Concentrator Photovoltaic

IEC TS 62989:2018(E) encompasses key characteristics of primary optical elements (lenses and mirrors) and lens or mirror parquets for concentrator photovoltaics including: optical performance, mechanical geometry, mechanical strength, materials, and surface morphology. The document identifies the essential characteristics, the corresponding quantities of interest, and provides a method for measurement of each quantity.

IEC 62108:2016 defines a test sequence that will quickly uncover CPV module failures that have been associated with field exposure to thermal cycling for many years. This document was specifically developed to relate to thermal fatigue failure of the HCPV die-attach, however, it also applies, to some extent, to all thermal fatigue related failure mechanisms for the assemblies submitted to test.

IEC 62787:2021 specifies the minimum requirements for the qualification of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells and Cell on Carrier (CoC) assemblies for incorporation into CPV receivers, modules and systems. The object of this qualification standard is to determine the optoelectronic, mechanical, thermal, and processing characteristics of CPV cells and CoCs to show that they are capable of withstanding assembly processes and CPV application environments. The qualification tests of this document are designed to demonstrate that cells or CoCs are suitable for typical assembly processes, and when properly assembled, are capable of passing IEC 62108. This document defines qualification testing for two levels of concentrator photovoltaic device assembly: a) cell, or bare cell; and b) cell on carrier (CoC).

IEC 62688:2017 describes the fundamental construction and testing requirements for Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies in order to provide safe electrical and mechanical operation during their expected lifetime. Specific topics are provided to assess the prevention of electrical shock, fire hazards, and personal injury due to mechanical and environmental stresses. This document attempts to define the basic requirements for various application classes of concentrator photovoltaic modules and assemblies, but does not encompass all national and regional codes. This document is designed so that its test sequence can coordinate with those of IEC 62108, so that a single set of samples may be used to perform both the safety and performance evaluation of a CPV module and assembly.

IEC 62670-3:2017 defines measurement procedures and instrumentation for determining concentrator photovoltaic performance at concentrator standard operating conditions (CSOC) and concentrator standard test conditions (CSTC), defined in IEC 62670-1, including power ratings.

IEC 62670-2:2015 specifies the minimum requirements for determining the energy output and performance ratio for CPV modules, arrays, assemblies and power plants using an on-sun, measurement based method. This International Standard is intended to define testing methods, to establish a standard energy measurement for CPV modules, arrays, assemblies and power plants, and to specify the minimum reporting information.

IEC 62670-1:2013 defines standard conditions for assessing the power produced by CPV systems and their photovoltaic subcomponents. The object is to define a consistent set of conditions so that power ratings noted on data sheets and nameplates will have a standard basis. Two sets of conditions are included to characterize: a) operating conditions, and b) test conditions.

IEC 62108:2016 RLV contains both the official IEC International Standard and its Redline version. The Redline version is available in English only and provides you with a quick and easy way to compare all the changes between the official IEC Standard and its previous edition. IEC 62108:2016 specifies the minimum requirements for the design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules and assemblies suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates as defined in IEC 60721-2-1. The test sequence is partially based on that specified in IEC 61215-1. The object of this test standard is to determine the electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the CPV modules and assemblies and to show that the CPV modules and assemblies are capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in climates described in the scope. This new edition includes the following main technical changes with regard to the previous one: a) changes in outdoor exposure from 1000 h to 500 h; b) changes in current cycling during thermal cycling test; c) added dust ingress test; d) eliminated thermal cycling associated with damp heat test; e) eliminated UV exposure test.