Phoenixtec unveils EZ-logger, bringing mobile technology and intuitive PDA-style to PV-monitoring. The new datalogger is small and discrete, and designed to fit into home surroundings.
PV-systems are usually monitored by the inverter unit itself and include a limited display to convey its status. For monitoring multiple systems there are external dataloggers. These are often awkward bulky devices that we prefer to hide out of view, and certainly would not like in our homes. However, in order for a datalogger to be useful that’s exactly where it needs to be. The datalogger should be in plain view, or where an audible or visual alarm will be noticed.
Increasingly PV-systems include more than one inverter. Existing dataloggers that use one-line LCDs are not enough to monitor multiple inverters simultaeneously. The data needs to be displayed over time, and to prevent potential problems, records about previous errors are required.
Phoenixtec realise you are less likely to hide the device in a remote location if it is discrete and blends in with your home. And you are more likely to look at your datalogger if the interface is easy to use.
Phoenixtec EZ Logger is as small as a PocketPC and has a metallic finish that is not out of place with other home CE equipment. The 3.8-inch color LCD switches off when it’s not in use, and the front-panel LCD is discrete enough that it is not a cause of distraction,
The color 3.8" LCD is actually touch-sensitive, and presents nine task-based icons for monitoring up to 20 PV-Inverters. To select the desired task, touch it with the supplied stylus.
The PDA-style interface is intuitive to navigate and provides functions for setting the context for generating warning alerts, monitoring PV-inverter status, configuring external sensors, changing the display, and language.
With logging functions up to 3 years of data, multiple channels can be overlayed on a generated graph with a selected time period. There are even ports available for adding two-sets of external temperature and irradiance sensors to monitor the strength of the sun on-location.
Data history is stored on a propietry CompactFlash memory card, which can be read by a PC. The data history can be used in conjuction with supplied software to accurately determine the status and efficiency of your PV-Inverters over time.
Should your PV-system or the public grid enter an unexpected state, EZ-logger has a number of communication channels to convey this information. There is an audible and relay alarm; EZ-logger can be used to trigger emails, mobile phone messages and faxes. You can also connect your EZ-logger to a PC via an ethernet link or serial cable.
With EZ-logger you can know the exact status of your Inverter, anywhere in the world. It will even tell you what the weather was doing while you were away.
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