Damp heat testing is a critical procedure in the solar industry, designed to evaluate the durability and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) modu...
Damp heat testing is a critical procedure in the solar industry, designed to evaluate the durability and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) modules under extreme environmental conditions. This test simulates the harsh conditions that solar panels might face in real-world scenarios, ensuring they can withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature.
What is Damp Heat Testing?
The damp heat test is one of the key tests in IEC61215. The module is placed in an environmental chamber at 85℃/85%RH for 1000 hours to evaluate its heat and humidity resistance. Water penetration is the core cause of module degradation. Then, polymer encapsulants such as ethylene vinyl acetate ( EVA ) react in the infiltrated water molecules and decompose through a hydrolysis mechanism, causing encapsulant stratification, thereby accelerating the entry of water and corrosion of metal electrodes. Corrosion is caused by the reaction of metal electrodes with water molecules, and the acetic acid produced by the hydrolysis of vinyl acetate monomers in EVA accelerates the corrosion of metal electrodes, ultimately causing the output power of the module to drop by increasing the contact resistivity and reducing the fill factor (FF)
Why Is The Damp Heat Test Important For Solar Panel?
The damp-heat test is an essential step in the quality assurance process for solar panels. By testing solar panels under extreme humidity and temperature conditions, manufacturers can ensure that their products are built to last and can withstand the elements. This helps to prevent premature failures and ensures that solar panels can maintain their performance over the long term.
Additionally, the damp-heat test can help identify any design or manufacturing defects that could affect the reliability of the solar panels. By catching these issues early on, manufacturers can make improvements to their products and ensure that they meet the highest quality standards.
The primary goal of damp heat testing is to identify and mitigate risks associated with moisture ingress and high temperatures, which can lead to various forms of degradation such as:
- Corrosion: Moisture can penetrate the module, causing corrosion of the electrical contacts and other components.
- Delamination: The layers of the module can separate, leading to reduced efficiency and potential failure.
- Power Loss: Prolonged exposure to damp heat conditions can result in significant power degradation, affecting the overall performance of the solar panel.
How Does The Damp Heat Test Perform and Testing Procedure
- Preparation: The solar module is cleaned and inspected for any pre-existing defects.
- Placement: The module is placed in a climate chamber set to 85°C and 85% relative humidity.
- Exposure: The module remains in these conditions for 1,000 hours (approximately 42 days).
- Monitoring: Throughout the test, the module is periodically monitored for signs of degradation or failure.
- Post-Test Evaluation: After the test, the module is thoroughly inspected and tested for electrical performance, visual defects, and structural integrity.
Damp heat testing is an essential part of the quality assurance process for solar modules. By simulating extreme environmental conditions, manufacturers can ensure their products are robust and reliable, capable of delivering long-term performance even in challenging climates. This testing helps in identifying potential issues early, allowing for improvements in design and materials, ultimately leading to more durable and efficient solar panels.
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