Gantner.FPE Field Point Extension

Data logging and control unit

Field Point Extensions are fully customized add-on cabinets for the Gantner.Qreader data logger, providing data acquisition across the entire PV plant: string-level data (current, voltage), inverter data, meteorological data from weather stations, grid measurements and other state variables such as switchgear and transformer status. Typically, one FPE is installed per transformer station, and the data from all FPEs is transmitted via fiber optics to the central data logging and control unit (QRC – Gantner.Qreader cabinet).

Features

Extension Cabinet with Integrated Plant Control
Up to 100 MW of logging and control per device; control according to IEC 60870 (SCADA communication protocol)
Analog & Digital I/O via Q.series Modules
24-bit resolution, sample rates from 0.1 s up to 24 h
4× RS485 Fieldbus Interfaces
Up to 115.2 kbps
Ethernet Interface for Configuration & Data Transfer
TCP/IP, UDP, FTP server and client functionality, configurable functions
Broad Connectivity
Integrated protocols from all leading inverter manufacturers, plus I/O devices such as weather stations and medium-voltage parameters
Data Memory with Individual Logging Intervals
8 GB flash, 0.1 s up to 24 h, configurable per channel
Configurable Monitoring
Auto-alarming via e-mail or SMS, local arithmetic functions
Worldwide Data Access
Linux operating system, direct link to Gantner.IQX for worldwide data access

How Gantner.FPE works

Effective PV monitoring requires consistent, reliable and traceable plant data to determine actual performance and meet owner and investor expectations. Operators need to identify errors and losses reliably in order to trigger appropriate actions and maximize energy harvest over the entire system lifetime.

The Field Point Extension extends the Gantner.Qreader data logger and handles the logging and control of all required PV plant information: string-level data (current, voltage), inverter data, meteorological data from weather stations, grid measurements and other state variables such as switchgear and transformer status. At the same time, the system acts as the power plant controller for the grid operator.

This accurate, inverter-independent data acquisition and control concept provides feedback on losses due to inverter malfunction, soiling, shading or PV module degradation. Data can be collected at intervals down to 0.1 s – often required by utilities for grid impact tests.

Signal conditioning, data storage and transfer, compression and multi-path communication are the strengths of this flexible data solution. Communication uses industry-standard Modbus protocols for easy, fast integration and reliable data exchange within the network; for longer distances, fiber optic technology is used. Data transfer is possible via cable (Ethernet/LAN) or wireless (4G/5G, WiFi) – the loggers meet all standard industrial security requirements with low power consumption.

The data acquisition system grows with your requirements: distributed Q.series measurement modules or additional Field Point Extensions can be integrated at any time.