SMA Sunny SensorBox Monitoring
It is one of the smallest measurement units available and extremely easy to install: the new Sunny SensorBox from SMA. This has been specially developed to improve PV-system performance analysis even further ? at an attractive price. The Sunny SensorBox now lets you acquire data concerning the ambient conditions such as solar irradiation and module temperature in order to give you the ability to detect malfunctions or yield losses as early as possible. With this we satisfy the demands from PV-plant operators for perfect plant performance monitoring ? and make a further contribution towards optimal yield security.
Complete System Monitoring Easily Installed
The Sunny SensorBox is installed outdoors at the solar generator, and comes with an integrated solar cell, which measures solar irradiation. The module temperature is measured by means of the temperature sensor which is included. From the present solar irradiation level and the module temperature, it is possible to calculate the expected output, and to compare it with the actual measured output of the inverters. Temporary or continuous yield losses caused by unknown failure sources are therefore a thing of the past.
Sunny SensorBox comprises following Components
- 1 x Sunny SensorBox with integrated irradiation sensor
- 2 x insulating tubes
- 1 x connection terminal
- 1 x module temperature sensor with thermally conductive adhesive (resin & hardener) and adhesive tape strips
- 1 x Sunny SensorBox user manual
Design Features
Precise
- Complete system monitoring for PV plants
- Measure of isolation, module temperature, ambient temperature and wind speed
Easy to use
- Easy installation right next to the solar modules
- Integration into existing systems via serial interface RS485
- Compatible with Sunny WebBox and Sunny Boy Control
- Data analysis using a PC or in the Sunny Portal
Warranty
- SMA factory warranty valid for 5 years from the date of purchase
Sunny SensorBox Technical Specifications
| Interfaces |
| to the data logger( Sunny WebBox, Sunny Boy Control) | RS 485 |
| Internal Sensor |
| Solar irradiation | ASI solar module,
Precision ± 8%
Range 0 to 1500W/m² |
| Optional Sensors |
| Ambient temperature | Platinum sensor(Pt100) attachable
Range -20 °C to +110 °C
Precision ± 0.5 °C |
| Wind measurement | The Clima external anemometer
Range 0.8 m/s to 40 m/s
(max 60 m/s short term)
Precision ± 0.5 m/s |
| Power Supply |
| via RS 485 line | Via external power supply(power injector) |
| Protection Rating |
| in accordance with DIN EN 60529 | IP65 |
| Mechanical Data |
| Dimensions | 120W x 90H x 50D mm |
| Weight | 500 g |
Optional Extendible
Once the Sunny SensorBox has been equipped according to the modules, it is simply connected with the inverter to a Sunny WebBox with an RS485 data connection. From there, the data can be transferred to a PC for further processing, or to the Sunny Portal for automatic performance analysis. The Sunny SensorBox also enables the connection of additional sensors, e. g. to measure the ambient temperature or wind speed for calculations which are even more precise. This ensures reliable system monitoring for operators ? and maximum yield security.
Performance Ratio As a Quality Indicator
Shadowing, defects, surface contamination and gradual malfunctions such as deteriorating modules have a serious impact on the generator yield and the overall performance and are not to be underestimated. Particularly annoying for the operator is the fact that the losses in yield could have been avoided in most cases ? if the error had been detected in time. The system efficiency of the PV-plant (performance ratio) is therefore an essential value. The performance ratio indicates the ratio of actual yield to the theoretically possible yield. Since the performance ratio indicates how the irradiated energy on the generator side is exploited, it is the decisive quality factor for the performance of the entire PV system. This is where the Sunny SensorBox comes into play.
How to determine the Performance Ratio
You simply divide the actual energy yield through the possible energy yield. While the inverter measures the actual energy, the possible energy yield is determined according to the efficiency of the modules, the module surface and the recorded isolation. Good grid connected PV systems reach performance ratios of between 60 % and 80 % ? ratios under this value can indicate malfunctions of the system.
Downloads and Manuals
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 01 October, 2007.
