Damp Heat Test Chamber: Simulating Extreme Environments to Ensure Stable Energy Supply

As global attention to renewable energy deepens, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is gradually becoming a key player in the market. The stability and durability of PV modules not only affect the reliability of energy supply but also directly relate to the long-term operational performance of the system. To ensure the reliability of PV modules under various extreme environmental conditions, the damp heat test chamber plays a crucial role. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the core aspects of damp heat testing of PV modules and the important role of the damp heat test chamber in this process.

Core Role of the Damp Heat Test Chamber

The damp heat test chamber is specialized equipment used to simulate the performance of PV modules in high temperature and high humidity environments. By exposing PV modules to prolonged high temperature and high humidity conditions in the damp heat test chamber, researchers can evaluate the durability and performance changes of the modules under these extreme conditions. This testing method not only accelerates the durability assessment of PV modules but also provides valuable data support for the PV industry, promoting continuous technological advancement.

In the damp heat test chamber, PV modules need to endure temperatures as high as 85℃ and 85% relative humidity. This environment poses severe challenges to the materials and structure of the modules, effectively simulating harsh conditions that may be encountered in actual use. By testing the modules for up to 1000~1048 hours in such an environment, researchers can gain deep insights into their performance changes, providing reliable data support for the modules' performance in practical applications.

Standards and Regulations for Damp Heat Test Chambers

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of damp heat testing for PV modules, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has established a series of related standards such as IEC 61215, IEC 61646, and IEC 61730. These standards specify the detailed conditions, parameters, and testing methods for damp heat testing of PV modules, providing a unified evaluation standard for the global PV industry.

Among them, IEC 61730 mainly focuses on long-term operational requirements of PV modules, including structural requirements, testing procedures, and determination requirements. Although the IEC 61730 standard is not specifically for damp heat testing, its overall safety certification requirements are still valuable for reference when conducting damp heat tests. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of PV modules, researchers may need to combine standards such as IEC 61215 to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of damp heat testing.

Test Procedures and Key Parameters of the Damp Heat Test Chamber

In the damp heat testing of PV modules, the damp heat test chamber test process includes several key steps. First, place the PV modules in the damp heat test chamber, set the high temperature (85℃) and high humidity (85%) conditions, and conduct long-term continuous tests. Next, after the test, the PV modules need to remain in an open-circuit state in an environment with a temperature of 23℃ and relative humidity less than 75% for 2~4 hours. Then, researchers will carefully inspect the modules for any severe appearance defects and conduct wet leakage current tests to ensure performance stability after being subjected to extreme conditions.

In addition, electrical performance testing of PV modules is an indispensable part. This includes evaluating aspects such as module efficiency, current output, and voltage characteristics. These tests made by the environmental test equipment provide a comprehensive understanding of the modules' actual performance after the damp heat test, providing strong support for the development of the PV industry.

The damp heat testing of PV modules is a crucial step in ensuring the stable development of PV technology. By simulating extreme environmental conditions, the damp heat test chamber provides scientific evidence for the performance evaluation of PV modules, ensuring their reliability and stability under various harsh environments. As global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, PV technology will keep playing its unique advantages, contributing more to sustainable development for humanity.