October 15, 2014 - Phoenix Contact’s Solarcheck current and voltage measuring devices have been recognized according to UL 1741 and 508. These approvals make it possible for North American photovoltaic installers to monitor string currents in large-scale DC installations and remain UL compliant. The Solarcheck family consists of current and voltage measuring modules that reside within a combiner box. Those units pass information back to a separate communication module that is combined with a higher level control system, like a PLC. A single Solarcheck module can measure up to eight current strings.
These modules can be combined with other eight-string modules or four-channel versions to accommodate nearly any string configuration within a combiner box. An optional voltage measuring module, also UL 1741 recognized, can measure and record up to 1000 V DC. Individual IP addresses are assigned to each Solarcheck measuring module, which then transmits information back to the communication module. This allows communication between the field devices and the controller. This communication enables immediate detection, prompting targeted maintenance in the event of an error.
Information gathered from the Solarcheck system is then easily introduced to nearly any control system via a simple Modbus RS-485 connection. This open register structure of Modbus RS-485 ensures easy programming and implantation of Solarcheck into nearly any system.
About Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact develops and manufactures industrial electrical and electronic technology products that power, protect, connect and automate systems and equipment for a wide range of industries. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 50 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa.