Photovoltaic test system - PV-LIT from InfraTec

Flexible Adaption of the System to Types of Cells and Faults Being Tested

The construction of large-area photoelectric solar power plants requires the application of high-performance solar cells and modules of excellent quality. InfraTec's thermographic testing system PV-LIT allows testing for various types of defects – even in the manufacturing process – in different types of solar cells and photovoltaic modules. For example:

Tandem solar cell
III-V solar cell
CIS solar cells
CIGS solar cells
Perovskite solar cells
PERC cells (Passivated emitter rear contact)
Organic solar cells with organic thin film foil to foil process
Solar glass
Smart Glass
Electrochromatic glass

It is also possible to carry out a continuous quality control for serial productions in order to sort defective cells out at an early stage and, following, avoiding additional costs. According to the to-be-tested types of defects, PV-LIT provides the use of contact testing (DLIT) as well as non-contact testing (ILIT).

Further Features

100 Hz online voltage and current measurement, parallel to the lock-in excitation
Sense-line measurement (compensation of voltage drop from the outlet)
Power loss measurement with extended classification of shunts
Timing diagram and export function of voltage-, current and temperature values
Drift compensation
Synchronized zoom the result images
0°/90° phase representation parallel to live and amplitude image

Automated Lock-In measurement with E-LIT from InfraTec

Accurate Representation of Defects with the Help of Lock-In Thermography

High-performance infrared camera systems with highest thermal resolution of a few hundredths degrees (°C) applied in the PV-LIT system ensure an accurate detection of defects. This is ensued in a precise cooperation of the excitation and evaluation unit. Thus, lock-in thermography can be used by performing a pulsed excitation of solar cells, for instance through LEDs and a triggered image acquisition. By means of this method, defects - even those being below surface - will be detected and clearly displayed as local heating (shunts). Even after thorough infrared quality testing cells as well as modules in running operation can be checked using thermography. Make use of the potential that photovoltaic inspection offers!

Highly Sophisticated Software for System Control and Evaluation

Apart from the PV-LIT hardware, the system's software does play a decisive role for the detection of defects. It allows the setting of important parameters, such as excitation and exposure frequency or excitation amplitude, and enables the evaluation with various algorithms of active heat flow thermography. Thereby, it is possible to display amplitude images and also freely definable phase images supporting the detection and classification of defects.

Product Flyer

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Publications by our Customers

Lock-in Thermography for analyzing solar cells and failure analysis in other electronic components, Otwin Breitenstein, Steffen Sturm, Max Planck Institute Halle

Thermography Automation System: PV-LIT

lock-in_thermography_for_analyzing_solar_cells.pdf

From short-term hotspot measurements to long-term module reliability, Thomas Roth et al., SolarWorld Industries Thüringen GmbH

Infrared Camera: ImageIR® 8300

2014_paper_from_short-term_hotspot_measurements_to_long-term_module_reliability_imageir_8300.pdf

Use of PV-LIT for these Industries & Applications

Thermal Optimisation

Identify possible problems already in the development phase well before serial production.

All branches and application areas

Full Service Package

Full Service Package from InfraTec

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Comprehensive Service from InfraTec

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Housings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equipment

Ask for your suitable accessories

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.