1、Designation: E 1597 05Standard Test Method forSaltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing ofPhotovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1597; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in
2、 the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This test method provides a procedure for determiningthe ability of photovoltaic m
3、odules to withstand repeatedimmersion or splash exposure by seawater as might be encoun-tered when installed in a marine environment, such as afloating aid-to-navigation. A combined environmental cyclingexposure with modules repeatedly submerged in simulatedsaltwater at varying temperatures and unde
4、r repetitive pressur-ization provides an accelerated basis for evaluation of agingeffects of a marine environment on module materials andconstruction.1.2 This test method defines photovoltaic module test speci-mens and requirements for positioning modules for test,references suitable methods for det
5、ermining changes in elec-trical performance and characteristics, and specifies parameterswhich must be recorded and reported.1.3 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels.The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results isbeyond the scope of this test method.1.4 This standard do
6、es not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Sta
7、ndards:2D 1141 Specification for Substitute Ocean WaterE 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy ConversionE 1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Non-concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and ArraysUsing Reference CellsE 1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar EnergyConve
8、rsionE 1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and GroundPath Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules3. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions of terms used in this testmethod may be found in Terminology E 772 and TerminologyE 1328.3.2 Definition of Term Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 PIT, nPressure,
9、Immersion, and Temperature.4. Significance and Use4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules deployed inmarine applications (such as floating aids-to-navigation) maydepend on the ability to withstand repeated exposure to saltatmosphere, immersion in seawater, and the temperaturechanges associated w
10、ith seawater splash falling on modulesoperating in sunlight. The effects of these exposures may bephysical or electrical changes in the module, or both.4.2 This test method describes a procedure for positioningthe test specimen, conducting a cyclical combined pressure,immersion, and temperature (PIT
11、) test, and reporting theresults. It also references methods for conducting moduleelectrical performance and insulation integrity tests.4.3 Data generated by this test method may be used toevaluate and compare the effects of a simulated marineenvironment on test specimens. This test method requiresr
12、ecording of visible effects as well as electrical performance.4.3.1 Effects on modules may vary from none to significantchanges. Some physical changes in the module may be visiblewhen there are no apparent electrical changes in the module.Similarly, electrical changes may occur with no visible chang
13、esin the module.5. Apparatus5.1 In addition to the apparatus required for Test MethodsE 1036 and Test Method E 1462, the following apparatus isrequired.5.1.1 PIT ChamberA thermally insulated, pressure-resistant test apparatus with a main chamber of sufficientvolume to submerge the test modules in si
14、mulated seawater1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,Geothermal, and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Systems.Current edition approved April 1, 2005. Published May 2005. Origina
15、llyapproved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as E 1597-99.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe A
16、STM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.solution. A means of pressurizing the chamber with com-pressed air to 35 kPa is required. Two secondary holding tanksare required for storing prescribed volumes of simulated
17、seawater solution maintained at low temperature, 6 6 3C, andhigh temperature, 45 6 5C, respectively.Auxiliary pumps andvalves for transferring solutions between the holding tanks andthe testing chamber are also needed. All equipment shall beconstructed from corrosion resistant materials. Baffles or
18、dif-fusers shall be employed to prevent mechanical shock to thetest samples while pumping simulated seawater.6. Procedure6.1 Test Lot SelectionSelect a minimum of four modulesconsidered to be representative of the type to be tested. Reserveone of the four modules as a control sample. If the lotrepre
19、sents more than one size of modules employing the sameencapsulation system design, at least two modules of each sizeshall be tested. No disassembly, alteration of, or modificationto the samples or any part thereof shall be permitted during thetest sequence.6.2 Electrical Tests Perform the following
