1、Designation: E 1830 09Standard Test Methods forDetermining Mechanical Integrity of Photovoltaic Modules1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1830; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last re
2、vision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determiningthe ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand the mechanicalloads, stre
3、sses and deflections used to simulate, on an acceler-ated basis, high wind conditions, heavy snow and ice accumu-lation, and non-planar installation effects.1.1.1 A static load test to 2400 Pa is used to simulate windloads on both module surfaces1.1.2 A static load test to 5400 Pa is used to simulat
4、e heavysnow and ice accumulation on the module front surface.1.1.3 A twist test is used to simulate the non-planar mount-ing of a photovoltaic module by subjecting it to a twist angleof 1.2.1.1.4 A cyclic load test of 10 000 cycles duration and peakloading to 1440 Pa is used to simulate dynamic wind
5、 or otherflexural loading. Such loading might occur during shipment orafter installation at a particular location.1.2 These test methods define photovoltaic test specimensand mounting methods, and specify parameters that must berecorded and reported.1.3 Any individual mechanical test may be performe
6、dsingly, or may be combined into a test sequence with othermechanical or nonmechanical tests, or both. Certain precondi-tioning test methods such as annealing or light soaking mayalso be necessary or desirable as a part of such a sequence.However, the determination of such test sequencing andprecond
7、itioning is beyond the scope of these test methods.1.4 These test methods do not establish pass or fail levels.The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results isbeyond the scope of these test methods.1.5 These test methods do not apply to concentrator mod-ules.1.6 The values stated in SI uni
8、ts are to be regarded asstandard. No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to thehazards portion, Section 6, and the warning statements, 7.5.3.2and 7.6.3.2, of these test methods. This standard does notpurport to address all of t
9、he safety concerns, if any, associatedwith its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standardto establish appropriate safety and health practices anddetermine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior touse.2. Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2E 772 Terminology Relating to
10、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 EnergyConversionE 1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and GroundPath Continuity of Photov
11、oltaic ModulesE 1799 Practice for Visual Inspections of PhotovoltaicModules3. Terminology3.1 DefinitionsDefinitions of terms used in these testmethods may be found in Terminology E 772 and TerminologyE 1328.4. Significance and Use4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules may depend ontheir ability
12、 to withstand periodic exposure to high wind forces,cyclic loads induced by specific site conditions or shipmentmethods, high loads caused by accumulated snow and ice onthe module surface, and twisting deflections caused by mount-ing to non-planar surfaces or structures. The effects on themodule may
13、 be physical or electrical, or both. Most impor-tantly, the effects may compromise the safety of the module,particularly in high voltage applications, or where the publicmay be exposed to broken glass or other debris.4.2 These test methods describe procedures for mountingthe test specimen, conductin
14、g the prescribed mechanical tests,and reporting the effects of the testing.4.2.1 The mounting and fastening method shall comply withthe manufacturers recommendations as closely as possible. Ifslots or multiple mounting holes are provided on the module1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of
15、 ASTM Committee E44 onSolar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources and are the directresponsibility of Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published April 2009. Originallyapproved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2
16、004 as E 1830 - 04.2For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org. For Annual Book of ASTMStandardsvolume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Har
17、bor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.frame for optional mounting point capability, the worst-casemounting positions shall be selected in order to subject themodule to the maximum stresses.4.2.2 If an unframed module is being tested, the moduleshall be mounted in st
18、rict accordance with the manufacturersinstructions using the recommended attachment clips, brackets,fasteners or other hardware, and tightened to the specifiedtorque.4.2.3 The test specimen is mounted on a test base in a planarmanner (unless specified otherwise), simulating a field mount-ing arrange
