WHY
PV modules are becoming larger and larger Limited space in test laboratories Climate tests with optimised use of space
HOW
Turnkey solution
Customer-specific one-off production
WHAT
Especially slim and tall test chamber
Test space with components corrosion-resistant Design for tests in accordance with IEC 61215
WHY | The challenge.
Due to the requirements of increased use on free agricultural spa-ces and set-up on water surfaces among other things, photovoltaic modules are becoming larger and larger. In order to be able to test such XXL modules, which are up to 3 m2 in size, the Fraunhofer Ins-titute for Solar Energy Systems (if not released: a leading research institute for solar power) needs a large climatic test chamber for its test laboratory. This should have as small a footprint as possible.
The test chamber must enable three temperature and humidity tests in accordance with the standard IEC 61215: the thermal cy-cling test, the humidity-freeze test and the damp-heat test. During the tests, a maximum temperature change rate of 3.33 K/min may be reached, but the standard leaves room for interpretation for the development of a more economical variant with smaller refrigera-ting unit. The required temperature range is -40 ºC to +90 ºC, the humidity range 20 to 90 % r.h.
The test space must be constructed in such a way that it does not become damaged by the corrosive outgassing of the PV modules.
HOW | The idea.
A particularly tall and slim test chamber was developed in close coope-ration with the customer. In it, PV modules up to 2700 mm high and 1200 mm wide can be tested in an upright position. It is based on the tried-and-tested ClimeEvent-PV test chambers, the test chamber of which has been extended upwards. In order to slide the modules in ea-sily, fastening rails are positioned in the test space.
As protection against corrosive outgassing of the PV modules, the test cell and the components in the test space are made of 1.4404 stain-less steel and welded completely without silicone joints. Heating, heat exchanger and other components inside the test space are made of In-coloy®, an especially corrosion-resistant nickel-iron-chrome alloy.
WHAT | The solution.
ClimeEvent C/5´/-50/+150/2//PV
The test space has a volume of 5 m3 and is 1200x2700x1450 mm
(WxHxD) in size. There are three comb-shaped fastening rails mounted on the rear wall of the test space, allowing up to ten PV modules to be fixed in place in an upright position. The technology is installed behind the test space, the overall dimensions are 1520 x 3370 x 4000 mm
(WxHxD). For quick and easy set-up and startup, the compact test chamber is delivered upright on a frame.
The test chamber is controlled via the digital measuring and control system SIMPAC® and the tried-and-trusted WEBSeason® software. The operation, program and monitoring unit with its webpanel is mounted on the test space door.
Temperature testing in the range of -60 to +150 °C and climate testing in the range of +10 to +95 °C can be carried out with a relative humidi-ty of 10 to 95%. For the temperature tests, we fulfil the requirements of DIN EN 61215 and, if required, we can also realise higher tempera-ture change rates can be realised. The water-cooled refrigerating sys-tem works with the refrigerants R-449A and R-469A. An alternative version with CO2 as refrigerant is possible.
Your advantages at a glance:
- Design optimised in terms of energy use
- Tried-and-trusted standard components, individual adaptation
- Compact system, simple to install (plug & play)
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Planning, development, construction, assembly, startup, calibration and service from a single provider