ASTM E1597-10(2015)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments
Standard Test Method for Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules deployed in marine applications (such as floating aids-to-navigation) may depend on the ability to withstand repeated exposure to salt atmosphere, immersion in seawater, and the temperature changes associated with seawater splash falling on modules operating in sunlight. The effects of these exposures may be physical or electrical changes in the module, or both.
4.2 This test method describes a procedure for positioning the test specimen, conducting a cyclical combined pressure, immersion, and temperature (PIT) test, and reporting the results. It also references methods for conducting module electrical performance and insulation integrity tests.
4.3 Data generated by this test method may be used to evaluate and compare the effects of a simulated marine environment on test specimens. This test method requires recording of visible effects as well as electrical performance.
4.3.1 Effects on modules may vary from none to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when there are no apparent electrical changes in the module. Similarly, electrical changes may occur with no visible changes in the module.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for determining the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand repeated immersion or splash exposure by seawater as might be encountered when installed in a marine environment, such as a floating aid-to-navigation. A combined environmental cycling exposure with modules repeatedly submerged in simulated saltwater at varying temperatures and under repetitive pressurization provides an accelerated basis for evaluation of aging effects of a marine environment on module materials and construction.
1.2 This test method defines photovoltaic module test specimens and requirements for positioning modules for test, references suitable methods for determining changes in electrical performance and characteristics, and specifies parameters which must be recorded and reported.
1.3 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.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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.
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Designation: E1597 − 10 (Reapproved 2015) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of
Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1597; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method provides a procedure for determining
D1141 Practice for the Preparation of Substitute Ocean
the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand repeated
Water
immersion or splash exposure by seawater as might be encoun-
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
tered when installed in a marine environment, such as a
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
floating aid-to-navigation. A combined environmental cycling
centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
exposure with modules repeatedly submerged in simulated
Using Reference Cells
saltwater at varying temperatures and under repetitive pressur-
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
ization provides an accelerated basis for evaluation of aging
Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
effects of a marine environment on module materials and
E1462 Test Methods for Insulation Integrity and Ground
construction.
Path Continuity of Photovoltaic Modules
1.2 This test method defines photovoltaic module test speci-
mens and requirements for positioning modules for test,
3. Terminology
references suitable methods for determining changes in elec-
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this test
tricalperformanceandcharacteristics,andspecifiesparameters
method may be found in Terminology E772 and Terminology
which must be recorded and reported.
E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This test method does not establish pass or fail levels.
3.2.1 PIT, n—Pressure, Immersion, and Temperature.
The determination of acceptable or unacceptable results is
beyond the scope of this test method.
4. Significance and Use
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules deployed in
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
marine applications (such as floating aids-to-navigation) may
standard.
depend on the ability to withstand repeated exposure to salt
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
atmosphere, immersion in seawater, and the temperature
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
changes associated with seawater splash falling on modules
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
operating in sunlight. The effects of these exposures may be
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
physical or electrical changes in the module, or both.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 This test method describes a procedure for positioning
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
the test specimen, conducting a cyclical combined pressure,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
immersion, and temperature (PIT) test, and reporting the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
results. It also references methods for conducting module
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
electrical performance and insulation integrity tests.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.3 Data generated by this test method may be used to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
evaluate and compare the effects of a simulated marine
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Geothermal and OtherAlternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Conversion. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 1, 2015. Published April 2015. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as E1597-10. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E1597-10R15. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1597 − 10 (2015)
environment on test specimens. This test method requires 6.3.2 Record the results of the visual examination using
recording of visible effects as well as electrical performance. photographs or a diagram of the specimen, or both, showing
the location and type of defect.
4.3.1 Effects on modules may vary from none to significant
changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible
6.4 Sample Installation in PIT Chamber—Provide each test
when there are no apparent electrical changes in the module.
sample with a means of sealing any open junction box fittings
Similarly,electricalchangesmayoccurwithnovisiblechanges
or feedthroughs if equipped with pigtails. Position the module
in the module.
in the test chamber. Extend any module electrical leads above
the maximum expected saltwater depth.