19、ment in order to ensure that modules are tested in aconfiguration that is representative of their use in the field.4.2.4 During the twist test, the module is mounted in amanner simulating a non-planar field mounting where one ofthe fastening points is displaced to create an intentional twist of1.2.4
20、.3 Data obtained during testing may be used to evaluateand compare the effects of the simulated environments on thetest specimens. These test methods require analysis of bothvisible effects and electrical performance effects.4.3.1 Effects on modules may vary from no changes tosignificant changes. So
21、me physical changes in the module maybe visible even though there are no apparent electrical perfor-mance changes. Conversely, electrical performance changesmay occur with no visible change in the module.4.3.2 All conditions of measurement, effects of the testexposure, and any deviations from these
22、test methods must bedescribed in the report so that an assessment of their signifi-cance can be made.4.4 If these test methods are being performed as part of acombined sequence with other mechanical or nonmechanicaltests, the results of the final electrical test (7.2) and visualinspection (7.3) from
23、 one test may be used as the initialelectrical test and visual inspection for the next test; duplica-tion of these tests is unnecessary unless so specified.4.5 Some module designs may not use any external metalliccomponents and thus lack a ground point designation by themodule manufacturer. In these
24、 cases, the ground path continu-ity test is not applicable.5. Apparatus5.1 In addition to the apparatus required for Test MethodsE 1036 and E 1462, the following apparatus is required.5.2 Open Circuit Fault DetectionInstrumentation formonitoring the module under test for open circuit conditionsdurin
25、g the mechanical integrity tests. An acceptable apparatusis described in Annex A1.5.3 Static Load Test Apparatus:5.3.1 Test BaseA rigid test base shall be provided thatenables the module to be mounted front-side up or front-sidedown in accordance with the requirements of 4.2.1-4.2.3. Thetest base sh
26、all enable the module to deflect freely during loadapplication to preclude any inadvertent interference or limitingof the normal deflections.5.3.2 Load Measurement EquipmentMeans shall be pro-vided for measuring the applied load to within the prescribedtolerances.5.3.3 LoadsSuitable masses or means
27、of applying pres-sure shall be provided that enable the load to be applied in agradual, uniform manner. Some examples of loads that can beused are:5.3.3.1 Stacks of paper or small canvas or plastic bags filledwith several kilograms of sand, loose stones, or lead shot in asufficient quantity to meet
28、the total load requirement,5.3.3.2 A water bag that can be progressively filled toincrease the load,5.3.3.3 A pneumatic bag that can be inflated to a controlledpressure and that is located between the module and a fixedsurface (see 5.5, Cyclic Load Test Apparatus),5.3.3.4 Loose sand can be used prov
29、ided that a perimeterretaining skirt of cardboard or thin plywood, for example, isemployed around the module perimeter to retain the sand andmaintain load uniformity to the module edges, or5.3.3.5 Bricks or cement blocks may be used, but a padshould first be placed on the module to prevent scratch o
30、rparticle damage. With such rigid load elements, care should beexercised to minimize load concentration points.5.3.3.6 If the applied load is comprised of discrete loadelements such as bags, bricks, or blocks, the individual unitsshall weigh within 5 % of one another to ensure the applicationof a un
31、iform load on the module.5.3.3.7 The applied load may be measured by pre-weighingthe load elements, or the load may be measured in situ duringthe test by the use of load scales incorporated into the testapparatus. If a pneumatic bag is used, the load can be measuredwith a pressure gage because the l
32、oad is provided by pneumaticpressure.5.4 Twist Test Apparatus:5.4.1 A rigid test fixture shall be provided that allows themodule to be installed in a flat, planar configuration, and thatpermits the displacement of one of the attachment points suchthat a twist is induced in the module (see Fig. 1). T
33、he testfixture must meet the requirements of 4.2.1-4.2.4.5.4.2 Acceptable test fixtures capable of meeting this re-quirement include a simple table and shim arrangement, or amore complicated rack structure with a special screw adjust-ment for imposing the twist-inducing displacement.5.5 Cyclic Load
34、Test ApparatusSeveral schemes areavailable for conducting the cyclic load test. Whicheverscheme is selected must adhere to the requirements of 4.2.1-4.2.3. Schemes that have been found acceptable are:5.5.1 Air Bag SchemeWith this scheme, pressure is ap-plied by inflatable air bags. The module is san
