RETIRED ›
This product is no longer available and has been replaced by: CS241.
CS240 Pt-1000 Class A, Back-of-Module Temperature Sensor
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Free Support Yes

Overview

The CS240 is a surface mountable PRT that measures back-of-module temperature for solar energy applications. It uses a precision Pt-1000 class A PRT to provide the highest level of accuracy. To withstand the harsh treatment commonly seen in MET station installation, the PRT is safely housed inside a specially designed self-adhesive aluminum disk.

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Benefits and Features

  • Precision Pt-1000 Class A sensing element
  • Compliant with IEC 60751, DIN EN 60751 (according to IEC 751)
  • Various cable lengths available
  • Rugged design holds up in harsh conditions and conduit installations
  • Self-adhesive backing for easy mounting that lasts decades
  • 2-wire and 4-wire configuration to satisfy data logger channel count and accuracy—even at long cable lengths
  • Quick sensor head connection for easier installation and replacement
  • NIST traceability provided with purchase of optional 3-point temperature calibration

Images

Glam view
Glam view
Glam view
Full view with cable
Full view with cable
Left view
Top view
Bottom view
Kapton tape (pn 11051) is required for cable strain relief. The tape is also used to fasten the sensor to the back of a solar panel when the temperature may exceed 70°C.
Sensor mounted to the back of a solar panel module

Detailed Description

The CS240 consists of a Pt-1000 class A PRT encased in an aluminum disk. The disk protects the PRT, particularly during installation when pulled through conduit, and promotes heat transfer from the surface. An adhesive tab on the disk fastens the CS240 to the measurement surface. If the temperature may exceed 70°C, Extreme sealing tape is also required to secure the probe.

The CS240 provides PV stakeholders with highly accurate back-of-module temperature, even at long cable lengths, for use in power performance modeling and simulation of solar energy applications. Back-of-module temperature is critical for any evaluation of effective irradiance and power conversion.

Specifications

Sensor 1000 Ω DIN Class A RTD
Measurement Description Back-of-module temperature
Operating Temperature Range -40° to +135°C
Cable Temperature Rating 105°C
Class A PRT Accuracy ± (0.15 + 0.002T)
Temperature Coefficient TCR = 3850 ppm/K
Element Type Precision 1000 ohm Class A platinum sensing element (Pt-1000)
Long-Term Stability Maximum Ro drift 0.04% (after 1000 h at 400°C)
Measuring Current 0.1 to 0.3 mA
Disk Material Anodized aluminum
Cable Jacket Material Black semi-gloss PVC, UL VW-1 sunlight-resistant for outdoor use
Sensitivity ±0.06 Ω or ±0.15°C
Disk Diameter 2.54 cm (1.0 in.)
Overall Probe Length 6.35 cm (2.5 in.)
Overmolded Joint Dimensions 5.72 x 1.12 x 1.47 cm (2.25 x 0.44 x 0.58 in.)
Weight 90.7 g with 3.2 m cable (0.2 lb with 10.5 ft cable)

Conductors
Wire Size and Type 24 AWG (7/32) tinned copper
Insulation Type PVC
UL AWM 10012 1000V 105°C
Filler Fibrillated polypropylene as required for uniform round construction
Drain 24 AWG (7/32) tinned copper (cabled, touching foil)
Shield Aluminum/Mylar (100% coverage, 25% minimum overlap, foil facing in)
Nominal Wire Diameter 0.61 mm (0.024 in.)

Compliance
-NOTE- Compliance information can be found in the Documents section of the web page.
Approvals UL AWM 2586 1000V 105°C; CSA AWM 600V 105°C FT
EMC Compliance Conforms with Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC).
RoHS2 Conforms with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS2).

Compatibility

Note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible or incompatible products.

Data Loggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X
CR10X (retired)
CR300
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Frequently Asked Questions

Number of FAQs related to CS240: 3

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  1. For the standard (non-NIST) version of the CS240 sensors, how does Campbell Scientific verify the ability of the sensors to measure and that the measurements made are calibrated to provide correct measurements?

    Even when three-pt calibration isn’t ordered, when we build the probes, we perform a final test to verify that they are reading within 0.3°C of our calibrated reference sensor at room temperature.

  2. Why is NIST traceability beneficial for surface temperature sensors, such as the CS240, the 110PV, and the CS240DM?

    NIST traceability provides an assurance of accuracy. This is especially desirable in accordance with IEC 61724, which is a specification for monitoring solar energy generation that requires calibrated sensors.

  3. Are the traditional methods of using RTD to measure the back-of-module temperature not used with the CS240 and CS240DM because these methods may cause hot spots?

    A hot spot is caused if a cell in series is under-producing due to shading and gets reversed bias due to the other producing cells. For bifacial modules, as long as the front face is not shaded, all the cells should be producing and covering a small area on the back side and should not cause a severe mismatch.

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