Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The design of a PV module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun's radiant energy into useful electricity must take into consideration the possibility of hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical potential of the array. In addition, the insulation system provides a barrier to electrochemical corrosion, and insulation flaws can result in increased corrosion and reliability problems. This test method describes a procedure for verifying that the design and construction of the array provides adequate electrical isolation through normal installation and use. At no location on the array should the PV-generated electrical potential be accessible, with the obvious exception of the output leads. The isolation is necessary to provide for safe and reliable installation, use, and service of the PV system.
This test method describes a procedure for determining the ability of the array to provide protection from electrical hazards. Its primary use is to find insulation flaws that could be dangerous to persons who may come into contact with the array. Corrective action taken to address such flaws is beyond the scope of this test method.
This procedure may be specified as part of a series of acceptance tests involving performance measurements and demonstration of functional requirements. Large arrays can be tested in smaller segments. The size of the array segment to be tested (called “circuit under test” in this test method) is usually selected at a convenient break point and sized such that the expected resistance or current reading is within the middle third of the meter's range.
Insulation leakage resistance and insulation leakage current leakage are strong functions of array dimensions, ambient relative humidity, absorbed water vapor, and other factors. For this reason, it is the responsibility of the user of this test method to specify the minimum acceptable leakage resistance for this test.  
Even though a numerical quantity is spe...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the insulation resistance of a photovoltaic (PV) array (or its component strings), that is, the electrical resistance between the array's internal electrical components and is exposed, electrically conductive, non-current carrying parts and surfaces of the array.
1.2 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
31-May-2010
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Buy Standard

Standard
ASTM E2047-10 - Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays
English language
4 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview
Standard
REDLINE ASTM E2047-10 - Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays
English language
4 pages
sale 15% off
Preview
sale 15% off
Preview

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2047 − 10
StandardTest Method for
1
Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2047; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2.1 insulation resistance, n—the electrical resistance of a
photovoltaic array’s insulation, measured between the photo-
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the
voltaic circuit and exposed, electrically conductive non-
insulation resistance of a photovoltaic (PV) array (or its
current-carrying parts and surfaces of the array.
component strings), that is, the electrical resistance between
3.2.2 metal oxide varistor MOV, n—a surge protection
the array’s internal electrical components and is exposed,
device.
electrically conductive, non-current carrying parts and surfaces
of the array.
3.2.3 photovoltaic circuit—the active electrical circuit that
conducts the photovoltaic generated power.
1.2 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels.
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
4. Summary of Test Method
beyond the scope of this test method.
4.1 A procedure is provided for testing the electrical isola-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
tion between the array’s internal electrical components and its
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
exposed, electrically conductive, non-current carrying parts
standard.
and surfaces of the array.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 The procedure offers two ways to connect the array
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
during the test, either open-circuited or short-circuited. Each
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
option has advantages and disadvantages (see 5.5).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.3 Awetting solution is applied to the array, then a voltage
is applied between the PV circuit and the exposed, electrically
2. Referenced Documents
conductive, non-current carrying parts and surfaces of the
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
array, while monitoring the current or resistance, to find
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
localized regions where the insulation resistance is signifi-
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
cantly reduced by the wetting solution. The array is then
3
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
inspected for evidence of possible arcing.
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground
Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The design of a PV module or system intended to
3. Terminology
provide safe conversion of the sun’s radiant energy into useful
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
electricitymusttakeintoconsiderationthepossibilityofhazard
method may be found in Terminologies E772 and E1328.
should the user come into contact with the electrical potential
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: of the array. In addition, the insulation system provides a
barrier to electrochemical corrosion, and insulation flaws can
result in increased corrosion and reliability problems. This test
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
method describes a procedure for verifying that the design and
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySources,andisthedirectresponsibilityof
construction of the array provides adequate electrical isolation
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion.
throughnormalinstallationanduse.Atnolocationonthearray
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2010.PublishedJuly2010.Originallyapproved
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as E2047–05. DOI: 10.1520/
should the PV-generated electrical potential be accessible, with
E2047-10.
the obvious exception of the output leads. The isolation is
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
necessary to provide for safe and reliable installation, use, and
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on service of the PV system.
the ASTM website.
3
5.2 This test method describes a procedure for determining
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. the ability of the array to provide protection from electrical
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

--------------------
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E2047–05 Designation:E2047–10
Standard Test Method for
1
Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of Photovoltaic Arrays
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2047; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure to determine the insulation resistance of a photovoltaic (PV) array (or its component
strings), that is, the electrical resistance between the array’s internal electrical components and is exposed, electrically conductive,
non-current carrying parts and surfaces of the array.
1.2 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels. The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is beyond
the scope of this test method.
1.3
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test method may be found in Terminologies E772 and E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 insulation resistance, n—the electrical resistance of a photovoltaic array’s insulation, measured between the photovoltaic
circuit and exposed, electrically conductive non-current-carrying parts and surfaces of the array.
3.2.2 metal oxide varistor MOV, n—a surge protection device.
3.2.3 photovoltaic circuit—the active electrical circuit that conducts the photovoltaic generated power.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A procedure is provided for testing the electrical isolation between the array’s internal electrical components and its
exposed, electrically conductive, non-current carrying parts and surfaces of the array.
4.2 The procedure offers two ways to connect the array during the test, either open-circuited or short-circuited. Each option has
advantages and disadvantages (see 5.5).
4.3 A wetting solution is applied to the array, then a voltage is applied between the PV circuit and the exposed, electrically
conductive,non-currentcarryingpartsandsurfacesofthearray,whilemonitoringthecurrentorresistance,tofindlocalizedregions
where the insulation resistance is significantly reduced by the wetting solution.The array is then inspected for evidence of possible
arcing.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The design of a PV module or system intended to provide safe conversion of the sun’s radiant energy into useful electricity
must take into consideration the possibility of hazard should the user come into contact with the electrical potential of the array.
In addition, the insulation system provides a barrier to electrochemical corrosion, and insulation flaws can result in increased
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources , and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic ElectricalElectric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved AprilJune 1, 2005.2010. Published May 2005.July 2010. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 19992005 as
E2047–99.E2047–05. DOI: 10.1520/E2047-105.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2047–10
corrosion and reliability problems. This test method describes a procedure for verifying that the design and construction of the
array provides adequate electrical isolation through normal installation and use. At no location on the array should the
PV-generatedelectricalpotent
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.