> Quick answer: IP65-rated solar lamps in Romania use robust materials like plastic, metal, aluminum, and stainless steel [1], along with flexible gaskets that accommodate thermal stress from freeze-thaw cycles [2][4]. However, low-quality plastics may crack under UV exposure [6].
When selecting a solar lamp for outdoor use in Romania, ensuring durability against the local climate is paramount. The country’s extreme weather conditions, including intense UV and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, can significantly impact the longevity of solar lamps. Understanding how IP65-rated housing protects your solar lamp from water and dust is crucial, as well as identifying which gasket materials are most resilient under these harsh conditions.
What Makes an IP65 Housing Dust and Water Resistant?
An IP65-rated housing for solar lamps achieves complete protection against dust and water jets from any direction [5]. This robust design relies on a combination of durable materials and effective seal designs that can withstand thermal stress. Common housing materials include plastic, metal, aluminum, and stainless steel [1], but the interface between these dissimilar materials presents critical challenges due to differing thermal expansion rates [2][4].
Addressing Thermal Stress
To mitigate seal failure, an enclosure system must be designed to accommodate varying expansion and contraction rates across different materials. The US8585245B2 patent describes a reliable sealing mechanism that maintains integrity during thermal cycling by allowing for movement through flexible gaskets or dynamic interfaces [2][4]. This flexibility is essential in preventing cracks caused by repeated temperature swings, which can lead to water ingress and functional failure of electronic components [2][5].
UV Resistance and Thermal Stability
Under Romanian conditions, high UV exposure and freeze-thaw cycles are significant stressors. Fluoropolymers like Tefzel (DuPont’s trademarked fluoropolymer resin) offer excellent UV resistance due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds and maintain over 94% transparency in the visible spectrum [16][17]. Other materials noted for good UV resistance include polyurethane (PU) and silicone [16][17]. In contrast, low-quality plastics such as polycarbonates or polyethylene may crack under prolonged UV exposure [6].
Preventing Corrosion
Corrosion is another critical concern in Romania’s humid environment. Salt spray can cause rapid oxidation of iron or steel components, leading to rust and structural failure [6]. The use of corrosion inhibitors like StrikeHold spray has been shown to prevent dust accumulation and protect surfaces from moisture and dirt, improving both efficiency and longevity [7][24].
Comparison Table: UV-Resistant Polymers
| Polymer | UV Resistance | Thermal Stability |
|––––-|–––––––|––––––-|
| Fluoropolymers (Tefzel) | Excellent [16][17] | Good |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Good [16][17] | Good |
| Silicone | Good [5] | Excellent |
Internal Condensation and Moisture Management
Internal condensation can occur during thermal cycling when warm, moist air enters the housing and cools. Some systems use desiccants like silica gel to adsorb moisture when the lamp is off, which are then regenerated by heat when the lamp is on [8][22]. However, these systems require careful placement and may not be sufficient in high-humidity environments [8].
UV Exposure Recovery
Surprisingly, some PV modules show significant recovery in efficiency after UV exposure, particularly when followed by sunlight exposure. This suggests that initial degradation may be reversible [11], indicating that real-world conditions might include a self-recovery mechanism.
Key Takeaways
- IP65-rated solar lamps use robust materials and flexible gaskets to withstand Romanian weather.
- Fluoropolymers (Tefzel), polyurethane, and silicone are highly UV-resistant.
- Corrosion inhibitors can protect surfaces from moisture and dirt, enhancing durability.
- Internal condensation management is crucial for preventing corrosion.
