Despite the fact that solar power accounts for such a small percentage of power generation worldwide, the market for photovoltaics continues to rise. And with the recent news that renewable energy sources now exceed nuclear energy generation in the U.S., the demand for PVs is not expected to decline at any time in the near future. For producers of PV modules, this means that the ability to produce high quality modules will become an ever-greater market differentiator.
With the production of high quality PV modules in mind, Wago Corp. has introduced a series of feedthrough current sensors that can continuously measure dc currents to optimize photovoltaic (PV) energy production. Via serial connection, the 789-620 (0-80A DC) and 789-621 (0-140A DC) sensors transmit data with an accuracy of 0.5% (full scale value) to help identify defective or damaged PV modules. The harsh environment sensors (capable of operation in temperatures of -20°C to +70°C) are equipped with dual RJ-45 interfaces, and can transmit data via RS-485 serial communication lines up to 4000 feet. Thirty-two of these current sensors can reside on one line for connection to the Wago-I/O-System or a PC as a Modbus slave. The 789 Series feedthrough configuration eliminates the need to terminate conductors for simpler commissioning. The sensors are addressable via on-unit DIP switch and feature an operational status LED.
Wago Corp.
