Sciencetech SLP Series Light Pipe Solar Simulators

Features

• Range of working distances and target sizes
• Each unit includes a power supply, xenon short arc lamp and AM filter (if specified)
• Homogenising optics provide uniform irradiance distribution

Applications

• Satellite Sun Loading Testing
• Photochemistry
• Material Characterization, Degradation Testing
• Photovoltaic Testing
• Accelerated Age Testing
• Thermal Energy Storage System Testing (High Flux)

Introduction

The SLP solar simulator series can be configured to prioritise specific requirements. Optimising one feature may reduce another, as some features are related. Four main distinctions maximise certain features: HF (High Flux), COL (Collimated), HOM (Homogenised), and LA (Large Area).

Standard Included Components

Each SLP includes a lamp housing, power supply, arc lamp, air mass filter, standard fixed frame, and testing report.

Configurations

The SLP series of solar simulators can be configured to prioritize specific specifications based on your requirements. Some features are interrelated, and maximizing one specification may reduce another. There are four main distinctions that enhance certain features.

HF: High Flux

This setting aims to maximize power (many Suns’ irradiance) on a small target. It is commonly used for testing thermal storage technology, solar concentrator systems, and similar applications.

• Usually allows for less stringent spatial non-uniformity.
• Typically features a focused beam rather than collimated light.

COL: Collimated

This setting minimizes the collimation angle (as small as 0.35° half angle) on a target. It is often used for testing devices that traverse space or the upper atmosphere.

• Usually permits less stringent spatial non-uniformity.
• Typically provides 1 Sun (AM1.5G or AM0) irradiance (1000 to 1367 W/m²), though higher irradiance is available.

HOM: Homogenized

Homogeneity interacts with many other specifications. Maximizing homogeneity often means reducing other specifications, so a balance is typically struck to achieve the best combination. The best possible spatial non-uniformity usually affects:

• Collimation: Better collimation leads to poorer spatial non-uniformity.
• Irradiance: Higher irradiance can be achieved by reducing the number and length of homogenizing optics, which reduces losses but results in poorer spatial non-uniformity.

LA: Large Area

• This setting aims to maximize the area covered by illumination at a given irradiance. It is commonly used for light-soaking, materials testing, or photocatalytic applications.
  Usually allows for less stringent spatial non-uniformity, particularly at corners and edges.
• Efficiency is typically maximized to achieve the greatest irradiance over the largest possible target size with the smallest lamp.
• This is the lowest cost option per unit area.