Wiki source code of Testing Procedures

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robert 1.1 1 {{box cssClass="floatinginfobox" title="**Contents**"}}
2 {{toc/}}
3 {{/box}}
4
5 = Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200) =
6
robert 3.1 7 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic March 2024)//
robert 1.1 8
robert 3.1 9 == Items Required ==
robert 1.1 10
robert 3.1 11 * Multimeter
12 * Power supply 
13 * Correct solar regulator cable
14 * Solar regulator (unmodified) with correct voltage
15 * Battery (with enough charged)
16 * GPS antenna
17 * SD card (FAT32 formatted)
18 * Sensor (known working)
19 * Correct sensor cable
20 * Test Power Plug device
robert 1.1 21
robert 3.1 22 == Power Test ==
robert 1.1 23
robert 12.1 24 Install a known working (and charged) battery into the recorder and turn ON the main power switch, verify that the recorder powers ON correctly.
robert 1.1 25
robert 3.1 26 (% class="box infomessage" %)
27 (((
Jack Dent 8.1 28 NOTE: Unit powering ON is not instant, there may be a 10 to 15 sec delay.
robert 3.1 29 )))
30
31 Verify the LCD screen turns on and begins clearly displaying the ANU logo and system parameters correctly once the recorder powers up. Look for signs of flickering, blurring or any other visual artefacts.
32
33 With the recorder powered ON, using a multimeter, test the bias voltage on GPS antenna port; the reading should be 3.3V (outer shell is negative and centre pin is positive).
34
robert 12.1 35 Connect "Test Power Plug” (//ANU only//) into the sensor port and verify the light is turned on, this indicates the power will be correctly delivered to the sensor.
robert 3.1 36
37 (% class="box infomessage" %)
38 (((
robert 12.1 39 NOTE: The following step, power feature is not present in LPR200, therefore this step cannot be verified for LPR recorders.
robert 3.1 40 )))
41
42 == System Test ==
43
44 * Verify LCD screen works correctly.
45 * Check that the keypad is responsive and functions correctly.
46 * Verify recorder has GPS fix acquired and information is displayed.
47 * Insert SD card and verify the latching mechanism holds the card and releases it.
48 * Verify the SD card is detected and can be erased.
49
robert 4.1 50 === System information ===
robert 3.1 51
52 Record the Firmware version.
53
54 In the Menu under “System Information”, verify that the serial number matches what is written on the case.
55
56 == Functional Test ==
57
robert 4.1 58 === Charging ===
robert 3.1 59
60 Verify the battery is charging (LPR differs from TSAWR, additionally, TSAWRs differ between each other based on firmware version).
61
62 Set-up an external power source, by connecting a solar regulator to a power supply  and set voltage to 18V DC. Verify the regulator is supplying the correct voltage of 7.7V and then plug into the “External Power” port of the recorder.
63
robert 11.3 64 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
robert 3.1 65 (((
robert 11.3 66 **IMPORTANT! **The LPR-200 now has two types of solar regulators. The new type (exclusive after Jan 1 2025) are modified to output 13.8V (for charging lead acid batteries directly). Do not use these with the old lithium battery packs as this may destroy the units and possibly explode! If you are confused email us.
robert 3.1 67 )))
68
69 Navigate to “System Information” in the Menu and note the battery icon will have a lightning symbol indicating it’s charging, also observe the state of charge % is increasing under.
70
71 === Sensor Reading ===
72
73 Live Seismometer Data is used ONLY for functional verification. It is an indicator that all connections to the sensor and output response is correct.
74
75 Place the recorder on flat surface bench/ table and connect the sensor (ensure the sensor is not tilted, shaken or rough-handled). Level the sensor using the bubble as guide. Turn ON the recorder wait until the self-check has completed and the recorder has acquired GPS fix. Set the parameters to read the correct sensor.
76
77 To verify the sensor is detected and registering, perform a controlled test is performed by having the person press down on the table with their body weight (similar to performing a slow CPR). The flexing of the table will be detected by the sensor and will be clearly visible on screen. This will verify the sensor-cable and the internal digitizer are working correctly.
