User Manual: DIY Portable I-V Curve Tracer Version 1

Introduction[edit | edit source]

• a fundamental method for characterizing solar PV module behavior

  

• plots the relationship between current (I) and voltage (V) across the module under varying conditions
• cost-effective portable DIY design

I-V Curve Tracer Instruction Manual[edit | edit source]

Steps for Operation[edit | edit source]

Step 1: Powering Up the Device[edit | edit source]

• First, turn on the device by sliding the switch to the ON position.

Step 2: Pairing the Keyboard[edit | edit source]

• When the screen is on, turn on the keyboard and mouse by sliding their power switch upwards. The keyboard's power switch is on the left side.
• Note: If the keyboard is turned on before the main power supply, it won't be able to pair with the screen.

Step 3: Launching the Software[edit | edit source]

• Double-click on the "PV Tester App" on the screen to open the app.
• If it doesn't open, right-click the icon and choose "Execute."

Step 4: Checking for Connectivity[edit | edit source]

• Wait until the "Swing!" sign turns red, indicating the device is ready to operate.

Step 5: Voc Measurement Using Multimeter[edit | edit source]

• Measure the open-circuit voltage (Voc) using a multimeter.

Step 6: Calibration[edit | edit source]

• Click on "Calibrate" in the app and choose "Voltage - basic."
• Enter the measured voltage in the box and press "OK."

Step 7: Connecting the PV Module to the Device[edit | edit source]

• Connect the PV module to the input connectors.

Step 8: Selecting the Mode of Operation: Cell or Module[edit | edit source]

• Select the mode of operation by changing the position of the 3-way switch to either the cell (C) version or the module (M) version.

-**Middle Position**: Clicking on "Swing" will show "Voc is Zero."
-**C Position**: Measures the I-V characteristics of the reference cell, and the curve will be displayed on the screen.
-**M Position**: Plots the I-V curve of the connected module.

Step 9: Renaming the Test Results[edit | edit source]

• Go to "Result Wizard" after every swing and rename the test result for better understanding.
• Do not skip this step.

Step 10: Overlaying the Curves[edit | edit source]

• To overlay the curves, go to "Result Wizard."
• Press and hold the "Ctrl" button on the keyboard and select the test results.
• Click on "Overlay."

Tutorial Video[edit | edit source]

Click on the thumbnail to watch the video

File:Tutorial.mp4

Notes[edit | edit source]

• Charge the device for at least an hour before using it.
• Charge the keyboard if it is not turning on.
• Ensure there is sufficient light so that the large modules generate at least 3 amps.
• The tilt angle of the reference cell can be changed just by rotating the cell carefully.
• If the screen is not turning on or is blinking, turn off the device and charge it properly.
• As the device is not connected to any network, the time zone is not correctly set. If you don't rename the test results, they will be replaced by other test results.