References
- [1] Solar_Lights_Premium_Solar-Powered_Garden_Lights__3f7c5682 — blog
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battery, lighting duration, material and protection class influence how constantly the light is available outdoors. Models with IP44 or IP54 are designed for different outdoor requirements and can be installed on a low wall, next to a gravel path or on a second seating area without adding extra infrastructure to the design. Equally important is consistent and unobtrusive operation. A solar light looks convincing when it collects energy inconspicuously and emits it constantly in the evening. The light image should remain reliable and the design should not depend on visible technology. In this way, solar operation remains in the background while the lighting effect is in the foreground. Solar lights at Lampenmeister: a curated selection for the designed outdoor space A high-quality lamp with a solar function can be recognized in the outdoor area above all by cleanly processed materials, clear transitions and harmonious proportions. Depending on the model, plastic, metal, aluminum or stainless steel are used. Quality is visible in the smooth surfaces, precise connections and a housing that looks clear and high-quality even in daylight. In addition to natural stone, wood or finely plastered façades, differences in workmanship and dimensions are immediately apparent. Reduced models thus gain a sense of calm and appear to be a conscious part of their surroundings. A design-oriented solar light is particularly effective when it is not overdrawn decoratively, but is neatly integrated
- [2] US8585245B2_-_Systems_and_methods_for_sealing_-_Google_Patents__154e7e2e — patent
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systems, such as the lighting systems may be used in a variety of applications and deployed in many different settings and environments. Lighting fixtures may be used in environments that are prone to exposure to natural elements, such as rain, snow, heat, cold, humidity, water or wind. These and other natural elements may cause problems and even malfunctions of lighting units which may include electronic and/or electrical components. Short circuit contacts may be caused by water or humidity which may destroy the electronic components such as switches or processors, thus decreasing the life span of the lighting fixtures and increasing the maintenance cost. Shielding the lighting units from these natural elements may become even more challenging as the rates of extension and contraction of different materials used for building the lighting fixtures may vary. This variation in extension and contraction rates between different materials may cause seals to crack along the interfaces of these materials. The cracks may provide openings for leakages, which may be even exacerbated by future contractions and expansions of materials as some parts of lighting units expand much more than other parts. The present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a reliable and comprehensive enclosure system that seals a lighting fixture from outside elements. The systems, apparatuses and techniques of the present disclosure provide a lasting seal for the lighting fixture regardless of the ra
- [4] US8585245B2_-_Systems_and_methods_for_sealing_-_Google_Patents__154e7e2e — patent
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may cause problems and even malfunctions of lighting units which may include electronic and/or electrical components. Short circuit contacts may be caused by water or humidity which may destroy the electronic components such as switches or processors, thus decreasing the life span of the lighting fixtures and increasing the maintenance cost. Shielding the lighting units from these natural elements may become even more challenging as the rates of extension and contraction of different materials used for building the lighting fixtures may vary. This variation in extension and contraction rates between different materials may cause seals to crack along the interfaces of these materials. The cracks may provide openings for leakages, which may be even exacerbated by future contractions and expansions of materials as some parts of lighting units expand much more than other parts. – the present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a reliable and comprehensive enclosure system that seals a lighting fixture from outside elements. – the systems, apparatuses and techniques of the present disclosure provide a lasting seal for the lighting fixture regardless of the rates of expansion and contraction different materials may experience. – the systems, apparatuses and techniques described herein also allow for a water-tight seal regardless of sizes and lengths of enclosure components. – the solution presented may utilize one or more silicone gaskets in combination with one or more
- [5] Advanced_silicone_gels_protect_IGBT7_modules_in_PV_inverters__ca968923 — magazine