78
79 (% class="box infomessage" %)
80 (((
Jack Dent 8.1 81 NOTE: If the user requires to verify the sensor or the validity of the recorded data, a power spectral density analysis would need to be performed, see rest of document (link here) for instructions on how to perform this test.
robert 3.1 82 )))
83
robert 4.1 84 === Recording test ===
robert 3.1 85
86 Insert SD card and erase the content.
87
88 Set-up the System Parameters (sensor type and interval frequency).
89
90 Ensure the recorder has a GPS Fix.
91
92 Select the recording setting in the menu.
93
94
95 Ensure to allow sensor data recording of overnight or at least 4 hrs.
96
97 Verify the data has recorded correctly by running a power spectral analysis (PSD) script.
98
99
100 (% class="box infomessage" %)
101 (((
Jack Dent 8.1 102 NOTE: For procedure on how to use and set-up the PSD script refer to the “Performing PSD function on recorded sensor data procedure” document. (LINK)
robert 3.1 103 )))
104
105 === Troubleshooting ===
106
107
108 (% style="width:920px" %)
109 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
110 Antenna open or short circuit
111 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
112 * Check antenna connection
113
114 * Replace antenna if faulty
115 )))
116 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
117 GPS initialisation failed
118 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
119 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
120
121 * Restart the unit
122 )))
123 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
124 Failed to acquire GPS fix
125 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
126 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
127
128 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
129 )))
130 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
131 SD card is not inserted
132 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
133 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
134 )))
135 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
136 FAT32 Initialisation failed
137 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
138 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
139
140 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
141 )))
142 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
143 SD card initialisation failed
144 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
145 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
146
147 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
148 )))
149 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
150 RTC synchronisation failed
151 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
152 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
153
154 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
155 )))
156 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
157 Start time precedes RTC time
158 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
159 * Alter the start time noting the current time
160 )))
161 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
162 End time precedes the start time
163 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
164 * Alter either the start or stop time
165 )))
166 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
167 Record start time is not set
168 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
169 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
170
171 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
172 )))
173 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
174 Record end time not set
175 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
176 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
177
178 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
179 )))
180 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
181 SEED initialisation failed
182 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
183 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
184
185 * Restart the recorder
186
187 * In the event restart did not work, replace the recorder
188 )))
189 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
190 Write error
191 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
192 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
193
194 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
195
196 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
197 )))
198
robert 4.1 199 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:888px" %)
robert 3.1 200 |(% colspan="2" style="width:885px" %)(((
201 **Error Screen Warnings **
202 )))
203 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
204 **Error **
205 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
206 **Solution **
207 )))
208 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
209 Antenna open or short circuit
210 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
211 * Check antenna connection
212
213 * Replace antenna if faulty
214 )))
215 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
216 GPS initialisation failed
217 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
218 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
219
220 * Restart the unit
221 )))
222 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
223 Failed to acquire GPS fix
224 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
225 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
226
227 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
228 )))
229 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
230 SD card is not inserted
231 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
232 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
233 )))
234 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
235 FAT32 Initialisation failed
236 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
237 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
238
239 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
240 )))
241 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
242 SD card initialisation failed
243 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
244 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
245
246 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
247 )))
248 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
249 RTC synchronisation failed
250 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
251 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
252
253 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
254 )))
255 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
256 Start time precedes RTC time
257 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
258 * Alter the start time noting the current time
259 )))
260 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
261 End time precedes the start time
262 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
263 * Alter either the start or stop time
264 )))
265 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
266 Record start time is not set
267 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
268 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
