Atec Dranetz-Profitest User Manual
Applications, Features

3-349-632-03
1/5.11
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH
PROFITEST PV
Peak Power Measuring Instrument and Curve Tracer 
for PV Modules and Strings 
(Measurement at Capacitive Load)
Applications
The PROFITEST PV allows for the measurement of characteristic 
I-U curves, as well as individual photovoltaic modules and strings. 
With the help of a patented process, the instrument is capable of 
ascertaining peak power, internal series resistance and internal 
parallel resistance directly on-site “with only one measurement and 
without entering module data”, which are then indicated at a high-
resolution color graphic touch-screen which is suitable for use in 
sunlight. Troubleshooting in PV systems, as well as documenta-
tion of system quality, are executed quickly and economically dur-
ing initial start-up and subsequent testing without a long learning 
curve. This simple yet decisive test assures safety for the cus-
tomer and eliminates consequential costs for the installer. Mea-
sured peak power can, for example, also be used in order to 
determine peak ratio. Beyond this, acquired characteristic curves 
make it possible to draw further conclusions regarding the electri-
cal characteristics of the measured module or string. And thus the 
instrument is also suitable for R&D.
Features
•
Internal data memory for up to several thousand measurements
•
Acquired characteristic I-U curve is highly accurate thanks to 
steady measurement at the capacitive load
•
Displayed (calculated) values: peak power P
Pk
, internal series
resistance R
S
, internal parallel resistance R
P
, instantaneous
values: U
pmax
, I
pmax
, P
max
, U
OC
, I
SC
, FF, T
mod
, T
ref
, E
TRMS
•
Power and temperature measurement via four-conductor 
cable for error-free results
•
Sensors for irradiation and temperature are integrated by 
means of analog technology with a rugged data transmission 
line. As a result, irradiation can always be measured in real-
time, and irradiation fluctuations are reliably detected within 
the millisecond range. As a rule, measurement data cannot be 
transmitted continuously with solutions based on radio trans-
mission, and thus only a snapshot is provided. However, irra-
diation typically changes by up to several hundred W/m
2
even
in the millisecond range.
•
Continuous display of momentary irradiation and temperature 
provides information regarding measuring conditions.
•
Universal input allows for use with commercially available irra-
diation reference sensors, assuring trouble-free on-site use of 
adapted sensors and sensor replacement.
•
Operation of the PROFITEST PV via a PC with direct import of 
results (e.g. for continuous measurement)
•
External power pack with broad-range input for charging the 
batteries, and for continuous operation of the measuring 
instrument
•
Open interfaces allow for operation of the instrument in spe-
cial applications as well
•
High level of intrinsic safety thanks to included load discon-
nector (1000 V / 32 A DC)
•
Generator voltage up to 1000 V DC, current up to 20 A DC
•
Measurement of short-circuit current ISC, open circuit 
voltage UOC, instantaneous peak power of a solar cell Pmax, 
internal series resistance RS, and internal parallel resistance RP
•
Automatic conversion of momentary measured values to STC
•
Patented calculation process for evaluating PV generators 
without knowledge of the manufacturer’s specifications.
•
Patented calculation process for determining the generator’s 
internal series resistance based solely on a measured charac-
teristic I-U curve.
•
Separate measurement of temperatures at the irradiation sen-
sor and the back of the module for increased measuring 
accuracy.
•
High level of intrinsic safety thanks to included load discon-
nector (1000 V/32 A DC) for all-pole disconnection of the 
measuring instrument from the PV generator
•
Calibrated irradiation sensor per IEC/EN 60904-2 with inte-
grated Pt1000 temperature sensor
•
Integrated customer database* with bidirectional data exchange
•
Integrated module database with bidirectional data exchange
•
Software for graphic visualization, evaluation and report generation 
with integrated database
*
in preparation
