develop a 1500 volt current–voltage curve (I-V curve) tracer which can simultaneously and safely measure the I-V curves of a string voltage photovoltaic (PV) array and the individual modules within the string without disconnecting/reconnecting the high-voltage connectors of the modules.
Proposed project activities would include design, development and field testing of two contactless, simultaneous string-module I-V tracers; one designed for 1000V systems and one designed for 1500V systems. Specific tasks would involve procurement of commercial electrostatic voltmeters (ESV), design, commissioning and operation of solar arrays, and evaluation and accuracy validation of an ESV-probe based tracer in Budget Period 1. Budget Period 2 would involve design and fabrication of a customized ESV probe, evaluation and accuracy validation of a PV-specific, ESV-probe-based tracer, and integration of temperature sensors, to be followed by studies regarding marketability and commercialization. All the above tasks would be completed in part or wholly on campus at ASU in Mesa, AZ. Outdoor testing activities would be supported by ASU’s partners, APS, SRP, Swinerton and NRG, at existing PV systems within their power plants. The facilities at which installations and analysis work would occur are purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed project. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities would arise out of this effort. The facilities have all applicable permits in place, and would not need additional permits for the proposed activities. The proposed project would not involve the use of any hazardous or toxic chemicals, and no wastes are expected to be generated.