20、electrical testson all samples, including the control, prior to the PIT cyclingtests:6.2.1 Electrical PerformanceMeasure and record theelectrical performance of each module. An acceptable methodfor non-concentrator modules is Test Methods E 1036.6.2.2 Ground Path Continuity TestTest any module with
21、agrounding terminal to determine the maximum resistancebetween the grounding terminal or lead and any accessibleconductive part using 7.3 of Test Method E 1462.6.2.3 Insulation Current Leakage TestSubject each mod-ule to a test of the electrical isolation capability according to7.1 of Test Method E
22、1462.6.2.4 Insulation Resistance TestMeasure the insulationresistance of each module using 7.2 of Test Method E 1462.6.3 Visual Inspection:6.3.1 Visually inspect each module to determine the pres-ence or absence of defects or anomalies. Such anomalies ordefects may include delaminations or voids, di
23、scolorations,corrosion, or cracks in any part of the assembly. Considerdefects to be any obvious deviations from acceptable appear-ance, as defined by the user of the test method.6.3.2 Record the results of the visual examination usingphotographs or a diagram of the specimen, or both, showingthe loc
24、ation and type of defect.6.4 Sample Installation in PIT ChamberProvide each testsample with a means of sealing any open junction box fittingsor feedthroughs if equipped with pigtails. Position the modulein the test chamber. Extend any module electrical leads abovethe maximum expected saltwater depth
25、.6.5 Simulated Seawater PreparationPrepare a simulatedseawater solution of sufficient quantity to fill both holdingtanks. An acceptable solution consists of a mixture of 3.63 kgof dry sea salt for every 94.6 litres of tap water, as inSpecification D 1141. The relative density of the solutionshould b
26、e 1.025 6 0.005 at 15C. Adjust and maintain thesolution temperatures in the two holding tanks to 6 6 3C and45 6 5C, respectively.6.6 Test Sequence:6.6.1 Pump the hot seawater solution into the PIT chamberuntil the test samples are submerged. The pumping time shallbe 3 6 1 min.6.6.2 Pressurize the PI
27、T chamber with compressed air to 356 1 kPa and hold for a minimum of 3 min.6.6.3 Depressurize the chamber to atmospheric pressure andhold for a minimum of 2 min.6.6.4 Repeat 6.6.2 and 6.6.3 for a total of five pressurizationcycles.6.6.5 Pump the hot seawater solution out of the PIT cham-ber and into
28、 the hot holding tank. The pumping time shall be 36 1 min.6.6.6 Pump the cold seawater solution into the PIT chamberuntil the test samples are submerged. The pumping time shallbe 3 6 1 min.6.6.7 Repeat 6.6.2 and 6.6.3.6.6.8 Pump the cold seawater solution out of the PITchamber and into the cold hold
29、ing tank. The pumping timeshall be 3 6 1 min.6.6.9 Repeat 6.6.1 through 6.6.8 for a total of 500 hot-coldPIT cycles.6.7 Remove the test samples from the PIT chamber and drythe external surfaces of the modules. Only towel drying byblotting, or free air drying of the samples shall be permitted.Compres
30、sed air, heated air, scrubbing with a towel, or othermethods of drying the modules is not permitted.6.8 Within 1 h after removal from the PIT chamber, repeatthe insulation current leakage (6.2.3) and the insulation resis-tance (6.2.4) tests on all modules.6.9 Rinse the samples with tap water to remo
31、ve any en-crusted salt and dry the external surfaces, adhering to theprovisions of 6.7.6.10 Repeat the ground path continuity (6.2.2) and electricalperformance (6.2.1) tests on all modules.6.11 Repeat the visual inspection (6.3) of all modules.7. Report7.1 The test report shall include the following
32、 informationas a minimum:7.1.1 Module fabrication,7.1.2 Description of module construction,7.1.3 A line drawing or photograph of the module showingthe orientation during testing and the location of temperaturesensing devices,7.1.4 Description of electrical measurement equipment, andmeasurement condi
33、tions or parameters,7.1.5 Description of any apparent changes due to testing,with sketches or photographs,7.1.6 Results of changes between pre- and post-testingelectrical tests, if any, including comparison to control sampletest results,7.1.7 A brief description of the PIT chamber used and exactnumb
34、er of PIT cycles performed, and7.1.8 Any deviations from the standard test procedure, suchas interruptions.8. Precision and Bias8.1 The environmental exposures described by this testmethod do not produce numeric results which would be subjectE1597052to ASTM procedures for evaluating the precision an
35、d bias ofthe method. However, the precision and bias of the electricalperformance measurements, when performed in accordancewith Test Methods E 1036, are subject to the provisions of thatdocument.9. Keywords9.1 corrosion; energy; environmental; immersion; modules;photovoltaics; pressure; saltwater;
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37、f such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for
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39、o the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the aboveaddress or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or serviceastm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website(www.astm.org).E1597053
