Photovoltaic modules are the core device that converts solar energy into electrical energy. Its performance and reliability directly affect the efficiency and life of the solar power generation system. However, in practical applications, photovoltaic modules are often affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, leading to performance degradation or shortened lifespan. Thermal Cycling Test Chamber from Millennial Solar evaluates the reliability of photovoltaic modules under various environmental conditions, helping module manufacturers evaluate the durability and performance of their products to ensure their reliability in practical applications.

IEC standard

Thermal Cycling Test Chamber simulates the working environment of photovoltaic modules under different temperature conditions, and tests the modules through cyclically changing temperature conditions. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a series of standards to regulate the performance and reliability evaluation of photovoltaic modules. Among them, standards such as IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 require thermal cycle testing to evaluate the reliability of photovoltaic modules.Thermal Cycling Test Chamber from Millennial Solar serves as testing equipment that meets these standards and provides a test environment that meets IEC requirements to ensure the accuracy and comparability of test results.

Thermal cycle test chamber composition

Photovoltaic module thermal cycle test chamber usually consists of temperature control system, circulation fan and data acquisition system. The temperature control system can simulate the environment under different temperature conditions to ensure the accuracy of the test. The circulation fan ensures the flow of air in the test chamber and avoids uneven local temperature. The data acquisition system records and analyzes the performance parameters of photovoltaic modules during the test process to provide a basis for evaluation.

Main parameters of thermal cycle testing

Thermal cycle testing is to determine the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand thermal mismatch, fatigue, etc. caused by repeated changes in temperature. The temperature of the photovoltaic module is cycled between (-40±2)°C and (85±2)°C, with a temperature change rate not exceeding 100°C/hour, and maintained at both extreme temperatures for at least 10 minutes. One cycle time does not exceed 6 hours, and the test is generally 200 cycles. Currently, as the reliability requirements of photovoltaic modules increase, many high-reliability modules are required to pass TC400 or TC 600.

The main parameters of the thermal cycle test include the temperature limit, the residence time between the two limits, and the rate of change between the two limits. The following figure shows the main test parameters. The following parameters are all important and influence the stresses developed during testing. Apart from this, the number of test cycles is also a key factor.

Important Parameters for Thermal Cycle Testing

In addition to stresses caused by differences between temperature limits, exposure to high or low temperatures can also cause performance degradation, leading to failure. For example, high temperatures accelerate many harmful processes, including, for example, diffusion, migration, and oxidation, which often reduce the mechanical strength of solder joints. High temperatures can also cause polymers to degrade and oxidize, permanently weakening their properties.

If long dwell times are used, the test duration will increase unless the number of cycles is reduced. But sometimes, long residence times can even speed up testing if it causes structural changes, thereby increasing stress during temperature changes. For example, at high temperatures, polymer materials can relax or creep—the polymer chains in the material move to reduce stresses caused by high temperatures. These changes can significantly increase the stresses developed in the structure as the temperature decreases. However, a sufficiently long residence time is required for these changes to occur.

Thermal Cycling Test Chamber

E-mail: market@millennialsolar.com

Introduce:

Solar modules will withstand various harsh weather tests during their application. A test or process in which solar modules cycle materials or equipment at two set temperatures, usually with a higher rate of temperature change. It is defined as an environmental stress test. TC environmental simulation tests are used to verify and evaluate the reliability of photovoltaic modules or materials and to identify any manufacturing defects early through thermal fatigue-induced failure modes.

Fulfill the standard:

IEC61215-MQT11; IEC61730-MST51; requirements for equipment testing by third parties such as CNAS, TUV, and UL

Features:

Heating and cooling rate: -40℃←→+85℃, linear 3.3℃/min (heating and cooling rate is adjustable from 0~3.3℃/min)

Average power consumption: ≤100 KW·h (TC200 single cycle power consumption)

Reliability: Continuous trouble-free operation for no less than 4 months without downtime

Noise: A sound level ≤72dB (A), the noise value is measured at a distance of 1m from the front of the device and a height of 1m

Thermal Cycling Test Chamber is used with Current Continuity Monitoring System

E-mail: market@millennialsolar.com

Current Continuity Monitoring System is specially developed for the 10.11 high and low temperature cycle test clauses and 10.12 humidity and freezing test clauses in the IEC61215 standard. Used in conjunction with Thermal Cycling Test Chamber, it can monitor the internal circuit continuity of multiple photovoltaic modules. Determine the fatigue resistance of the material, the rationality of the lamination process, and the stability of the welding quality of the solar cell module in high and low temperature alternating environments.

The photovoltaic module Thermal Cycling Test Chamber is a key testing equipment for evaluating the reliability of photovoltaic modules. Testing in compliance with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards can ensure that the quality and reliability of photovoltaic modules meet international standards. Thermal Cycling Test Chamber from Millennial Solar complies with relevant IEC standards and can obtain accurate and reliable thermal cycle test results, providing an important reference for the design and application of photovoltaic modules.