269
270 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
271 )))
272 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
273 Record end time not set
274 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
275 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
276
277 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
278 )))
279 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
280 SEED initialisation failed
281 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
282 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
283 )))
284 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
285 Write error
286 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
287 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
288
289 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
290
291 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
292 )))
293
robert 4.1 294 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1063px" %)
robert 3.1 295 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1060px" %)(((
296 **General System Errors **
297 )))
298 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
299 **Error **
300 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
301 **Solution **
302 )))
303 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
304 The unit does not start
305 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
306 * Ensure the battery pack being used is fully charged and replace if necessary
307
308 * Connect communications via the monitor port and restart the unit to determine whether it is just the display which is faulty
309
310 * Disconnect external connections to see whether they are blowing the internal fuse1
311
312 * Else use an alternative unit
313 )))
314 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
315 The screen does not respond to wakeup during recording
316 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
317 * Wait 30-45 seconds before reattempting  as the display will not respond while the unit is writing data to disc
318
319 * Connect communications via the monitor port to ensure there is not a display issue
320
321 * The battery may have gone flat during recording and the unit will not respond
322 )))
323 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
324 There is no response from the seismometer
325 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
326 * Ensure the seismometer is connected correctly
327
328 * Ensure the appropriate seismometer model is selected in the system configuration screen
329
330 * Try an alternative seismometer
331
332 * Restart the unit to reinitialise the ADCs
333
334 * Try an alternative unit
335 )))
336 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
337 The display does not respond to commands
338 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
339 * The buttons may be faulty or the unit may have frozen
340
341 * Restart or try an alternative unit
342 )))
343
robert 4.1 344 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1066px" %)
robert 3.1 345 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1063px" %)(((
346 **Battery Errors **
347 )))
348 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
349 **Error **
350 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
351 **Solution **
352 )))
353 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
354 The unit never fully charges
355 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
356 * There may be an issue with one or more cells
357
358 * Cease charging immediately and use an alternative battery pack
359 )))
360 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
361 The unit does not live up to expected life cycle
362 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
363 * There is a damaged cell
364
365 * Use an alternative battery pack
366 )))
367 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
368 The unit does not charge at all (none of the indicators light up)
369 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
370 * Check charging voltage and current
371
372 * Check connections 
373 )))
374 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
375 The unit does not appear to trickle charge via the external connector
376 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
377 * Check external power connections
378
379 * Ensure solar panel is not obstructed and receiving direct sunlight
380
381 * The seismic recorder may be damaged from a pervious overvoltage/ current state on the external power line, try an alternative unit
382 )))
383 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
384 The charging indicator lights up but the power indicator does not
385 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
386 * The power indicator is controlled by a single charging chip and will light up when sufficient power is applied to fully charge the batteries
387
388 * This feedback is normal whilst trickle charging
389
390 * May indicate that one or more of the charging circuits is faulty
391 )))
392 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
393 Power Light is on but both charged and charging light is off
394 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
395 * Can be caused by the unit being above 40°C and surpassed the recommended charging temperature of the batteries
396
397 * One or more of the cells could be damaged and need to be replaced
398 )))
399 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
400 The battery charged LED does not turn on after a full charge is expected
401 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
402 * This LED is prone to failure and may need to be replaced
403 )))
404 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
405 The battery pack has swelled and is difficult to insert remove
406 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
407 * There is a damaged cell which will need to be replaced
408 )))
409
robert 4.1 410 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1064px" %)
robert 3.1 411 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1061px" %)(((
412 **Hardware Errors **
413 )))
414 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
415 **Error **
416 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
417 **Solution **
418 )))
419 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
420 The unit does not start
421 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
422 * Check input voltages and fuse
423
424 * Check voltage rails and port voltage outputs
425
426 * Reprogram the unit
427 )))
428 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
429 The battery gauge has an unexpected voltage
430 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
431 * Try another battery to confirm error
432
433 * Replace RV7 as it is prone to failure
434 )))
435 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
436 The SD card won’t lock in or isn’t detected
437 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
438 * Clean the connector with some compressed air
439
440 * Replace the SD card
441
442 * Reformat the card (FAT32)
443 )))
