NISE PV Test Facility
The Photovoltaic testing facility at National institute of solar energy is an independent test laboratory and engaged in testing of solar PV module, systems BOS and components as per national and international standards. In order to accomplish these activities PVTF is having 3 different laboratories i.e. PV module testing lab, advanced SPV systems & lighting lab and battery test lab. The detailed activities being taken up at these laboratories are as below:
PV module test lab:
The PV module test lab is a NABL (National accreditation board for testing & calibration laboratories) accredited laboratory as per standard IS 17025: 2005 for qualification testing of PV module as per IEC 61215/ BIS 4186. The facility for conduct-ing the testing for safety standard i.e. IEC 61730-1, 61730-2 and salt spray test is under accreditation. In addition to this the laboratory offers wide range of ser-vices to the Customers such as Quantitative and Qualitative analysis of PV modules and assessment of the degradation mechanism by way of conducting the EL test.
Services Offered
- Performance measurement
- Qualification testing of PV module
- Quality benchmarking of PV modules
- Electroluminescence recording
- Thermography
- Root-cause analysis
- Potential Induced Degradation (PID)
Performance and Qualification Testing of Photovoltaic Modules
Performance Measurement
The performance of PV modules is measured under standard i.e 25°C module temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum and 100mW/m2 intensity and different test conditions in accordance with IEC standard 60904-3.
Qualification Testing Of PV Modules As Per IEC Standards.
Performance measurement The performance of PV modules is measured under standard i.e 25°C module temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum and 100mW/m 2intensity and different test conditions in accordance with IEC standard 60904-3.Qualification testing is designed to accelerate and induce many of the same failure mechanisms that the module will be subjected to in the field. Procedures involve a set of well-defined accelerated stress tests irradiation, environmental, mechanical and electrical tests – with strict pass/fail criteria based on functional- ity/performance, safety/insulation and visual requirements according to relevant standards.
- IEC 61215 “Crystalline silicon terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) mod-ules – design qualification and type Approval” testing time of 4 months
- IEC 61646 “Thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules – design qualification and type approval” testing time of 4 months
- IEC 61730-1 “Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification – Part 1: Requirements for construction” testing time of 1 month
- IEC 61730-2 “Photovoltaic (PV) modules safety qualification” test-ing time of 1 month
- IEC 61701 “Salt mist corrosion testing of photovoltaic modules” testing time of 1 month
- Potential Induced Degradation test keeping in mind of Indian operating conditions
Quality Benchmarking of PV Modules
Benchmark PV modules against standard and relevant performance-parameters, using root-cause analysis. Drawing on relevant field experience, these test sequences will also inspect module characteristics. Aim of this testing is to enable rapid quality control on a spot check basis. This includes the following:
- Performance benchmarking
- Performing output characteristics with stress-run
Multiple repetitions of benchmarking is possible. Benchmark test pattern can be used by manufacturers, product developers, EPCs, traders and operators who wish to have their products tested independently. Individual benchmark tests (e.g. IEC +100%) allow increased security for manufacturers and investors.
| Thermal Imaging | Potential Induced Degradation(PID) | Electroluminescence |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal imaging by the use of an infrared thermography camera measures the thermal irradiance of a PV module.
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PID is a failure mechanism, which is currently much discussed. In a PID test the module’s sensitivity towards electrical potential differences between cell and frame / glass is tested. We test and evaluate the module’s sensitivity according to technical guideline as per IEC 62804 | The Electroluminescence enables detailed quality check of all types of PV modules, phenomenon to im-age micro-cracks, cell failures and in homogenities |
Advanced SPV Systems and Lighting Lab
Advanced SPV Systems & Lighting Laboratory is having well equipped testing facilities. Laboratory is engaged in the performance, reliability testing & validation of Solar Lighting & other systems i.e. solar e-rickshaw, air conditioner, Hybrid Lighting Systems as per National & International standard. The laboratory is involved in R&D in the field of application of Solar Photovoltaic systems & Illumination Engineering.
| Standard and Specifications | Services and Technical Support | Contribution to Industry and Research |
|---|---|---|
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White LED (W-LED) Based Solar Photovoltaic Light-ing Systems (Off-grid Solar Applications)
Nominal testing duration for SPV systems are 25-30 days |
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Battery Testing and Characterization Facility
The battery testing and characterization facility at NISE is well equipped to carry out certification of major secondary battery technologies according to relevant national and international standards up to a capacity of 18V and 2000Ah. In addition to routine testing the facility is engaged in various experimental and theoretical research projects to promote manufacturing of quality battery products by the industry.
| Battery Technology being tested | Test Services Offered |
|---|---|
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