Tenney ETCU Solar Panel Environmental Test Chambers

These models of ETCU environmental test chambers were designed specifically for solar panel testing and feature integrated options to provide reliability, quiet operation, and proven performance for your solar panel testing requirements.

The ETCU series uses the latest in HFC environmentally friendly refrigerants, which generate much lower compressor temperatures.

These chambers can be designed with special trucks for efficient loading and unloading of the solar panels. The chamber dimensions are made to accommodate solar panels commonly used in the commercial market.

Solar Panel Test Chamber Construction

All models feature vapor-tight, continuously welded stainless steel interiors. Structural reinforcement is used at all critical points. Through-wall ports are continuously welded. A combination of fiberglass and polyurethane insulation surrounds the chamber to maximize insulating characteristics, thus ensuring minimal thermal transfer.

Solar Panel Test Chamber Standards Compliance

These models of ETCU solar panel test chambers meet the following standards:

• UL 1703 sections 35 and 36
• IEC 60068 section 2.78
• IEC 61215 sections 10.11, 10.12 and 10.13
• IEC 61646 sections 10.13
• IEC 62108 sections 10.6, 10.7, 10.8
• ASTM E1171-04 sections 6.5, 6.6 and 6.7

Solar Panel Test Chamber Automated Process Controls

The ETCU's process control system's screen provides precise control and monitoring of chamber operations and can be easily accessed from remote locations. Multiple heating and cooling systems are available, as well as a diverse list of options that together will create the chamber to accommodate your specific application. Ultimately, you will receive the Tenney quality you’ve come to appreciate and expect because we work to design chambers specifically for your solar panel testing requirements.

Solar Panel Test Chamber Features

• Quiet Operation
• High Reliability Refrigeration System
• Designed for Your Panel Testing Requirements
• Temperature and Humidity Testing +85°C and 85%
• Tenney VersaTenn V control system
• Large Chamber Space Tailored to Standard Solar Panel Sizes
• Automatic Humidity Vent
• Panel Mounting Clips

Solar Panel Test Chamber Options

• IEEE488 Interface
• LinkTenn 32 for Windows® That Permits Your
  Computer to Control up to 10 Chambers
• 6-event Relay Board
• Water Demineralizer System
• Circular Recording Instruments
• Alternate Refrigeration and/or Heating Systems for Faster Temperature Change Rates or Increased Product Load-Handling Capabilities
• Additional Ports, etc.

Solar Panel Test Chamber Sensors

A platinum RTD sensor measures temperature. Humidity is measured by an electronic, capacitive sensor that requires no wet wick or water supply. The sensors provide excellent control and display accuracy with minimum maintenance.

Humidity System

The humidity system is constructed of 100% non-corroding parts and is equipped with its own low water protection system. The system operates at atmospheric pressure and is specially vented to prevent undesired siphoning. Features the patented Vapor Flo II steam generator.

Heating System

Low-mass nichrome, open wire heating elements are used to reduce thermal lag and provide rapid response to instrument demand. The heating elements are isolated from the workspace to reduce radiant influence on the test item.

Electrical

All wiring complies with NEC. Circuit breakers are used throughout the electrical system and are located, along with other electrical components, in a readily accessible, integral control panel.

Conditioning System

Uniform conditions are assured through the use of a vertical-down recirculating conditioning stream. The system draws air through the bottom of the workspace, conditions it as required, then discharges the air through a grille at the ceiling level. The design of the conditioning plenum allows the ETC Ultimate Series to offer high performance in a pre-engineered package.

Door

Since the unit’s chamber is continuously welded, the door remains as the final sealing surface to maintain atmosphere integrity. All doors are equipped with double gaskets that trap air for the purpose of insulation. A unique, energy-efficient system circulates hot gas from the refrigeration system to provide automatic defrost for the door gaskets, thus ensuring non-sticking of gasket and extending gasket life.

Quietest Operation

In increasingly crowded laboratory environments, equipment noise is a major concern. Conventional test chambers use sound attentuation material to cover up the "hammering" noises generated by reciprocating type compressors. Scroll compressors provide a smooth, nearly continuous compression cycle by simultaneously squeezing several pockets of refrigerant gas. The benefit is a system which operates smoothly and quietly with less annoying vibration.

Download Psychrometric Chart