444
robert 1.1 445 = Sensors =
446
447 Sensors can be tested in many ways...
448
robert 3.1 449 == ... via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
robert 1.1 450
robert 5.1 451 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic May 2024)//
robert 1.1 452
Jack Dent 9.1 453
454 === Introduction ===
455
456 Sensor calibration allows user to input an electrical test signal into a connected sensor to simulate ground motion. The resulting digitized sensor output can then be analysed to assess various attributes of the sensor, such as basic functionality,
457 frequency response and/or sensitivity stability over time. For a high-quality broadband sensor, these parameters typically remain stable over time, so that if the sensor initially meets manufacturer’s specifications and has not suffered damage,
458 then calibration is usually not required. However, calibration can be a useful quality control check if it is suspected that the sensor may be defective or damaged after multiple deployments.
459
460 (% class="box infomessage" %)
461 (((
462 NOTE: Not all sensors have this capability and user must refer to the manufacturer’s datasheet for clarification.
463 )))
464
robert 5.2 465 === Process ===
robert 5.1 466
467 The Centaur data recorder can generate and output an analog signal using a 16-bit internal digital-to analog converter (DAC). The DAC output is applied to the sensor for calibration purposes via the matching sensor cable. Make sure to use manufacturer cables as the correct signal lines have been connected to the correct pins of the mating connector. The Centaur CTR, CTR2 and CTR3 series models may generate signals of up to ±5 V amplitude, while the Centaur CTR4 series models have an enhanced calibration output.
468
Jack Dent 10.1 469 Calibration output signal actions are launched from the **Waveform** page in the Centaur Web interface. A synthetic waveform signal generator allows you to generate sinewave and pseudo-random binary (PRB) signals on demand. User can configure the sine frequency or PRB pulse width, signal duration and amplitude as well as specify lead-in and lead-out silence intervals before and after the calibration waveform. One can also select and play a calibration file containing any other desired digital time series waveform that by uploading it to the Centaur, such as a swept sinewave, step function, random noise, or chained PRB sequence.
robert 5.1 470
471 The following sample calibration files are supplied with the Centaur. These files may be used to visually verify functionality and approximate sensitivity of the sensor by inspection of the output waveform:
472
robert 11.2 473 * **sine_5V_30s** generates a 1 Hz sine wave with 5 V amplitude lasting 30 seconds. **This is the default test for ANU as well as Nanometrics.**
robert 5.2 474 * **step_0V_to_5V_15s** generates a 0 V signal for 15 seconds followed by a positive 5 V step function lasting 15 seconds.
475 * **prb 1V 20ms 10min** generates a 10 minute PRB sequence using 20 ms pulses and 1 V amplitude.
476 * **prb 1V 5s 150min** generates a 2.5 hour PRB sequence using 5 second pulses and 1 V amplitude.
477 * **prb 2V 5s 8hr** generates an 8 hour PRB sequence using 5 s pulses and 2 V amplitude.
robert 5.1 478
479 === Procedure ===
480
481 1. Log-in to the Centaur Web Interface and use the Admin credentials
Jack Dent 10.1 482 1. Navigate to the **Health** page and verify that the sensor is properly levelled and recognised by its serial number.
483 1. To configure the calibration parameters, navigate to the **Waveform** page.
484 1. From the Calibration panel at the top page, select **Type** from the drop-down list and  choose Sine.
robert 5.1 485 1. For the CTR4 series models, additional option to select between Voltage or Current is available.
Jack Dent 10.1 486 1. Click on the **Configure** button to access the calibration dialog box for the selected **Playback**.
robert 11.2 487 1. Configure the signal characteristics by selecting **5V, 30 sec with gain of 1.**
robert 5.1 488 1. Configure the padding before and after the calibration signal, enter 5 seconds.
Jack Dent 10.1 489 1. The **Duration (s)** time can be made shorter or longer as required by user. NOTE, for shorter frequencies a longer duration will be required for the signal to complete its full cycle and to capture the entire waveform on the screen.
robert 5.1 490 1. Click OK button to close the dialog box and save the settings.
