2024-03-28 10:04:46
RC18 PV Reference Cell | MeteoXperts Solutions
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RC18 PV Reference Cell

Make: Atonometrics                                      Model: RC18.
✅ Specifically designed for low-cost, high-accuracy solar irradiance measurements for outdoor monitoring of PV systems
✅ Measurand: Solar Irradiance
✅ Sensor Type: Silicon cell
✅ Signal Output: Digital and Analog Outputs
✅ Supplies With: 10 m Cable, Factory test/ Calibration Certificates.
Category:

RC18 PV Reference Cell:

The Atonometrics PV Reference Cell provides high accuracy outdoor solar irradiance measurements for long-term PV system monitoring.
The solar reference cell unit includes an encapsulated silicon cell mounted in a sealed aluminum housing. An integrated Pt-100 RTD provides cell temperature measurement. Our cells include digital and/or analog outputs.
Spectral response matching to specific PV technologies such as CdTe are available.

Designed for PV System Monitoring

Specifically designed for low-cost, high-accuracy solar irradiance measurements for outdoor monitoring of PV systems

Digital and Analog Outputs

  • A single, versatile product with both digital and analog outputs.
  • Digital communication uses Modbus over RS485
  • Two analogue outputs, user-configurable to 0-1.5V, 0-10V, or 4-20 mA
  • Analog output options include irradiance, short-circuit current, and temperature. Specifically designed for low-cost, high-accuracy solar irradiance measurements for outdoor monitoring of PV systems

No Need to Track Calibration Data
When you install or replace a reference cell, you never have to track calibration data or reprogram data loggers or SCADA systems, and measurements are performed by a precision microcontroller circuit.

Cell Design

  • A crystalline silicon PV cell and short-circuit current measured with a precision shunt resistor.
  • Cell temperature measured with an RTD
  • Automatic temperature compensation as well as optional temperature output

Robust Mechanical Construction

  • The IP67-rated cast aluminium enclosure provides protection from the elements and solid mounting. Optional Spectral Matching Filter
  • Solar low-iron glass is standard; optional CdTe-matching window material is connectorized for easy installation.
  • The M12 circular connector allows for simple installation, user-selectable cable lengths, and easy recalibration.

Optional Spectral Matching Filter
• Standard window is solar low-iron glass
• Optional CdTe-matching window material
Connectorized for Easy Installation
M12 circular connector allows for easy installation, user-selectable cable lengths, and simple changeout for recalibration

Application and features of RC18 PV Reference Cell:

Application

Features

✅ Solar resource assessment
✅ Monitoring Meteorological studies
✅ Environmental monitoring
✅ Designed for PV System Monitoring
✅ Digital and Analog Outputs
✅ No Need to Track Calibration Data
✅ Cell Design
✅ Robust Mechanical Construction
Make

Atonometrics

Model

RC18

Measurement range

0 to 1500 W/m²

Resolution

0.1 W/m²

Operating temperature

-35 to +80 °C

Input power

8-28 VDC (12-28 VDC for 0-10V analog output)

PV cell

Crystalline Si, 20 mm x 20 mm

Window

Low-iron solar glass

Calibration data

Internally calibrated; no calibration data to manage

Setup

Optional configuration kit allows PC-based setup

Communication protocol

Modbus over RS485, user-settable Modbus addresses

Baud rate

Up to 57.6k

Current consumption

typ. 8-15 mA

Analog output options

0-1.5V, 0-10V, or 4-20mA

Analog output signals

Irradiance, Cell Temperature, Short-Circuit Current

Output impedance

0-1.5V or 0-10V mode: 2 kohm

Internal voltage drop

4-20mA mode: Allow 3.5 V minimum

Material

Powder-coated cast aluminum housing

Outdoor rating

IP67

Dimensions

4.53 x 2.56 x 1.18 in. / 115.1 x 65.0 x 30.0 mm

Weight

0.6 lb / 0.3 kg

Mounting

4 mounting holes, dia. 0.217 in. / 5.50 mm

Type

Shielded, weather resistant, UV-rated, 24 awg / 0.2 mm²

Cable length options

4 m, 10 m, 25 m, 50 m, 100 m, custom

Connector

M12 circular connector, IP67

Pinout (each cell)

Power, Ground (3x), Analog 1 & 2, RS485 A & B, Shield

Response time

0.15 s

Electronics non-linearity

± 0.03% of range

Repeatability

± 0.02% of range

Temperature drift, -35 °C to 80 °C

± 0.4% at 1000 W/m²

Cell temperature measurement

± 1 °C

Irradiance calibration

± 1.2%, calibrated to NREL-traceable reference standard

Overall irradiance uncertainty

± 2.0% @ 1500 W/m², ± 2.9% @ 100 W/m²

Stability

0.5% / year

Standards

IEC 61724-1 Class A, IEC 60904-2, IEC 60904-3, IEC 60904-10