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gels also exhibit excellent thermal stability, the ability of a material to retain its physical properties when subjected to heat. Importantly, these gels maintain their flexibility and strength through repeated heating and cooling cycles, a common occurrence since solar power production and ambient temperatures increase during the day before power production stops and ambient temperatures fall at night. In power electronics like IGBT7 modules, thermal cycling is also important because load cycling and switching losses can cause temperatures to fluctuate significantly. Moisture resistance and high-voltage protection Advanced silicone gels resist moisture and contaminants that can cause short circuits or corrosion in electronics. When poured into an electronic enclosure, these gels encapsulate electronics and fill voids between IGBTs. Photovoltaic inverters are usually housed in metal or plastic cabinets, but poorly sealed doors, vents or cable entry points can allow the ingress of unwanted substances. Because PV enclosure cabinets are often located outdoors, the ingress of moisture and dust are concerns. These contaminants can also enter an enclosure during routine checks or maintenance activities. To help prevent contamination, PV enclosures are sealed using mechanical gaskets, but these seals are not enough. Ingress Protection (IP) standards describe the degree of protection that a sealed enclosure provides. Higher IP ratings denote greater levels of protection against wate
- [6] Solar_Street_Light_From_Germany__Why_Solar_Street_Lighting_Fails_in_Storms_Structural_Integrity_for_EPC_Projects__yvEyflD92L4 — youtube
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# Why Solar Street Lighting Fails in Storms? (Structural Integrity for EPC Projects) Source: YouTube — Solar Street Light From Germany URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvEyflD92L4 Video ID: yvEyflD92L4 Transcript: generated The long-term durability of a solar street lighting project doesn't depend only on the battery. It also depends on how strong and stable the structure is. Often, lights collapse during powerful storms or the body corrodes within just a few months due to salty air. This puts your entire investment at serious risk. Why do such mechanical failures occur? In today's technical discussion, we'll explore the real secrets behind the durability of solar street lighting systems. In coastal or industrial areas, salt in the air causes iron or regular steel bodies to oxidize quickly and develop rust. Once holes form in the structure, rainwater can directly reach the battery and circuitry, rendering the entire system unusable. On the other hand, low-quality plastic bodies tend to crack under excessive sunlight. Once this kind of damage begins, it becomes nearly impossible to repair and significantly increases the overall project cost. When lights are installed on tall poles, wind pressure or wind load increases significantly. If the bracket or overall mechanical design isn't properly engineered, even winds of 100 km/h can cause the light to detach from the pole and fall. This is not only a financial loss, but also a serious safety hazard. We need to understand why m
- [7] Benefits_of_protecting_solar_equipment_with_corrosion_inhibitor__d0f5a88b — magazine
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# Benefits of protecting solar equipment with corrosion inhibitor Source: Blog/Web URL: https://solarbuildermag.com/featured/benefits-of-protecting-solar-equipment-with-corrosion-inhibitor/ Author: Contributing Author Date: 2022-09-22 From small solar powered LED lighting to massive solar farms, as well as wind turbines of all sizes, critical components must be able to stand up to constant exposure to sun, rain, dew, humidity, wind, and dust for the life of the system. The challenge is that the internal components, electronics, and wiring of solar panels, inverters, meters, cooling fans, racks, and wiring, as well as wind generators, rotor blades, and towers are susceptible to corrosion and electrolysis, which can compromise function and lifespan. Accumulated dust can also obscure solar panels, reducing their effectiveness in collecting energy from the sun. In response, industry professionals are turning to a unique anti-corrosion protectant, cleaner, and lubricant called StrikeHold. The spray was originally developed to preserve and maintain U.S. military weapons and heavy equipment for use in some of the harshest working conditions in the world. Today it is used to protect circuit boards, electrical circuits, and metal components in corrosive environments while improving electrical continuity and contacts. The spray not only protects the wide range of renewable energy equipment comprised of such components, but also extends its usable life and facilitates more efficient ene
- [8] AU5922498A_-_System_for_reducing_condensation_in_enclosed__9aa83edc — patent
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INVENTION Current vehicle head lamps, brake lamps, running lamps, turn signal lamps, fog lamps, back-up lamps and parking lamps (hereinafter referred to collectively as "lamps" or "vehicle lamps" for convenience) typically have the light bulb located in an enclosed housing of the lamp not only for aesthetic appearance, but also to prevent water, dirt, oils and the like from reaching the bulb, the reflective surfaces, and the light transmitting surfaces of the lamp. It is often the case however, that upon thermal cycling during use of the bulb, thermal cycling due to changes in the environment, or thermal cycling as a result of vehicle operation, moisture condenses on the interior of the housing and inhibits light output from the lamp. Various venting concepts and desiccant assemblies have been used conventionally to minimize the effects of condensation build-up in enclosed lamp housings. For instance, some conventional vehicle lamps having an enclosed housing include a desiccant for preventing fog formation on the internal walls of the lamp or its reflector. The desiccant adsorbs water vapor which enters the housing when the lamp is off. When the lamp is turned on, heat generated by the bulb dries the air and the desiccant, thereby regenerating the desiccant. The desiccant is usually in the form of a housed or packaged silica gel or similar material. Although this type of packaged desiccant provides adequate moisture adsorption under some conditions and is capable of being re