491 1. Click the start calibration button  [[image:1733178329484-829.png]] to begin the process. Approximately 5 seconds of time padding ( as set in Step 8) will past before the sensor responds to the injected signal and display the sine wave feedback response.
492 1. The calibration will end after 30 seconds (as set in Step 7) or can be terminated manually by pressing the stop button. The calibration will then stop after 5 seconds and any configured lead out silence will be skipped.
493 1. Click on the pause button on the bottom of the page to stop the live stream and use the arrows to centre the sine signal response. Note that the screen waveform will turn Blue and the stream will freeze. Avoid capturing live streaming signal!
494 1. Once the response signal is cantered, perform a screen-capture “Print Screen” button or use “Snippet” tool and save the captured image locally. In the nametag, include a Serial number, date and sensor type.
495 1. Archive and back-up the file.
496
robert 3.1 497 == ... via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
robert 1.1 498
robert 3.1 499 CODE & Guide to use code
robert 1.1 500
501
502 = Solar Panels =
503
504 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)//
505
Jack Dent 10.1 506 Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.
robert 1.1 507
508 This procedure describes the method for testing solar panels and determining how to identify defective panels. The testing of solar panels should be performed outdoors, under bring sun to obtain accurate results.
509
robert 4.1 510 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
511 (((
512 DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results.
513 )))
robert 1.1 514
515
Jack Dent 11.1 516 === Following materials are required ===
robert 1.1 517
518 * Solar panel for testing
519 * Digital multi-meter (DMM)
520 * Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value)
521 * Wire leads
522 * Alligator clips
523 * Spreadsheet with formulae
524 * Marker/ pen
525
Jack Dent 11.1 526 === Test Method ===
robert 1.1 527
528 1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements.
529 1. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. **Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! **
530 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips measure the open circuit Voltage and Current of the solar panel and record. **Make sure to change the dial on the DMM as taking measurement under incorrect setting will damage the DMM! **
531 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record.
532
533 Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.
534
535 Once all the solar panels have been tested and their results recorded, enter their values under the corresponding panel label in a spreadsheet. The cells containing preset formula will auto-populate and provide the results.
536
537 If the spreadsheets need to be developed, follow the steps in the next section.
538
539
540
Jack Dent 11.1 541 === Developing a spreadsheet ===
robert 1.1 542
543 Create a spreadsheet with following cells
544
545
546
robert 4.1 547 (% class="table-bordered" style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
robert 1.1 548 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
549 Solar panel ID#
550 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
robert 4.1 551 Measurement
robert 1.1 552 )))
553 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
554 Voltage (Voc)
555 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
556 Open circuit Voltage
557 )))
558 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
559 Current (Ioc)
560 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
561 Open circuit Current
562 )))
563 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
564
565 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
566
567 )))
568 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
569 VRL (Measured)
570 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
571 Voltage across load_R
572 )))
573 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
574 VRL (Theoretical)
575 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
576
577 )))
578 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
579
580 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
581
582 )))
583 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
584 Rated Power (Poc)
585 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
586 Theoretical Power
587 )))
588 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
589 Load Power (PRL)
590 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
591 Power under load
592 )))
593 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
594
595 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
596
597 )))
598 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
599 Power Loss %
600 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
601
602 )))
603 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
604 Load (RL)
605 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
606 Load resistor value
607 )))
608
609 For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values.
610
611
robert 4.1 612 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
613 (((
614 These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions.
615 )))
robert 1.1 616
617
618 (Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries.
619
620
621 Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
622
Jack Dent 11.1 623 [[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103334.png||height="28" width="141"]]
robert 1.1 624
625 Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
626
Jack Dent 11.1 627 [[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103419.png||height="31" width="157"]]
robert 1.1 628
629 Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
630
Jack Dent 11.1 631 [[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103432.png||height="67" width="176"]]
robert 1.1 632
633
634 Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
635
robert 7.1 636 The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels.
robert 1.1 637
Jack Dent 11.1 638 [[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103639.png||height="63" width="304"]]
robert 1.1 639
640
641 Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered.
642
643 Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.
644
645