After nearly two years of research, experts from TUV Rheinland in Cologne, Germany, and TUV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (PTL) in Tempe, Ariz., have developed a new solar simulator for characterizing concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules. The new simulator allows for more precise comparison measurements on CPV modules designed for commercial use because it generates and maintains the standard temperature condition of 77 F (25 C) under the laboratory conditions.

"In the simulator, compact, high-intensity xenon lamps are positioned in the focal plane of a parabolic mirror," explains Dr. Gerhard Mathiak, who was responsible for the development of the test stand at TUV Rheinland. "The light reflected by the mirror is just as parallel as the light from the solar disk onto the Earth."

The simulator is currently operating at TUV Rheinland's Solar Testing Center in Cologne, and the company will also make it available in its test laboratories around the world.

For decades, TUV Rheinland has investigated new photovoltaic and CPV technologies as part of research and development projects aimed to introduce new testing methods. The mirror in the solar simulator measures 4.9 ft by 6.6 ft (1.50 m by 2.00 m), enabling a unique laboratory setup that allows the accurate measurement of CPV modules up to the size of 5.9 ft by 4.6 ft (1.80 m by 1.40 m).

At the same time, the new flash solar simulator shortens the process for the comprehensive design certification and qualification of CPV modules according to IEC 62108. The performance measurements required for the qualification can be performed more quickly and with higher repeatability.

The flash solar simulator can also be used for measuring characteristic curves of concentrator solar cells under the high-light intensity to determine conditions for their maximum performance. To achieve this, a surface area of 0.78 square inches (five square centimeters) can be homogeneously irradiated with light at the level equivalent to 100-1,500 times the standard solar radiation.

The development of the new simulator was sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Research of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, as part of the "Competence Center for Innovative Photovoltaic Module Technology NRW" (InnoPV) project.