- [11] Fraunhofer_ISE_evaluates_common_UV_tests_for_TOPCon_modules_for__b48bffd7 — authority
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it remains necessary to further analyze the phenomenon to more accurately predict the long-term effects of UV-induced degradation on module yield.” The investigations by the Fraunhofer ISE research team indicate that UV irradiation during the tests destabilizes the modules to such an extent that they lose a great deal of efficiency during dark storage after UV exposure. Subsequent irradiation with sunlight, on the other hand, leads to a significant recovery effect. Field tests at the Fraunhofer ISE Outdoor Performance Lab with TOPCon modules and analyses of 'field returns' at the institute's CalLab PV Modules, indicate that this stabilization process provides degradation measurements that are significantly closer to the values measured in practice. Some PV modules showed hardly any degradation after UV testing at 60 kilowatt hours per square meter, which roughly corresponds to the UV exposure in one year in Germany, and subsequent stabilization under sunlight. Other modules still showed significant power losses of up to 5 percent even after stabilization. Overall, however, the degradation is significantly less drastic than the standard UV tests suggest. Laboratory UV tests simulate the natural UV radiation to which PV modules are exposed in the field and on roofs, but significantly increase the intensity of the irradiation to accelerate aging and thus be able to predict long-term power losses. Last modified:
- [16] US9433336B2_-_Self-cleaning_solar_panels_and_-_Google_Patents__22b92a64 — patent
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that of the mirror. Most Fresnel lenses are made of polymer material. The step-wise convex side of the planoconvex lens is at the back side while the solar radiation is incident on the front plane side. 10. Minimization of UV Radiation Related Damage to the EDS and Improving Durability in Outdoor Applications (a) Stabilizers, blockers, and absorbers are often used to promote UV resistance. However, the modifications should not compromise the transparency of the plastic in the visible spectrum. The stabilizers react with UV radiation. One of the common stabilizers is called HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer). These molecules absorb the excited groups and prevent the chemical reaction of the radicals. Fluoropolymer has good UV resistance because of its strong carbon-fluorine (C—F) bond. Fluoropolymer resin (such as marketed by DuPont as Tefzel) has transparency over 94% in the visible range. Polyurethane (PU) and silicone have good UV resistance. (b) The best UV resistant polymers are the imides, polyimide (PEI) has been used for space applications. Fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) can be added to the polymer. The FWA molecules can absorb UV photons and undergo fluorescent radiation in the visible range providing additional radiation energy to the solar cells for energy conversion. Application of UV stabilizers helps in lowering the temperature of the crystalline solar cells by absorbing high energy photons and radiating part of the energy in the visible radiation. 11. Ad
- [17] WO2012078765A2_-_Self-cleaning_solar_panels_and_-_Google_Patents__8226f0d9 — patent
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side. 10. Minimization of UV radiation related damage to the EDS and improving durability in outdoor applications (a) Stabilizers, blockers, and absorbers are often used to promote UV resistance. However, the modifications should not compromise the transparency of the plastic in the visible spectrum. The stabilizers react with UV radiation. One of the common stabilizers is called HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer). These molecules absorb the excited groups and prevent the chemical reaction of the radicals. Fluoropolymer has good UV resistance because of its strong carbon- fluorine (C-F) bond. Fluoropolymer resin (such as marketed by DuPont as Tefzel) has transparency over 94% in the visible range. Polyurethane (PU) and silicone have good UV resistance. (b) The best UV resistant polymers are the imides. polyimide (PEI) has been used for space applications. Fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) can be added to the polymer. The FWA molecules can absorb UV photons and undergo fluorescent radiation in the visible range providing additional radiation energy to the solar cells for energy conversion. Application of UV stabilizers helps in lowering the temperature of the crystalline solar cells by absorbing high energy photons and radiating part of the energy in the visible radiation. 11. Adding sensors and control systems for automated removal of dust when needed thus conserving power (a) The control circuitry 44 of Figure 6 may include a photodiode based sensor used to monitor dust
- [22] WO1998031966A1_-_System_for_reducing_condensation_in_enclosed__6b892c85 — patent