35、dwiched betweentwo inflatable air bags which in turn are sandwiched betweenrigid or semirigid backing plates. By pressurizing the bag onone side of the module while the bag on the opposite side isvented to the atmosphere, a uniform pressure load equal to thepressure in the bag is applied to the modu
36、le. By reversingwhich bag is pressurized and which is vented, an alternating orcyclic load is applied.5.5.1.1 The distance between the module and the backingplates must be carefully adjusted to ensure that the pressurewithin the air bag is applied to the panel and not reacted bymembrane tensile forc
37、es developed in the bag material. The airE1830092bag will not develop undesirable tensile stresses when pressur-ized appreciably less than its normal inflated thickness.5.5.1.2 The backing plates should not be so close to themodule that it can interfere with the deformation or deflectionof the modul
38、e when the bag on the other side of the module isinflated.5.5.2 Piston and Pillow SchemeWith this scheme, themodule is sandwiched between two rigid or semirigid platens,each driven by a pneumatic piston as the means for applyingforce. Air-filled pillows are used between the platens, and themodule su
39、rfaces to uniformly distribute the alternating frontand back force to the module surfaces.5.5.2.1 The air pillows should not be excessively inflated. Apillow will not develop undesirable tensile stresses if pressur-ized appreciably less than its normal inflated thickness.5.5.2.2 The opposing platen
40、should not be so close to themodule that it can interfere with the deformation of themodule.5.5.3 Suction and Pressure SchemeThis scheme is basedon attaching the module to a frame and plate which in turn isconnected to a pressure and suction system. With the modulesealed and secured to the test fixt
41、ure, a plenum is created. Therequired cyclic load is applied by creating a positive pressureor a suction within this plenum.5.5.4 The pressure or suction shall be uniformly distributedover the module surfaces and controlled to 1440 6 45 Pa.5.5.5 The cycle rate shall not exceed 0.34 Hz.5.5.6 A counte
42、r is recommended for counting test cycles.6. Hazards6.1 Each of the mechanical tests described herein involvesrisks associated with the tests and the possibility of cata-strophic module failure.6.1.1 The test fixtures that involve masses such as bricks,blocks, or lead shot bags should be designed wi
43、th a net or traylocated beneath the module to catch the weights and moduledebris should failure occur.6.1.2 Protective footwear and safety glasses should be wornto protect the test personnel from falling weights and brokenglass. Non-tempered glass can break with sharp-edged orpointed shards. Tempere
44、d glass breaks into a multitude ofsmall, granular shaped pieces, and these can be propelled along distance due to the release of the tension-compressionpre-stresses created during the tempering process.7. Procedures7.1 Electrical Tests Perform the following electrical testsbefore and after each of t
45、he test methods:7.1.1 Electrical PerformanceMeasure each module inaccordance with Test Methods E 1036 to establish electricalperformance including maximum power.7.1.2 Ground Path Continuity TestTest each module forground path continuity in accordance with Test MethodsE 1462.7.1.3 Insulation Integrit
46、y TestSubject each module to atest of the electrical isolation capability in accordance with 7.1and 7.2 of Test Methods E 1462.7.2 Visual InspectionVisually inspect each module inaccordance with Practice E 1799 before and after each of thetest procedures is performed.7.3 Verify the ambient temperatu
47、re is 20 6 10C.7.4 Twist Test Procedure:7.4.1 Connect the module leads to the open circuit faultdetection apparatus and begin monitoring.7.4.2 Fasten the module to the twist test fixture in accor-dance with the manufacturers recommended fasteners andprocedure.7.4.3 Twist the module to the required d
48、isplacement asfollows (see Fig. 1):h 5 0.021 =L21 W2(1)where:h = mounting point displacement measured perpendicularto the diagonal between mounting points, m,L = length between mounting points, m, andW = width between mounting points, m.The displacement h corresponds to an angle of deformationof 1.2
49、.7.4.4 Hold the module in the twisted position for 1 h.Discontinue the test if a failure occurs.7.4.5 Remove the module from the test fixture.7.4.6 Disconnect the module from the open circuit faultdetection apparatus.7.5 Static Load Procedure, 2400 Pa Wind Load Test:7.5.1 Mount the module in the static load test apparatus.7.5.2 Connect the module leads to the open circuit faultdetection apparatus and begin monitoring.7.5.3 Load the module. If the loading method involves theuse of small bags or other discrete objects such as bricks,pre-weigh enough units to achieve
