Design and Validation of an Adjustable Large-Scale Solar Simulator

Abstract

This work presents an adjustable large-scale solar simulator based on metal halide lamps. The design procedure is described with regards to the construction and spatial arrangement of the lamps and the designed optical system. Rotation and translation of the lamp array allow setting the direction and the intensity of the luminous flux on the horizontal plane. To validate the built model, irradiance nonuniformity and temporal instability tests were carried out assigning Class A, B, or C for each test, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards requirements. The simulator meets the Class C standards on a 200 × 90 cm test plane, Class B on 170 × 80 cm, and Class A on 80 × 40 cm. The temporal instability returns Class A results for all the measured points. Lastly, a PV panel is characterized by tracing the I–V curve under simulated radiation, under outdoor natural sunlight, and with a numerical method. The results show a good approximation.

Development and characterisation of an irradiation device for biomedical studies covering the solar spectrum with individual regulated spectral bands

“…In contrast to existing irradiation sources, where the emission of a single lamp is filtered by appropriate filters [12], the new irradiation device used an additive approach. The part of the solar spectrum in the range of 280-1400 nm is generated by four lamps and combined with dichroic beam combiners onto the sample.…”

“…0.875-1.125 spectral match in Class A + SSR devices) in a spectral range from 280 to 800 nm and an irradiance of several solar equivalents can be achieved, for studying, e.g. photo-ageing or skin cancer [12]. However, most of devices share the disadvantage of limited emission and missing the typical water absorption bands in the nIR spectral range [13].…”

Indoor and Outdoor Performance of an Enhanced Photovoltaic Panel through Graphene/Fins/Phase Change Materials

“…Two sets of measures were organized. The first one was performed indoors under a solar simulator [34], useful to allow repeatable tests under the same conditions (such as The second enhancement concerned the implementation of aluminum fins. This way, the contact area between the PCM and the PV panel was greatly increased, and they worked as "thermal bridges" between the PV module and the PCM-graphene mixture.…”

“…Two sets of measures were organized. The first one was performed indoors under a solar simulator [34], useful to allow repeatable tests under the same conditions (such as Two sets of measures were organized. The first one was performed indoors under a solar simulator [34], useful to allow repeatable tests under the same conditions (such as the incident radiation and the ambient temperature).…”

“…The first one was performed indoors under a solar simulator [34], useful to allow repeatable tests under the same conditions (such as Two sets of measures were organized. The first one was performed indoors under a solar simulator [34], useful to allow repeatable tests under the same conditions (such as the incident radiation and the ambient temperature). The solar simulator consisted of 5 of 15 20 metal halide lamps that could irradiate uniformly a horizontal area of around 2 × 1 m. The spectral content of the artificial source, as indicated in data sheet depicted in Figure 3, was close to that of the natural sunshine.…”