A new test stand from PSE AG enables stress-testing of PV modules under real-world conditions / CFV Solar puts new mechanical load test stand into operation

Albuquerque/Freiburg (ots) - The CFV Solar Test Laboratory in
Albuquerque, NM, USA, has begun using a mechanical load test stand
supplied by the Freiburg company PSE AG. With this new test stand the
capacity of PV modules to resist mechanical stresses can be
accurately simulated and measured. The test stand enables the testing
of loads not only at room-temperatures but also at temperatures from
-40̊C to +80̊C. This means that engineers can evaluate the
performance, reliability and durability of PV modules for use in
different climatic regions.

Martin Plass, General Manager of the CFV Solar Testing Laboratory
in Albuquerque, NM, is very happy with the new equipment: "This new
load-test stand enables us to determine whether modules can actually
provide what they promise at both low and high temperatures. This is
particularly vital in order to test new materials used in
PV-modules."

A special feature of the test-stand is the adjustment mechanisms
of the cylinders and the 96 vacuum suction cups. The PSE arrangement
allows rapid set-up of the machine for different size modules with
equal distances between suction cups for a uniform load distribution.
The high upper load limit of 10,000 Pa makes it possible to perform
tests well in excess of normal demands and evaluate the modules
safety margins. Another advantage is the ability to dynamically
load-test modules with rapid switching-cycles of up to 4Hz, which can
simulate stresses from wind-gusts or transportation and handling
operations.

Frank Luginsland, head of the PSE AG Technology Department is also
happy: "With our new test stand the mechanical reliability of PV
modules can be evaluated under very realistic conditions. We are also
pleased with the short set-up times and the high ease of use we were
able to achieve with this new design, both of which help reduce
testing costs and times."

The mechanical load test stand applies both pull-and-push stresses
to PV modules at different angles, thereby simulating the effect of
wind and snow loads on the module in real-world mounting conditions.
Present standards only require the stress tests to be carried out at
room temperature, whereas in reality much higher and lower
temperatures are encountered that significantly change the capability
of modules to accept these stresses. With the new PSE test stand it
is possible for the test engineers at CFV to develop new test
programs for the industry that might also be integrated into future
certification standards.

About PSE AG

PSE AG provides solar testing systems and solar consulting
expertise to customers around the world. PSE Solar Test Stands are
used by test labs and manufacturers for performance and durability
measurements and certification to international standards. PSE Solar
Consulting conducts rural electrification consulting and manages
international research projects and PSE Conference Management
organises major scientific solar conferences.

PSE AG was established in 1999 as a spin-off company of the
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and currently has a
staff of 65.

About CFV Solar

CFV Solar Test Laboratory, is a new state-of-the-art photovoltaic
testing laboratory, jointly-owned by the CSA Group, the
VDE-Institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
and the Fraunhofer USA Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE).
The CFV laboratory carries out both certification and
non-certification tests for all PV technologies. Examples include the
testing of flat plate modules, thin-film modules and concentrating
photo-voltaic systems. The test center supports suppliers of PV
modules seeking to commercialize their products faster and at lower
cost thanks to its ability to certify solar modules simultaneously
for more than one country.

Pressekontakt:
PSE AG
Beate Suppinger
Emmy-Noether-Strasse 2
79110 Freiburg
Germany
Phone: +49 761 47914 56
E-Mail: beate.suppinger@pse.de

CFV Solar Test Laboratory, Inc.
Christina Rhoderick
5600-A University Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
USA
Phone: +1 505 998 0100
info@cfvsolar.com