|
Solar
Simulation ASTM
/ IEC / JIS Testing Standards
Solar simulation is much more
than just choosing a lighting source with a spectrum that "looks
good". The whole premise behind simulation of solar energy is to
replicate, as accurately as possible, the effects of actual sunlight on
products or PV material. Whether you are trying to measure the detrimental
effects of UV or the beneficial output of PV panels, this data must
parallel the results from actual sunlight and be repeatable. For this
reason, international standards have been developed to benchmark solar
simulation lighting.
International
Standards for Solar Simulation Performance
There
are three categories that are used to classify solar simulation systems;
Spectral Concurrence (matching), Irradiation Non-uniformity, and Temporal Instability.
Three classes are defined for each of these categories; Class A, Class B;
and Class C. A simulation system is rated with three letters, based on its
performance to the defined classifications for each of the three
categories. The first letter corresponds to spectral matching, the second
letter to irradiation non-uniformity, and the third to temporal stability.
As an example, a particular simulation system may have a
classification of BBA; signifying it has a spectral match equal to Class B,
irradiation
non-uniformity in the test area of Class B, and temporal
stability equal to Class A. Below are the classification parameters for
large area simulators from the three major standards organizations.
|
Performance
Parameter |
Standards Organization |
| ASTM |
IEC |
JIS |
| Spectral match |
|
|
|
| Class A |
0.75-1.25 |
0.75-1.25
|
0.75-1.25
|
| Class B |
0.6-1.4 |
0.6-1.4 |
0.6-1.4 |
| Class C |
0.4-2.0 |
0.4-2.0 |
0.4-2.0 |
| Irradiation
non-uniformity |
|
|
|
| Class A |
≤
3% |
≤ 2%
|
≤ 2%
|
| Class B |
≤
5% |
≤ 5%
|
≤ 3%
|
| Class C |
≤
10% |
≤ 10%
|
≤ 10%
|
| Temporal
instability |
|
|
|
| Class A |
≤
2% |
≤ 2%
|
≤ 1%
|
| Class B |
≤
5% |
≤ 5%
|
≤ 3%
|
| Class C |
≤
10% |
≤ 10%
|
≤ 10%
|
|
Global Reference
Spectral Irradiance Standard
The
reference spectral distribution of sunlight at Air Mass 1.5 Global
is defined in ASTM G173-03 and IEC
60904-3. For classification of solar simulation
systems, this standard is restricted to the wavelengths from 400 nm
to 1,100 nm. This defined spectral bandwidth is then divided into
six (6) wavelength bands. Each of these six wavelength bands is
assigned a particular percentage of the total integrated irradiance
(reference IEC 60904-9; ASTM E927-05). The spectral match of a
simulation system is classified (see above) based on its performance
with respect to each of these six reference bands. The spectral
classification (A, B, or C) of a simulation system is equal to the worst
case match to any of the six reference wavelength bands. For
example, if a simulation system matches the five waveband
specification ranges from 500nm to 1,100nm within 0.75-1.25 (Class A) but only matches
the 400nm-500nm wavelength band within 0.55 (Class C) of the
specified irradiance, the system spectral concurrence
must be classified as Class C overall.
For an actual light source
test example, see section on Choosing
Price / Performance To Fit Your Application.
|
Wavelength
Band |
Bandwidth
|
Percentage of total irradiance
(400nm - 1,100nm)
|
| 1 |
400
- 500 |
18.4% |
| 2 |
500 - 600 |
19.9% |
| 3 |
600 - 700 |
18.4% |
| 4 |
700 - 800 |
14.9% |
| 5 |
800 - 900 |
12.5% |
| 6 |
900 - 1,100 |
15.9% |
|
|
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