Description

BS PD IEC/TS 62782 – Photovoltaic (PV) modules. Cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load testing

BS PD IEC/TS 62782:2016 provides a test method for performing a cyclic (dynamic)mechanical load test in which the module is supported at the design support points and auniform load normal to the module surface is cycled in alternating negative and positivedirections. This test may be utilized to evaluate if components within the module includingsolar cells, interconnect ribbons and/or electrical bonds within the module are susceptible tobreakage or if edge seals are likely to fail due to the mechanical stresses encountered duringinstallation and operation. This test can be performed at any module temperature within thenormal operating temperature range. Since the results have been determined to depend onthe module temperature during the application of the load it is critical to maintain the moduleat a constant temperature during the performance of this test.

This technical specification has historically been applied to rigid modules. It cannot be appliedto flexible modules unless they are designed to be mounted in a rigid manner. In which case,the cyclic (dynamic) mechanical load test can be applied to the flexible module in its rigidmounting system.

This test has been written as a standalone technical specification, but it is likely to be used inconjunction with other test standards. Typically, this test itself will not result in power loss, butwhen followed by additional stress tests like thermal cycling and humidity freeze, the damagedone by the mechanical cycling results in power loss that would not have occurred due only tothe thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests. For example, the transportation testingprocedure (IEC 62759) includes the requirements for such a cyclic (dynamic) mechanical loadtest followed by 50 thermal cycles and 10 humidity freeze cycles.

Cross References:
IEC TS 60904-12
IEC TS 60904-13
IEC 61215-1:2016
IEC 61215-2:2016
IEC TS 61836
ISO/IEC 17025

All current amendments available at time of purchase are included with the purchase of this document.