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Holland Firm Offers New PV Panel Test Chamber

Holland-based Thermotron said that it had developed a large-scale photovoltaic test chamber capable of testing panels more than six feet long.

The company said it developed the chamber in response to "overwhelming" customer demand at the Intersolar North America 2011 show.

The new model SE-3300 Temperature/Humidity Chamber features interior dimensions of 48 inches wide by 52 inches high by 80 inches deep (1.9 m wide, 2 m high, 3.1 m deep). Capable of performing thermal cycling, damp heat, and humidity freeze tests as detailed in IEC 61646, IEC 61215 and UL 1703, Thermotron Solar Test Chambers have been put to use by world-renowned independent solar PV test labs as well as many of the solar industry's largest manufacturers.

Whether testing needs are driven by design qualification, accelerated life testing, or certification and type approval, Thermotron Solar Panel Test Chambers provide the exact environment to help solar panel manufacturers prove and improve reliability.

Chambers are outfitted with fixturing solutions specifically developed for easy loading and unloading a chamber full of solar panels.  These racks are constructed of durable, long-lasting, lightweight materials that stand up to the rigors of scorching heat and sub-zero cold temperatures as well as high humidity conditions.  Fixturing can adjust to safely support panels of different configurations, optimizing airflow and environmental consistency throughout the entire workspace.

The 8800 Programmer Controller has the most common solar test specifications pre-programmed into memory. Simply select the solar test you need to perform, touch the run button and the chamber is off and running. The 8800 features a 12-inch color touch screen monitor with an intuitive graphical user interface. USB ports, Ethernet, and computer interface are supported to enhance communications with the test equipment.

Thermotron's controller group has added two new features to our flagship 8800 programmer controller specifically to meet the synchronized testing requirements of companies doing IEC solar tests.

The 8800 can fully control and record up to 20 power supplies for biasing modules during temperature and humidity testing. The 8800 can automatically turn power supplies on and off at desired temperature humidity conditions as required by IEC testing specifications. The current can be cycled to switch between peak current and low current during the continuity test profile. The voltage and current of each power supply is recorded in the 8800 Paperless Recorder along with air temp, product temperature and relative humidity. The company offers integration of power supplies from leading manufacturers such as Lambda/TDK, Ametek/Sorensen and Glassman.

The 8800 also has a second humidity sensor input to allow the use of a redundant sensor. If the primary sensor drifts, the redundant sensor can take over, preventing the loss of valuable test time during critical long term Damp Heat and Humidity Freeze test profiles.

More at www.thermotron.com.

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