Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells

SCOPE
1.1 This specification describes the physical requirements for primary and secondary terrestrial nonconcentrator photovoltaic reference cells. A reference cell is defined as a device that meets the requirements of this specification and is calibrated in accordance with Method E1039, Test Method E1125, or Test Method E1362.
1.2 Reference cells are used in the determination of the electrical performance of photovoltaic devices, as stated in Test Methods E948 and Methods E1036.
1.3 Two reference cell physical specifications are described:
1.3.1 Small-Cell Package Design -A small, durable package with a low thermal mass, wide optical field-of-view, and standardized dimensions intended for photovoltaic devices up to 20 by 20 mm, and
1.3.2 Module-Package Design -A package intended to simulate the optical and thermal properties of a photovoltaic module design, but electric connections are made to only one photovoltaic cell in order to eliminate problems with calibrating series and parallel connections of cells. Physical dimensions are not standardized.
1.4 These reference cells are intended to be used in applications where a significant fraction of the irradiance has incidence angles less than 30°, with respect to normal as defined in Specification E927.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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Publication Date
09-Jun-1998
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ASTM E1040-98 - Standard Specification for Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E 1040 – 98
Standard Specification for
Physical Characteristics of Nonconcentrator Terrestrial
Photovoltaic Reference Cells
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1040; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification describes the physical requirements 2.1 ASTM Standards:
for primary and secondary terrestrial nonconcentrator photo- E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
voltaic reference cells. A reference cell is defined as a device E 927 Specification for Solar Simulation for Terrestrial
that meets the requirements of this specification and is cali- Photovoltaic Testing
brated in accordance with Method E 1039, Test Method E 948 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Noncon-
E 1125, or Test Method E 1362. centrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Cells Using Reference
1.2 Reference cells are used in the determination of the Cells
electricalperformanceofphotovoltaicdevices,asstatedinTest E 1036 Test Methods for Electrical Performance of Non-
Methods E 948 and Methods E 1036. concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Modules and Arrays
1.3 Two reference cell physical specifications are described: Using Reference Cells
1.3.1 Small-Cell Package Design—A small, durable pack- E 1039 Test Method for Calibration and Characterization of
age with a low thermal mass, wide optical field-of-view, and Non-Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells
standardized dimensions intended for photovoltaic devices up Under Global Irradiation
to 20 by 20 mm, and E 1125 Test Method for Calibration of Primary Non-
1.3.2 Module-Package Design—A package intended to Concentrator Terrestrial Photovoltaic Reference Cells Us-
simulate the optical and thermal properties of a photovoltaic ing a Tabular Spectrum
module design, but electric connections are made to only one E 1328 Terminology Relating to Photovoltaic Solar Energy
photovoltaic cell in order to eliminate problems with calibrat- Conversion
ing series and parallel connections of cells. Physical dimen- E 1362 Test Method for Calibration of Non-Concentrator
sions are not standardized. Photovoltaic Secondary Reference Cells
1.4 These reference cells are intended to be used in appli- 2.2 Military Specification Sheet:
cations where a significant fraction of the irradiance has MS3106C Connector, Plug, Electric, Straight, Solder Con-
incidence angles less than 30°, with respect to normal as tracts, AN Type
defined in Specification E 927.
3. Terminology
1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this speci-
fication, see Terminologies E 772 and E 1328.
this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Classification
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Two types of reference cells are used in the evaluation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the electrical performance of photovoltaic terrestrial de-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
vices:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1.1 Primary Reference Cells—Reference cells calibrated
directly in sunlight in accordance with Method E 1039 or Test
Method E 1125, and
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E-44 on Solar,
Geothermal,andOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
Subcommittee E44.09 on Photovoltaic Electric Power Systems. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
Current edition approved June 10, 1998. Published December 1998. Originally Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
published as E 1040 – 84. Last previous edition E 1040 – 93. Office, N. Capital and H Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20401.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1040
4.1.2 Secondary Reference Cells—Reference cells cali- reflections that can cause measurement errors. The aluminum
brated against a primary reference cell in accordance with Test surface finish specified in Fig. 1 satisfies this requirement.
Method E 1362. 5.2.3 Bonding Adhesive— Any material used for bonding
4.2 Thetwotypesarenotphysicallyorelectricallydifferent, should be compatible with the photovoltaic cell and not cause
butaredifferentintheirmannerofcalibration.Hereafterinthis electrical or optical degradation of the photovoltaic cell. The
specification, both types of reference cells will be considered material’s physical characteristics should be stable over the
alike and referred to only as reference cells. time of intended use and acceptable for outdoor use.
5.2.4 Field-of-View— The field-of-view f, as defined in
5. Materials and Manufacture
Fig. 1, should be at least 160° to minimize measurement errors
5.1 Requirements for Both Reference Cell Designs:
when non-normal irradiation impinges on the reference cell.
5.1.1 Electrical Connections—The electrical connections to 5.2.5 Window—Useofawindowisrecommendedtoprotect
the photovoltaic cell shall consist of a four-wire contact system
the photovoltaic cell.Acolored glass or other optical filter may
(Kelvin probe), with two wires connected to the top of the top also be used to modify the spectral response of the cell, if
contact of the cell, and two wires to the bottom contact. A
necessary for specific applications.
minimum length of1mof1.0 mm (AWG 18) diameter 5.2.5.1 If a clear window is used, the optical transmission of
four-conductor cable with an ultraviolet-stable outer cover the window should be constant within 61 % in the photovol-
rated for outdoor usage is recommended. The standard electri- taic cell wavelength response band, with a mean transmission
cal connector shall be M
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