Hukseflux: What Is New in The 2017 Version, A Quick Explanation

Hukseflux
Thermal Sensors
IEC 61724-1:2017
What is new in the 2017 version, a quick explanation
The 61724-1 standard for PV system performance monitoring has been revised. The new version,
released February 2017, defines “accuracy classes”. In conformity declarations, providers must state the
accuracy class of the measurement. The class is not only determined by the hardware that is used, but
also by quality checks and measurement procedures. The standard contains detailed specifications at
monitoring system component level. This memo offers a general summary, and focuses on the choice of
pyranometer. A separate memo offers comments on consequences of the new standard concerning the
selection of pyranometers.
Introduction
The first edition of IEC 61724-1: Photovoltaic
system performance monitoring – Guidelines for
measurement, data exchange and analysis –,
dates from 2008. It now has been updated. The
new 2017 version of the standard is
fundamentally different from the 2008 version.
The new scope not only defines the measuring
system components and procedures (as in the
2008 version), but it also aims to keep
measurement errors within specified limits. It
does so by establishing accuracy classes for
monitoring systems.
The new standard includes:

• 3 accuracy classes, A, B and C, for
monitoring systems, to be used in conformity
declarations
• accuracy requirements for monitoring
equipment per class
• required quality checks (i.e. calibration and
maintenance) per class
• recommended minimum number of
instruments used as a function of the PV
system scale
Figure 1 Cover of the new IEC 61724-1 standard, The 2017 version of the standard recognises that
published in February 2017 the solar irradiance measurement is one of the
weakest links in the measurement chain. It
specifies for each class of monitoring system the
pyranometer class that must be used, including
required instrument ventilation and heating,
azimuth and tilt angle accuracy. It also defines
cleaning and calibration intervals for
pyranometers. The standard also defines
requirements for measurement of module- and
air temperature, wind speed and direction, soiling
ratio, and (AC and DC) current and voltage.
Figure 2 Two SR30 secondary standard pyranometers Table 1 on the following page offers an overview
measuring GHI (global horizontal irradiance) and POA of the main elements of the IEC 61724-1
(plane of array) in a PV performance monitoring system monitoring classification system.
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Hukseflux
Thermal Sensors
Table 1 The main elements of the IEC 61724 -1 monitoring classification system
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
accuracy high medium basic
purpose utility scale PV systems large commercial PV small PV systems

systems
irradiance and specified sensor set specified sensor set may be derived by other means
environmental such as satellite observation
measurement specified number of sensors, specified number of sensors,
also including wind, air and
panel temperature soiling optionally derived by other
means
electrical output specified array and system specified system energy system output power and energy
measurement energy output output measurements measurement only
measurements
quality checks calibration prior to use calibration prior to use calibration prior to use
calibration schedule as calibration schedule as calibration schedule as

recommended by recommended by recommended by manufacturer
manufacturer manufacturer
calibration for solar radiation calibration for solar radiation

sensors sensors
1 x / yr 1 x / 2 yr
annual system inspection annual system inspection
What is an accuracy class? More about compliance of pyranometers

The concept of an accuracy class is defined by with the new IEC classification
the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM), Hukseflux is specialised in solar radiation
paragraph 4.25, as “class of measuring measurement. A separate memo offers
instruments or measuring systems that meet comments on consequences of the new standard
stated metrological requirements that are concerning the selection of pyranometers.
intended to keep measurement errors or
instrumental uncertainties within specified limits About Hukseflux
under specified operating conditions”. Hukseflux Thermal Sensors offers measurement
solutions for the most challenging applications.
Compliance with an accuracy class is sufficient to
We design and supply sensors as well as test &
claim a certain measurement uncertainty by
measuring systems, and offer related services
comparison to other systems of the same class
such as calibration, engineering and consultancy.
according to the Guide to Expression of
Hukseflux sensors, systems and services are
Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), type B
offered worldwide via our office in Delft, the
evaluation of uncertainty, see also VIM paragraph
Netherlands and local distributors.
2.29.
Where can I order the standard? Interested in our products and services?
The standard can be purchased from the IEC E-mail us at: info@hukseflux.com
Webshop.
Copyright by Hukseflux. Version 1706. We reserve the right to change specifications without prior notice
Page 2/2 . For Hukseflux Thermal Sensors go to www.hukseflux.com or e-mail us: info@hukseflux.com

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Hukseflux

The new standard includes:

CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C

accuracy high medium basic

purpose utility scale PV systems large commercial PV small PV systems

calibration schedule as calibration schedule as calibration schedule as

calibration for solar radiation calibration for solar radiation

annual system inspection annual system inspection

What is an accuracy class? More about compliance of pyranometers

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