Fluke IRR1-SOL - User Manual

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Summary

Symbols and Safety Information

General Safety Precautions

Covers essential safety rules for using the meter, preventing personal injury and damage.

Measuring Irradiance and Temperature

Internal Sensor Measurements

Explains how to measure irradiance and temperature using the meter's internal sensor.

Measuring with External Probe

Connecting and Using the External Probe

Describes attaching the external probe and its role in temperature measurement.

Measuring Inclination and Cardinal Direction

Inclination Measurement Procedure

Technical Specifications

Irradiance and Temperature Specs

Details measurement ranges, accuracy, and resolution for irradiance and temperature.

Inclination and Compass Specs

Provides specifications for inclination angle and compass measurements.

Environmental and Compliance Specs

Covers operating temperature, EMC, and regulatory compliance standards.

The Fluke IRR1-SOL Irradiance Meter is a handheld device designed to provide digital readouts related to photovoltaic (PV) panels, assisting in determining their optimum positioning for best performance. It measures and displays solar irradiation, temperature, inclination, and cardinal degrees using a compass function.

Function Description

The Meter's primary function is to measure solar irradiation in W/m² on the surface of a PV panel. It also measures the temperature of the PV panel surface in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. An integrated temperature sensor is used for this purpose, and an external temperature probe with a suction cup is included for more versatile temperature measurements, particularly on the underside of PV panels. The device can measure the inclination (tilt angle) of a PV panel in degrees, and a compass function provides cardinal degrees, helping users align panels for optimal sun exposure.

The Meter features an ON/OFF button for power control. A "FUNCTION" key allows users to cycle through different measurement screens for irradiance, temperature, compass, and angle measurements. An "Angle Reset" button is available to zero out the angle measurement, which is particularly useful when measuring the angle difference between a solar panel and a surface, or when dealing with rooftops with inclinations different from 0°. The "HOLD/UNITS" button serves a dual purpose: a short press will hold the current measurement on the display, while a long press (2 seconds) enables the temperature units to be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

For temperature measurement, the Meter can use its integrated conductive sensor by simply placing the device directly onto the PV panel. Alternatively, the external temperature probe can be attached to the top of the Meter, and its suction cup can be connected to the underside of the PV panel for external temperature readings. When the external probe is connected, an icon on the screen indicates that temperature is being read from the external probe.

The compass function requires a two-step process for accurate cardinal direction. First, irradiance, temperature, and inclination measurements are taken with the Meter placed on and aligned with the PV panel. If the tilt angle is above 20 degrees, the compass function will display "---". For the second step, the compass measurement should be performed away from the PV panel by holding the Meter or placing it on a horizontal surface (0 to 20 degrees tilt), pointing the tip of the Meter in the direction the PV panel faces. It is crucial to keep the Meter away from any metal objects during compass measurements, as the compass references magnetic north and its reading can be unreliable near metal, including solar panels, metal roofs, or concrete surfaces with rebar.

Important Technical Specifications

Irradiance:
- Measuring range: 0 to 1400 W/m²
- Resolution: 1 W/m²
- Measuring Accuracy: ±(5% + 5 Digit)
Temperature Measurement:
- Measuring range (°C): -30 °C to 100 °C
- Measuring range (°F): -22 °F to 212 °F
- Resolution: 0.1 °C (0.2 °F / 1 °F @ > 100 °F)
- Measuring Accuracy:
  - ±1 °C (±2 °F) @ -10 °C to 75 °C (14 °F to 167 °F)
  - ±2 °C (±4 °F) @ -30 °C to -10 °C (-22 °F to 14 °F) and 75 °C to 100 °C (167 °F to 212 °F)
- Temperature measurement response time: ~30 sec.
Inclination Angle:
- Measuring range: -90° to +90°
- Resolution: 0.1°
- Measuring Accuracy:
  - ±1.5° @ -50° to +50°
  - ±2.5° @ -85° to -50° and +50° to +85°
  - ±3.5° @ -90° to -85° and +85° to +90°
Compass:
- Measuring range: 0° to 360°
- Resolution: 1°
- Measuring Accuracy: ±7°
- Measurements are valid for device inclination between -20° and +20° to horizontal. Outside this range, the LCD will show "---".
- Result is referred to magnetic north.
Operating Temperature:
- IRR1-SOL: -20 °C to 50 °C, humidity <80%, noncondensing
- 80PR-IRR: -30 °C to 100 °C
Storage Temperature: -30 °C to 60 °C (humidity <80%)
Altitude: 0 m to max. 2000 m
IP Protection: IP40
Power Supply: 4 AA Alkaline Batteries
Battery Life (typical): 50 hours (>9000 readings)
Auto Power Off: 30 minutes
Dimensions (L x W x H): 150 x 80 x 35 mm (5.90 x 3.14 x 1.37 in)
Weight: 231g (0.5lb)

Usage Features

Digital Readouts: Clear digital display for all measurements.
Battery Level Indicator: An icon on the display shows the current battery level.
Hold Function: Allows users to freeze the current measurement on the display for easier reading.
Temperature Unit Switching: Easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit for temperature readings.
External Temperature Probe: Provides flexibility for temperature measurements, especially on the underside of PV panels, with a suction cup for secure attachment.
Compass Function: Aids in determining cardinal direction for optimal panel alignment, though it requires specific usage conditions to ensure accuracy.
Carrying Case: Includes a C250 Carrying Case with Shoulder Strap for convenient transport and protection of the Meter and its accessories.

Maintenance Features

Battery Replacement: The Meter uses four (4) AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries, which are easily accessible via a compartment on the back. The process involves unscrewing a captive screw, removing the cover, installing new batteries, and then resecuring the cover. It is recommended to remove batteries if the Meter is not used for an extended period or stored in high temperatures to prevent leakage.
Cleaning: The case can be periodically wiped with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Abrasives or solvents should not be used to avoid damaging the Meter.
Storage: For longer periods of non-use (over 60 days), batteries should be removed and stored separately.
No User-Serviceable Parts: The Meter contains no user-serviceable parts. Users are advised not to open the instrument to prevent personal injury or damage. All servicing should be performed by qualified personnel.
Safety Information: The manual provides clear warnings and cautions regarding the safe use of the Meter, including instructions to read the entire manual before use, inspect the Meter for damage, avoid use in explosive or damp environments, and use only specified batteries.