Solar simulators have a revolutionary impact on photovoltaic research, materials science, and solar energy development. The team at Sciencetech Inc., based in London Ontario, Canada, leads the industry in manufacturing high-precision solar simulator systems that mimic natural sunlight in controlled lab settings. In this post we look at the technical specs and new features of Sciencetech's solar simulator technologies and their novel applications.

 

What is a Solar Simulator?

 

What is a Solar Simulator?

A solar simulator is a machine that copies natural sunlight under controlled conditions. It allows researchers and engineers to run accurate, steady, and repeatable tests and assessments of solar energy devices photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Solar simulators have a wide range of uses. They play a key role in testing photovoltaic systems allowing precise measurements of how well solar cells, modules, and fuel cells work. In the field of material science, researchers use these tools to examine how new materials react to fake sunlight. Scientists studying photochemistry rely on solar simulators to explore chemical reactions triggered by light under controlled and adjustable settings. What's more, these devices are crucial for stress and aging tests mimicking the effects of long-term sun exposure to check how durable different materials are.

Testing with solar simulators comes with many advantages. They create a controlled setting cutting out changes in data from weather or time of day. This is key to get results you can repeat, which you need for research and to develop and certify things. What's more, these simulators match the sun's spectrum (AM1.5G) giving you accurate performance data. They also help you save time by speeding up testing compared to doing it outdoors.

 

Core Technology and Standards Compliance

Sciencetech designs and manufactures over 30 distinct variants of solar simulators that adhere to stringent international standards. Their systems comply with IEC 60904-9 and ASTM E927-19 standards, with classifications ranging from AAA to UBA based on three critical performance metrics:

  1. Spectral Match: Class A systems meticulously replicate the solar spectrum, typically matching the AM1.5G standard (atmospheric mass 1.5 global) employed for terrestrial applications or AM0 for space applications.
  2. Spatial Non-uniformity of Irradiance: This metric quantifies the degree of uniformity in the light distribution across the target area, with Class A offering the highest uniformity.
  3. Temporal Instability: This metric quantifies the stability of the light output over time, with Class A providing the most stable illumination.

 

Product Lines and Technical Specifications

SF Series Solar Simulators

The SF series represents Sciencetech’s cost-effective solution for applications that necessitate more collimated beams or higher UV production compared to their SciSun series. Technical specifications include:

  • Spot Size:  25mm (1”) to 50mm (2”) diameter at 1 Sun intensity
  • Working Distance: 100-130mm (4-5”) from the exit port
  • Collimation: 1 degree half angle
  • Adjustable Power Supply: Equipped with touchscreen control
  • Available Air Mass Filters: AM0 (space conditions), AM1.5D (direct), and AM1.5G (global)

The SF300A model exhibits Class A spatial non-uniformity for a 1.8cm square (or 2.5cm circular) target area, while the SF300B offers Class B uniformity for a larger 3.6cm square (or 5cm circular) area.

 

SciSun Series

The SciSun series provides precise spectral matching for both terrestrial (AM1.5G) and space (AM0) applications:

  • Target Size: 5cm square or 5cm circular diameter
  • Working Distance: 38cm (15”)
  • Spatial Non-uniformity: Class A


Fully Reflective Solar Simulators

Sciencetech’s SS series employs fully reflective optics for applications that require larger illumination areas:

  • Power Options: Span from 0.5kW to 2.5kW
  • Target Areas: SS0.5kW: 5.2cm square (7.5cm circular), SS2.5kW: 14cm square (20cm circular)
  • Working Distance: SS0.5kW: 45cm to 105cm, SS2.5kW: 45cm to 105cm
  • Spatial Non-uniformity: Class B

 

High Flux Solar Simulators (HFSS)

For concentrated solar power research, Sciencetech offers High Flux Solar Simulator systems with a modular design.

  • Radiative Modules: Can accommodate up to four modules in a downward-facing configuration.
  • Adjustment Capabilities: Lateral Adjustment: ±31mm, Rotational Adjustment: ±15°, Tilt Adjustment: ±30°
  • Maximum Outer Dimensions (H×W×D): 2913×1728×1728mm
  • Target Plane Location: Normal incidence: 420-825mm off the floor, Angled incidence: 505-910mm

 

Fiberised Solar Simulators

The LightLine series provides fibre-coupled delivery of simulated sunlight, enabling distinctive experimental setups and applications where conventional direct illumination is impractical.

 

 

Advanced Features and Applications

Sciencetech solar simulators provide extensive spectral customisation beyond standard air mass filters. These options include:

  • Dichroic Filters: Enable selective wavelength transmission.
  • Bandpass Filters: Isolate specific spectrum segments.
  • UV-Enhanced Options: The SS-UV series offers increased ultraviolet output.

 

Measurement Capabilities

Sciencetech’s comprehensive photovoltaic testing systems integrate seamlessly with their solar simulators. These systems offer the following capabilities:

  1. I-V Curve Tracing: Measures current-voltage characteristics to determine key performance parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, and maximum power point.
  2. Quantum Efficiency (QE) Measurements: Evaluates spectral response across wavelengths.
  3. Spectral Response Analysis: Determines cell efficiency at various wavelengths.

 

Applications Across Industries

Sciencetech’s solar simulators cater to diverse research and manufacturing needs. Their primary applications include:

  • Photovoltaic Testing: Evaluating solar cell and module performance under standardised conditions.
  • Materials Research: Investigating photosensitive materials and novel solar cell compositions.
  • Photochemical Research: Studying light-driven chemical reactions under reproducible conditions.
  • Aging and Stress Testing: Accelerated lifetime testing to predict long-term performance and degradation.

 

Wrapping-Up

Sciencetech Inc.'s solar simulator tech combines advanced optical engineering careful manufacturing, and compliance with global standards. These systems, with their customisable setups and wide-ranging specs, help researchers and manufacturers push solar energy tech forward through accurate and repeatable testing and development. As the renewable energy field keeps changing, Sciencetech's solar simulators provide the controlled testing environment needed to improve photovoltaic efficiency and reliability.