Endeas is delivering fully automated QuickSun all-in-one testing stations to a new PV module factory for the final quality inspection of heterojunction (HJT) modules. The new systems, providing annual testing capacity of up to 750MW, will be delivered in the third quarter of 2019 to a leading non-Chinese PV manufacturer. All systems are equipped with a class A+A+A+ solar simulator; automatic EL and optical inspection; and hipot, ground continuity and bypass diode tests.
The QuickSun systems include Endeas’ in-house developed Capacitance Compensation (CAC) method that enables accurate measurement of the maximum power and other I-V parameters of HJT modules with a flash pulse of only 60 ms in length. Using a short flash pulse allows the average lamp changeover interval to reach half a million measurements, making the cost of consumables negligible. Furthermore, utilizing proven Xenon lamp technology provides a continuous spectrum that closely matches the standard AM 1.5G spectrum from 300–1200 nm.
Endeas’ CAC method was first presented at the 2018 EU PVSEC conference in Brussels. Its working principle was fully disclosed, enabling the scientific community and the PV industry to completely study the internals of the method. A new method for measuring high-efficiency modules was needed because capacitive effects cause traditional solar simulators to underestimate the power of those modules.
“We are delighted to see how quickly our CAC method has gained acceptance within the PV industry. Applying a scientifically sound correction for the capacitive effects enables the industry to measure HJT and other high-efficiency technologies with uncompromised accuracy and reliability. An additional advantage is that there is no need to compromise the lifetime of established Xenon tubes by applying unnecessarily long flash pulses. Neither is there need to apply LED technology, avoiding their fundamental deficiencies such as a non-continuous spectrum, instability problems with ultraviolet LEDs, and the risk of shipping a large number of modules measured with partially broken LED boards”, says Endeas’ Managing Director Mr Jaakko Hyvärinen. He adds, “As for comparison, the Xenon flash tubes in Endeas’ simulators are individually monitored in real time, which ensures the stability of the measurements and uncompromised solar simulator performance. This guarantees that irradiance non-uniformity, spectrum, and other properties of the solar simulator remain unchanged from flash to flash”.
Besides applying the innovative CAC method, the QuickSun systems employ Endeas’ unique all-in-one concept, in which a comprehensive set of automated quality inspection checks are integrated into a single tool. This kind of integration not only leads to significant factory footprint and cost reduction, but also ensures that no aspect of the modules is left untested.
“PV manufacturers who can show that their modules are being tested using a QuickSun all-in-one testing station are in a superior position to convince their customers that the modules are of outstanding quality, free of even the tiniest of defects, and will show uncompromised performance over their lifetime on the field”, says Hyvärinen.
“Now that developers are paying more and more attention to module quality, we expect that employing the QuickSun all-in-one testing system will become one of the most important ways for the most quality-driven module suppliers to differentiate from competition”, Hyvärinen continues.
More information on Endeas’ products can be found on their website: https://endeas.fi/
For further inquiries, please contact Endeas Managing Director, Mr Jaakko Hyvärinen, at +358 10 219 0912 or email jaakko.hyvarinen@endeas.fi
About Endeas:
Endeas has been providing innovative testing technology to the PV industry since 2001. The company satisfies their customers’ needs with precise, dependable, user-friendly equipment and expert support based on a profound understanding of photovoltaic measurement technology. The reliability of their solutions is proven by more than 550 QuickSun systems delivered worldwide.