With expanding interest in renewable energy sources, solar power has become a frontrunner in power generation technologies that are both affordable and environmentally friendly. Whether you are testing solar panels, grid-tied photovoltaic inverters, photovoltaic cells and modules, Thermotron has the experience necessary to design a solar test system right for you. During their lifetime these products undergo severe environmental temperature and humidity extremes. As such, stress tests have been developed to ensure the safety, reliability and cost effectiveness of solar panels and equipment including IEC 61646 thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules design qualification and type approval, UL 1703 UL Standard for Safety Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels and ASTM International's E 1171 Standard Test Method for Photovoltaic Modules in Cyclic Temperature and Humidity Environments among others.
Thermotron is proud to offer several models of environmental test chambers that meet or exceed the requirements set forth in these test standards. Our solar panel test systems are specifically designed and manufactured to perform temperature and humidity cycling including humidity freeze/thaw tests on various sizes of solar panels and modules.
Temperature and Humidity Chambers SE-3000
Designed and manufactured specifically for solar panel testing, the SE-3000 combines the performance of our SE-Series chambers with an extra deep workspace for a solar panel testing solution. With an internal workspace measuring 48" wide x 72" deep x 52" high, the SE-3000 provides amble space for testing long length solar panels.
Two circulation fans and an optimized airflow system provide conditioning in the center of the workspace for consistently repeatable test results and ensuring good airflow around the solar panels.
Capable of producing temperatures between +180°C and -70°C (+355°F to -95°F), the SE-3000 utilizes high capacity compressors and product temperature control software to achieve very rapid product temperature change rates. It can also achieve humidity levels between 10% and 98% relative humidity.
The SE-3000 also features an optional universal port on the side to allow for side access for wiring as well as future integration of testing equipment. The chamber's design can incorporates fixtures allowing the rapid loading and unloading of multiple solar panels. The fixture is designed to maximize airflow and even temperature distribution around each solar panel being tested. Nylon rollers at the bottom of each slot allow the solar panels to be easily rolled in. The panels are held upright at the top with nylon guides, which are adjusted to match the height of the panel.
SE-1504
Thermotron's SE-1504 is specially created for customers requiring an internal workspace that can accommodate wide products such as solar panels. With an internal workspace measuring 60" wide x 40" deep x 38" high, the SE-1504 has an ergonomic loading configuration allowing products to be easily placed inside of the chamber without having to extend past arm’s length. Utilizing a bi-parting door with a conveniently latch locking system also helps ensure easy product loading and safety during testing. Two access ports allow access to the product under testing an a large heated window permits viewing.
Capable of producing temperatures between +180°C and -70°C (+355°F and -95°F), the SE-1504 utilizes high capacity compressors and product temperature control software to achieve very rapid product temperature change rates. The SE-1504 can also achieve humidity levels between 10% and 98% relative humidity. Application-specific compressor selections from 3 to 15 Hp allow you to tailor chamber performance to meet individual testing needs and test specifications.
Like all SE-Series chambers, the SE-1504 chamber features Thermotron's exclusive 8800 Programmer Controller with its touch screen interface. The 8800 offers a brilliant 12-inch color touch screen display, Ethernet compatibility and web-enabled front end for virtual anytime/anywhere access.
F-113
With a volume of 113 cubic feet (2,662 liters), Thermotron's F-113 provides a large workspace for testing a multitude of solar panels simultaneously. Built with a solid construction insulated floor, the chamber is able to withstand a load of up to 900 pounds (408 kg). Two 4-inch (10 cm) diameter ports located on each side of the chamber allow for wiring access to and from the products under test. A cable slot can be built into the door for additional easy wiring access.
The chamber's temperature and humidity performance can be customized per customer requirements or based on ASTM E1171 and IEC 61646 test specifications for solar panel testing. These chambers are designed with the ability to expose 880 pounds (399 Kg) of solar modules and up to 4,000 watts to temperatures from 0°C to -40°C (+32°F to -40°F). A high output humidity system allows the chamber to maintain 85% RH when transition from 85°C to ambient temperatures, a specification from the IEC 61646 Humidity Freeze test. Customer supplied compressed dry air or gaseous nitrogen (GN2) can be used to purge the chamber, lowering the dew point and reducing condensation.
A sophisticated system has been put in place for product monitoring and temperature control. Thermotron is able to provide various methods of data acquisition and functional test equipment that will allow you to continuously monitor the stresses being imparted on the solar panels under test.
Walk-In Chambers
Capable of testing large products, Thermotron's Walk-In chambers are able to simulate a wide range of temperature and humidity environments. Used for testing and controlled storage as well as a versatile laboratory environment, whatever your testing application, each of Thermotron's Walk-in chambers consists of a self-contained conditioning module and a room constructed from interlocking panels or welded, insulated solid walls. Our Walk-In chambers are large enough to support testing racks filled with solar panels and are available as a panel or solid-construction chamber.
Walk-In Panel Chambers
Our WP-Series Panel Walk-In Test Chambers offer flexibility and versatility in chamber design and manufacture. Utilizing easy to handle prefabricated panels, WP-Series chambers allow you to create a workspace to meet almost any testing or size requirements.
We have modified and customized our panel walk-in chambers to include features such as bi-parting doors and reinforced floors. Available in standard sizes ranging from 286 to 1,422 cubic feet (8,100 to 40,271 liters), Thermotron can produce a walk-in chamber that will fit your testing requirements.
WP-Series walk-in chambers are able to provide temperatures ranging from –68°C to +85°C. When configured with humidity these chambers have a humidity range of 20 to 95% relative humidity. A low humidity package is also available for these chambers.
Walk-In Solid-Construction Chambers
Thermotron's solid-construction Walk-In chambers offer broader performance ranges and are designed for customer specific your test applications. Welded and insulated walls are able to withstand extended temperature and humidity ranges and enable faster temperature change rates. Solid-construction walk-in chambers have a temperature range of –73°C to +177°C and can withstand 20 to 95% relative humidity. An ultra-low humidity package is also available.
The chamber workspace can be customized to almost any test requirements. Whether its raising the floor of the chamber for easy product loading or customizing chamber performance, Thermotron's skilled engineers will design the right walk-in chamber for you.
Product Fixturing
Proper fixturing of devices can increase throughput, provide consistency and increase product connection reliability. Thermotron has designed and built many different types of fixtures, racks, and devices to hold solar panels and ensure they are adequately protected during tests.
The fixture may be as simply as a drawer, rack, or shelf, or as complex as a fully powered cart with electrical connectors, outlets, and mating pins. Dedicated custom fixturing can be designed specifically for the end use, reducing product handling, contributing to test accuracy, and improving throughput.
Skilled in choosing the proper materials of construction, Thermotron is able to maximize the available space within the chamber and provide the customer with the right fixture for their testing needs.
We have created custom test fixtures, specifically designed and manufactured for use by solar panel manufacturers. These fixtures are designed to maximize airflow and even temperature distribution around each solar panel under test. Able to hold multiple panels, these fixtures are often made from durable anodized aluminum bars and stainless steel fasteners. The fixtures also use nylon rollers or guides to ensure adequate and consistent spacing between products and easy product loading. Fixtures serve to protect the edges of the panels during loading and unloading as well as allowing for routing of wiring harnesses providing power and sensing to each product.作者: Alien 時間: 2009-8-27 21:10
