Basic Requirements

Whether in a hot dry desert, warm and humid subtropical climate or in the extreme alpine regions, a car has to function. A car is a distinct representative of products that have to with-stand various types of continuously changing environmental conditions. K.H.Steuernagel (KHS) SolarConstant solar simulation systems provides effective solar energy to meet the testing needs of the automotive community.

Within the automotive industry, testing methods based on simulating the most extreme environmental conditions is a very important tool in ensuring automotive system reliability and functionality. The radiation of the sun, together with the ambient temperature and relative humidity are considered to be the most essential factors. The solar radiation is defined as global or total radiation, which is the sum of direct and diffused (sky radiation) solar energy.

Good correlation to the sun, good reproducibility of test conditions and sufficient acceleration is the main targets for the development, design, fabrication and function of solar simulation systems.

Regarding correlation, where it is important to achieve a good comparison to the quantitatively (irradiance) and qualitatively (spectral distribution and uniformity) characteristics of natural global radiation, the simulation of effects, that are known by practical experience to be critical in achieving good test results, need to be considered. With decades of solar simulation experience in automotive and other fields, we have the experience to help you identify the parameters of concern that play an important role in the design of an effective SolarConstant simulation system.

When making material selection and/or performance related decisions, the automotive engineer depends on repeatable and reproducible test results regardless of the test site or equipment used. Time also plays an important role. An effective test system and accelerated methods to achieve earliest test results are required to obtain maximum advantage in the development of new products. As a worldwide leader in the field of solar simulation systems we can assist with comprehensive test system development and test method design.

While general requirements are similar for most solar simulation applications, whether it is for examining the aging behavior of organic materials; optimizing ventilation and air-conditioning systems; monitoring the thermal stability and interaction of components or emission testing, our resources and experience will assure that the solar system installed will meet your testing objectives. We also have experience in other fields, such as solar energy conversion systems, photovoltaic, agricultural, etc., where SolarConstant technology is proven effective in reliable solar simulation.