euroTECH develops solar test bench 4.0

Panels and collectors make an important contribution to the energy transition. The increasing number of manufacturers and distributors of modules and superstructures raises the question of product stability and quality. There are several standards for the mechanical load capacity of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. euroTECH Handling GmbH in Rosenfeld developed a test bench for this purpose many years ago, which can be used to test far beyond the current standards.

More than 15 years of experience

The Fraunhofer Institute approached euroTECH back in 2009 with a request to develop a test bench for measuring the tensile and compressive forces of panels and collectors. A short time later, TÜV Rheinland also contacted the vacuum technology specialists. Both testing organizations were originally only looking for suppliers of vacuum suction cups in order to set up their own test bench for photovoltaic modules. It quickly became clear that euroTECH had the necessary expertise to supply a complete test stand, including the control system. As a result, euroTECH began development and production and brought a test stand onto the market that met all requirements.

Specially designed for photovoltaics and solar thermal energy

Solar modules and collectors are installed in exposed locations and have to withstand many environmental stresses. In particular, wind, ice and snow loads as well as hail put the modules to the test. The euroTECH test bench reliably simulates and documents such effects in the form of defined forces, cycles and times so that customers do not experience any nasty surprises. Overall, the test bench is characterized by its great flexibility and scalability. Different variants and options are possible depending on requirements and customer wishes.

Know your limits and reserves

Common to all variations are the aluminum bridges, which can be adapted to different module sizes via linear guides. The combination of suction cups and compressed air cylinders is designed according to the individual test and customer requirements. Depending on the suction cups and cylinder units installed, different pressure forces result, which are specified in pascals depending on the module area. This is crucial, as the test force is specified as pressure in pascals (Pa). The standard specification for PV modules is 1,000 Pascal (dynamic). Many customers of our solar test stands want to achieve significantly higher values with the aim of increasing quality and reducing material costs. In order to reach the load limit at which the module actually breaks, euroTECH has already realized test forces above 13,000 Pascal.

Control and logging secured

The corresponding software for controlling the test bench and for evaluating and documenting the test procedure was also developed under the direction of euroTECH. It is visually guided and intuitive to use. The corresponding protocols for the respective test can be output at the same time. This provides euroTECH users with a complete solution for testing solar modules and collectors.

Versatile in use

The versatility and scalability of the test stand was demonstrated by the implementation of two special requests: a customer from Italy wanted to test solar thermal collectors and a German manufacturer of module brackets wanted to test its mounting devices and superstructures in conjunction with various module makes as a unit. Both could be implemented without any problems with slight modifications to the basic test bench.

Latest technology and modular design

The current version of the solar test bench includes innovations such as IO-Link control, a temperature test of the module, a room humidity measurement and an electrical continuity measurement. Another innovation is the use of two compressed air cylinders to optimize dynamic testing and faster load changes. This allows frequencies of up to 4 Hz to be achieved instead of the required standard of 0.1 Hz. The use of double cylinders significantly reduces the amount of compressed air required during the test.

Safety first

Every euroTECH solar test stand comes with an optional maintenance and calibration package, which guarantees that all settings are checked and adjusted. The required occupational safety is ensured by safety equipment such as protective walls, safety fences or light grids.

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