IEC 61701:2020 pdf download

IEC 61701:2020 pdf download.Photovoltaic (PV) modules – Salt mist corrosion testing
1 Scope
Photovoltaic (PV) modules are electrical devices normally intended for continuous outdoor exposure during their lifetime. Highly corrosive wet atmospheres, such as marine environments or locations near the ocean or other large bodies of salt water, could eventually degrade some of the PV module components (corrosion of metallic parts, deterioration of the properties of some non-metallic materials – such as protective coatings and plastics – by assimilation of salts, etc.) causing permanent degradation that could impair their functioning. Temporary corrosive atmospheres are also present in places where salt is used in winter periods to melt ice formations on streets and roads. This document describes test sequences useful to determine the resistance of different PV modules to corrosion from salt mist containing Cl (NaCl, MgCl , etc.). All tests included in the 2 sequences are fully described in IEC 61215-2, IEC 62108, IEC 61730-2 and IEC 60068-2-52. The bypass diode functionality test in this document is modified from its description in IEC 61215-2. They are combined in this document to provide means to evaluate possible faults caused in PV modules when operating under wet atmospheres having high concentration of dissolved salt (NaCl). Depending on the specific nature of the surrounding atmosphere to which the module is exposed in real operation several testing methods can be applied, as defined in IEC 60068-2-52. Guidance for determining the applicability of this document and selecting an appropriate method is provided in Annex A. This document can be applied to both flat plate PV modules and concentrator PV modules and assemblies.
4 Samples
Three identical samples of the model of PV module or assembly of interest shall be subjected to any of the testing sequences included in Figure 1 or Figure 2 for non-concentrator PV or concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) respectively. As the figures indicate one of these samples should be used as a control. The control sample should be used as a check every time the test samples are measured to evaluate the effect of the salt mist test. In the case of CPV different situations for choosing the sample may occur. For non-field- adjustable focus-point CPV systems or modules, 3 modules are required to complete the testing sequence included in Figure 2. For field-adjustable focus-point CPV systems or assemblies, 3 receivers (including secondary optics sections, if applicable) and 3 primary optics sections are required to complete the testing sequence included in Figure 2. A complete description of the different types and components of CPV modules and assemblies can be found in IEC 62108. If a full-size sample is too large to fit into the environmental chambers required for the salt mist test then a smaller representative sample may be specially designed and manufactured for this test. The representative sample should be carefully designed so that it can reveal similar failure mechanisms as the full-size one, and the fabrication process of the representative sample should be as identical as possible to the process of the full-size ones. The fact that the test has been made on representative samples and not on the full-size samples shall be reported in the test report under item g), Clause 8. If the PV module is provided with means for earthing then the earthing connection shall be tested as part of the module.
5 Test summary
After stabilization, tests are performed to characterize the PV module and confirm it is operational prior to the salt mist exposure. After the exposure, specimens are cleaned and allowed to recover. Then this sequence is repeated and the bypass diode functional test is performed. All tests included in this document and in Figure 1 and Figure 2 are fully described (including purpose, apparatus, procedure and requirements) in the referenced clauses of the IEC Standards listed. Tests included in Figure 1 or Figure 2 shall be performed in the specified order. In the case of CPV if some test procedures included in this document are not applicable to a specific design configuration, the manufacturer and the testing agency shall tailor a comparable test program, based on the principles described in this document. Any changes and deviations shall be recorded and reported in detail, as required in Clause 8, item l).