5. Apparatus
6.5 Simulated Seawater Preparation—Prepare a simulated
5.1 In addition to the apparatus required for Test Methods
seawater solution of sufficient quantity to fill both holding
E1036 and Test Method E1462, the following apparatus is
tanks. An acceptable solution consists of a mixture of 3.63 kg
required.
of dry sea salt for every 94.6 litres of tap water, as in
5.1.1 PIT Chamber—A thermally insulated, pressure-
Specification D1141. The relative density of the solution
resistant test apparatus with a main chamber of sufficient
should be 1.025 6 0.005 at 15°C. Adjust and maintain the
volume to submerge the test modules in simulated seawater
solution temperatures in the two holding tanks to 6 6 3°C and
solution. A means of pressurizing the chamber with com-
45 6 5°C, respectively.
pressed air to 35 kPa is required. Two secondary holding tanks
6.6 Test Sequence:
a
...
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: E1597 − 10 E1597 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Saltwater Pressure Immersion and Temperature Testing of
Photovoltaic Modules for Marine Environments
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1597; 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 provides a procedure for determining the ability of photovoltaic modules to withstand repeated immersion
or splash exposure by seawater as might be encountered when installed in a marine environment, such as a floating
aid-to-navigation. A combined environmental cycling exposure with modules repeatedly submerged in simulated saltwater at
varying temperatures and under repetitive pressurization provides an accelerated basis for evaluation of aging effects of a marine
environment on module materials and construction.
1.2 This test method defines photovoltaic module test specimens and requirements for positioning modules for test, references
suitable methods for determining changes in electrical performance and characteristics, and specifies parameters which must be
recorded and reported.
1.3 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.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1141 Practice for the Preparation of Substitute Ocean Water
E772 Terminology of Solar Energy Conversion
E1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays Using
Reference Cells
E1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion (Withdrawn 2012)
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 Terminology E772 and Terminology E1328.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 PIT,n—Pressure, Immersion, and Temperature.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The useful life of photovoltaic modules deployed in marine applications (such as floating aids-to-navigation) may depend
on the ability to withstand repeated exposure to salt atmosphere, immersion in seawater, and the temperature changes associated
with seawater splash falling on modules operating in sunlight. The effects of these exposures may be physical or electrical changes
in the module, or both.
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 Electric Power Conversion.
Current edition approved June 1, 2010March 1, 2015. Published July 2010April 2015. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
E1597-05.-10. DOI: 10.1520/E1597-10.10.1520/E1597-10R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 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 the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1597 − 10 (2015)
4.2 This test method describes a procedure for positioning the test specimen, conducting a cyclical combined pressure,
immersion, and temperature (PIT) test, and reporting the results. It also references methods for conducting module electrical
performance and insulation integrity tests.
4.3 Data generated by this test method may be used to evaluate and compare the effects of a simulated marine environment on
test specimens. This test method requires recording of visible effects as well as electrical performance.
4.3.1 Effects on modules may vary from none to significant changes. Some physical changes in the module may be visible when
there are no apparent electrical changes in the module. Similarly, electrical changes may occur with no visible changes in the
module.
5. Apparatus
5.1 In addition to the apparatus required for Test Methods E1036 and Test Method E1462, the following apparatus is required.
5.1.1 PIT Chamber—A thermally insulated, pressure-resistant test apparatus with a main chamber of sufficient volume to
submerge the test modules in simulated seawater solution. A means of pressurizing the chamber with compressed air to 35 kPa
is required. Two secondary holding tanks are required for storing prescribed volumes of simulated seawater solution maintained
at low temperature, 6 6 3°C, and high temperature, 45 6 5°C, respectively. Auxiliary pumps and valves for transferring solutions
between the holding tanks and the testing chamber are also needed. All equipment shall be constructed from corrosion resistant
materials. Baffles or diffusers shall be employed to prevent mechanical shock to the test samples while pumping simulated
seawater.
6. Procedure
6.1 Test Lot Selection—Select a minimum of four modules considered to be representative of the type to be tested. Reserve one
of the four modules as a control sample. If the lot represents more than one size of modules employing the same encapsulation
system design, at least two modules of each size shall be tested. No disassembly, alteration of, or modification to the samples or
any part thereof shall be permitted during the test sequence.
...
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