Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Module Wind Load Resistance:
Standards vs. Reality
Daniel Chang | August 30, 2021
1© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com | | Revised 8/26/21
RETC was established in June of
2009 to help companies navigate
through the certification process
and to assist in the overall product
lifecycle R&D to Mass Market.
RETC Incorporation
RETC coordinates an industry wide effort to come up with a long-term durability protocol: The Thresher!
That effort led to multiple other efforts and standards.
Bankability
RETC expands to other parts of the world:
- Chile (High Irradiance)- Philippines (Hot and Humid)
Test Site Expansions
RETC establishes the PV Module Index (PVMI):
The most comprehensive module manufacturer ranking in the industry
PVMI
Test site expansion in a Southwest Desert environment for high
irradiance, extreme temperatures, and high wind loads
RETC Nevada
RETC develops anEnergy Storage
Bankability Program
Energy Storage
2009
2010
2010-2011
2012
2014
2018
2019
Major Accreditation Accomplishment
- ISO/IEC 17025 (A2LA)- CBTL under IECEE CB Scheme
Accreditation
12+ YEARS OF SERVICEWe test products from a broad range of PV modules and batteries—and we're great at it too!
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | 3
MODULES + RACKING COMBOS AFFECT PERFORMANCE
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
PV + Tracker = Utility Solution
Source: Greentech Media Source: Solar NovusSource: Solar Power World
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
Current Standards to Measure Tracker Loads
Balanced loading is a good starting point to understand potential module power losses in high wind load scenarios
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | 6
PRESSURE GRADIENTS IMPACT BIFACIAL & LFM TECHNOLOGY
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
Source: Emma Spooner, University of Sheffield
Large-Format Modules
Image: Zhonghuan Semiconductor
Source: Emma Spooner, University of Sheffield
Cell Efficiency Trends
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
Mechanical Load Test Flow
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
Unbalanced Load Testing
Varying the load distributions emulates actual wind loads the module will experience in its lifetime on the trackers
Title Date
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
Unbalanced Loading Report + Results
Precon
Post MLT
www.retc-ca.com • [email protected]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | 11
FOR MORE INFO
© 2021 RETC, LLC | www.retc-ca.com
