IEC 62788-7-3:2022/AMD1:2024

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jul-2024
• ICS: 27.160 - Solar energy engineering
• Technical Committee: TC 82 - Solar photovoltaic energy systems
• Drafting Committee: WG 2 - TC 82/WG 2
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 31-Jul-2024
• Completion Date: 16-Aug-2024

• Amends: IEC 62788-7-3:2022 - Measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic modules - Part 7-3: Accelerated stress tests - Methods of abrasion of PV module external surfaces
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 62788-7-3:2022/AMD1:2024 is an important amendment to the international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This amendment focuses on measurement procedures for materials used in photovoltaic (PV) modules, specifically addressing accelerated stress tests through methods of abrasion applied to the external surfaces of PV modules. The standard is part of the IEC 62788 series, aiming to ensure the durability and performance of photovoltaic modules under stress conditions simulating long-term environmental exposure.

This document updates and refines abrasion test procedures, including the design and specifications of test apparatus such as brushes, reference materials for calibration, and test parameters. The amendment enhances the reproducibility and accuracy of abrasion tests, providing a standardized framework critical for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and researchers involved in solar energy system quality assurance.

Key Topics

• Accelerated stress tests for PV module materials
  The amendment details procedures to simulate wear and degradation on PV module external surfaces by controlled abrasion, enabling prediction of module lifespan and robustness.

• Methods of abrasion
  Clear specifications are given for abrasion tools including brush dimensions, bristle materials, tuft arrangements, and bristle wear limits to standardize test equipment.

• Brush construction specifications

  • Brush block dimensions: approximately 38 mm by 89 mm by 13 mm thickness
  • Bristle composition: polyamide 612 (poly(hexamethylene dodecanediamide) with a 50:50 molar ratio)
  • Bristle diameter: 0.23 ± 0.03 mm, extending 38 ± 2 mm
  • Bristle tuft pattern and spacing for consistent abrasion effects

• Reference materials for calibration
  The amendment emphasizes the importance of using standard reference materials to verify and calibrate abrasion testers. Examples include:

  • Super-white modified soda-lime glass (e.g., B 270 "Superwite" by Schott AG)
  • Monolithic silica glass substrate (Borofloat 33)
  • UV-durable, solar-grade polymer substrates (bulk poly(methyl methacrylate), e.g., Acrylite 0Z023 by Röhm AG)

• Test reproducibility and verification
  Guidelines are provided for periodic use of reference coupons during abrasion testing sessions to ensure consistent operation between instruments and laboratories.

Applications

• Photovoltaic module manufacturing
  Manufacturers can apply these standardized abrasion test methods to evaluate and improve the durability of external PV module surfaces, which are critical for long-term field performance and reliability.

• Quality control and assurance
  Testing laboratories adopt IEC 62788-7-3:2022/AMD1:2024 procedures to provide replicable and internationally recognized abrasion testing certification, supporting product claims and warranties.

• Research and development
  Researchers developing new materials for PV module encapsulation or superstrate layers use this standard to conduct accelerated aging and wear simulations, informing material improvements.

• Regulatory compliance
  Authorities and standards bodies may reference this amendment in regional PV module qualification protocols to ensure consistent minimum abrasion resistance.

Related Standards

• IEC 62788 Series
  Includes other parts that cover measurement procedures for photovoltaic module materials and accelerated testing methods across various stress factors.

• ISO/IEC Directives
  The amendment aligns with these directives ensuring harmonization in the preparation and documentation of international standards.

• IEC 61215
  A critical related standard for design qualification and type approval of terrestrial photovoltaic modules, which may use abrasion testing as part of mechanical durability assessments.

• ISO standards for abrasives and material testing
  Applicable where reference test methods and calibration materials support abrasion procedures.

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By adopting IEC 62788-7-3:2022/AMD1:2024, stakeholders contribute to global efforts in ensuring high quality, durable solar photovoltaic technologies capable of sustaining their performance under environmental abrasion factors. This supports the broader goals of reliable renewable energy generation and technology standardization.