1. Assessment
You send us what you have: tracker brand and type, year, drives, existing controls and communication, power supply, plant layout. We then tell you whether and how Feldmelder fits – also when the answer is no.
2. Monitor first
The portal receives data through the open protocol TTP v1. For existing controls to report there, a connection is needed that translates their data. We develop this connection in the project for the specific type of controller.
3. Replace the controls as a pilot
The Feldmelder box and one control unit (TCU) per tracker first replace the old controls on one tracker or row – with acceptance criteria agreed beforehand. Only when the pilot meets them does the rest of the plant follow.
What the new controls do in the field
- The box computes the sun position and points the trackers; with backtracking it flattens the rows when the sun is low so that no row shades the next.
- Wind stow from the wind sensor in the field; while it is active the box refuses the "automatic" command.
- On an official hail or storm warning of the German Weather Service (DWD) for the site the box moves the trackers to the safety position (off until it is set up).
- On a DWD snow or ice warning the trackers move to the snow position so that the snow slides off.
- If the link to a tracker drops, it follows its stored schedule and then moves to the safe position.
- The box works without the cloud – it decides on safety positions in the field and buffers its data for up to 72 hours.
- A fault at one tracker reaches the portal with the tracker number; the other rows keep following the sun.
- Commands from the portal (safety position, automatic, maintenance) are signed and valid for two minutes only; the box rejects forged commands.
Scope
- No ready compatibility with controls, protocols or products of other manufacturers.
- No spare parts for other manufacturers' controls.
How we work: every function of the box, the tracker control unit (TCU) and the portal is covered by automated tests. Field installations start with a pilot project and acceptance criteria agreed beforehand. The live demo shows an example plant with example data.
Frequently asked questions
Does Feldmelder work with my trackers?
There is no ready compatibility with any specific tracker or controller product. Whether it fits depends on mechanics, drives, sensors and power supply – we check that in the assessment from your documents.
Do the existing controls have to be removed?
Not for monitoring alone, if their data can be read – then a connection is needed (step 2). For control by Feldmelder, the control unit (TCU) replaces the old controls on each tracker (step 3).
What happens if the internet connection fails?
The box controls and protects the plant in the field itself and buffers its data for up to 72 hours; it sends it afterwards.
What does a retrofit cost?
That depends on the plant, its condition and the scope. After the assessment you receive an offer; there are no fixed prices for retrofits.
Is the data mine?
Yes. Through the REST API and the CSV export you can take your measurements out at any time.