Solar I-V curve tracing: what it is, what it reveals, and why it's important for PV arrays.

This full interview with Stephen San Juan, a solar training and renewable energy safety expert, gets into the subject of I-V curve tracing. He explains what an I-V curve tracing is, what it reveals about a PV array, and why regular testing is so important, especially for large PV systems.

The Fluke 500 Series Battery Analyser is the ideal test tool for maintenance, troubleshooting and performance testing of individual stationary batteries and battery banks used in critical battery backup applications.

Some key features of the Fluke 500 Series include:
• Battery Voltage – During the internal resistance test, Fluke Battery Analysers also measure the voltage of the battery under test
• Discharge Volts – The Discharge mode collects the voltage of each battery multiple times at a user-defined interval during a discharge or load test. Users can calculate the time a battery takes to drop to the cut-off voltage and use this time to determine the capacity loss of the battery
• Ripple Voltage Test – Measures unwanted residual ac component of the rectified voltage in dc charging and inverter circuits. Allows users to test ac components in dc charging circuits and find one of the root causes of battery deterioration
• Meter and Sequence Modes – The Meter mode is used for quick tests or troubleshooting. In this mode, you can save and read the readings in a measurement or time sequence. The Sequence mode is for maintenance tasks with multiple power systems and battery strings. Before a task starts, users can configure a profile for the task for data management and report generation
•Threshold and Warning – Users can configure a maximum of 10 sets of thresholds and receive a Pass/ Warning/ Fail indication after each measurement.
• Intercell Strap Resistance Test and Data Management – Measures the resistance of the intercell connection between batteries in a string. Once the measurements are completed Fluke Battery Management Software version 1.0.69 can now report the strap resistance for a battery string or historical data over time and much more.

Fluke was founded by an engineer, so they believe it's important to celebrate the technology and innovations these individuals bring into our everyday lives.

Engineers have always played a leading role in our lives, from the invention of the wheel to Mars exploration rovers. That’s why we're taking March 4th to celebrate World Engineering Day. Highlighting the engineers at Fluke and promoting engineering as a career and inspiring us to change the world for the better.

Learn more about World Engineering Day: https://bit.ly/3Cbhykt

Get the job done right the first time with Fluke TiS60+ Infrared Camera
Boost your team’s performance with 320 x 240 resolution and outstanding 45mK thermal sensitivity. Its easy-to-use fixed focus means you can simply just point and shoot, and the TiS60+ will do the rest.

Fluke Pro, Jason Axelson explains why early identification of battery failure helps keep your assets as well as your company up and running.

Use a battery tester to measure voltage, internal resistance, and strap resistance to find indications of early-stage battery failure or installation problems.

Key measurements – Internal battery resistance, dc and ac voltage, dc and ac current, ripple voltage, frequency, and temperature.

Sequence measurement mode – Automatic or manual sequence testing of battery strings with automatic measurement storage including voltage, resistance, and temperature (with BTL21 intelligent test probe), eliminating the need to press a button each time measurement needs to be saved.

Comprehensive logging – All measured values are automatically captured during testing and can be reviewed on the instrument before downloading for on-the-go analysis.

Learn more about the Fluke 500 Series Battery Analyzer: https://comtest.co.za/Products-Paid/Product-Details-Paid/fluke-500-series-battery-analyzer