Rebound-Indent Field Tester for PV Module Backsheets
DuraMAT is developing a new form of a portable, rebound-indent tester for characterizing the susceptibility to cracking, delamination, and mechanical degradation of the polymer backsheet on installed photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Unlike conventional rebound-hardness testers designed for characterizing the hardness of metals, this new design will be more suitable for characterizing thin polymer backsheets with features that include:
- Sharper indenters
- Lower impact energy
- Detection of acoustic emissions.
Core Objective
Location
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Applications
This capability will provide a valuable research and development tool for determining a deeper understanding of how backsheet degradation occurs. It will also provide feedback for optimization of the backsheet material so as to minimize the risk from backsheet degradation and premature failure of PV modules.
Availability
When development of this characterization tool is completed, it will be available to anyone wishing to do laboratory or field testing of a PV module backsheet.
Contact
To learn more about this capability, contact Mathew Mate.
An indent tester is used to measure the rebound of a small sample of a polymer backsheet.