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have the light bulb located in an enclosed housing of the lamp not only for aesthetic appearance, but also to prevent water, dirt, oils and the like from reaching the bulb, the reflective surfaces, and the light transmitting surfaces of the lamp. It is often the case however, that upon thermal cycling during use of the bulb, thermal cycling due to changes in the environment, or thermal cycling as a result of vehicle operation, moisture condenses on the interior of the housing and inhibits light output from the lamp. – some conventional vehicle lamps having an enclosed housing include a desiccant for preventing fog formation on the internal walls of the lamp or its reflector. – the desiccant adsorbs water vapor which enters the housing when the lamp is off. When the lamp is turned on, heat generated by the bulb dries the air and the desiccant, thereby regenerating the desiccant. – the desiccant is usually in the form of a housed or packaged silica gel or similar material. – this type of packaged desiccant provides adequate moisture adsorption under some conditions and is capable of being regenerated by the heat produced by the light bulb, a number of difficulties have been identified with these types of systems. – the desiccant package is not easy to position within the housing, often requiring that a special sub-housing be provided within the lamp housing. – this type of packaged desiccant subhousing cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by some light bulbs, and ac
- [24] Benefits_of_protecting_solar_equipment_with_corrosion_inhibitor__d0f5a88b — magazine
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in the natural environment. Dust blown onto a treated surface blows off cleanly with wind or rain, leaving the coating intact. For this reason, the protectant and cleaner is used on hundreds of solar lighting fixtures along a coal mine roadway in Brisbane, Australia, according to Daryl Bancroft, Alpha LED Lighting’s Managing Director in Australia. “Each light has a solar panel that keeps the light charged. The dust raised by the wind, passing vehicles, and coal trucks was very problematic for the solar panels,” says Bancroft. “Once the panel is coated with the shield-like, completely dry film seal, it’s protected, and moisture, sand, dust, and dirt don’t stick to it. This eliminates a lot of preventative maintenance and allows the solar panels to be much more efficient producing energy for the lights.” He adds, “The best preventive maintenance is using the spray. I’ve discovered it can be utilized across multiple industries, mainly because of the dry lube and micro barrier features that make this product very unique.” According to Bancroft, the mine occasionally reapplies the compound on the solar panels but does not otherwise clean them. There have been no reported failures in the 12 months since the treatment began. The mine plans to install additional solar powered lights, which will be pre-treated and maintained with the protectant and cleaner. In another potential application, StrikeHold is being evaluated by a maintenance firm in rural Alaska whose platform facilitates
battery, lighting duration, material and protection class influence how constantly the light is available outdoors. Models with IP44 or IP54 are designed for different outdoor requirements and can be installed on a low wall, next to a gravel path or on a second seating area without adding extra infrastructure to the design. Equally important is consistent and unobtrusive operation. A solar light looks convincing when it collects energy inconspicuously and emits it constantly in the evening. The light image should remain reliable and the design should not depend on visible technology. In this way, solar operation remains in the background while the lighting effect is in the foreground. Solar lights at Lampenmeister: a curated selection for the designed outdoor space A high-quality lamp with a solar function can be recognized in the outdoor area above all by cleanly processed materials, clear transitions and harmonious proportions. Depending on the model, plastic, metal, aluminum or stainless steel are used. Quality is visible in the smooth surfaces, precise connections and a housing that looks clear and high-quality even in daylight. In addition to natural stone, wood or finely plastered façades, differences in workmanship and dimensions are immediately apparent. Reduced models thus gain a sense of calm and appear to be a conscious part of their surroundings. A design-oriented solar light is particularly effective when it is not overdrawn decoratively, but is neatly integrated
systems, such as the lighting systems may be used in a variety of applications and deployed in many different settings and environments. Lighting fixtures may be used in environments that are prone to exposure to natural elements, such as rain, snow, heat, cold, humidity, water or wind. These and other natural elements may cause problems and even malfunctions of lighting units which may include electronic and/or electrical components. Short circuit contacts may be caused by water or humidity which may destroy the electronic components such as switches or processors, thus decreasing the life span of the lighting fixtures and increasing the maintenance cost. Shielding the lighting units from these natural elements may become even more challenging as the rates of extension and contraction of different materials used for building the lighting fixtures may vary. This variation in extension and contraction rates between different materials may cause seals to crack along the interfaces of these materials. The cracks may provide openings for leakages, which may be even exacerbated by future contractions and expansions of materials as some parts of lighting units expand much more than other parts. The present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a reliable and comprehensive enclosure system that seals a lighting fixture from outside elements. The systems, apparatuses and techniques of the present disclosure provide a lasting seal for the lighting fixture regardless of the ra
may cause problems and even malfunctions of lighting units which may include electronic and/or electrical components. Short circuit contacts may be caused by water or humidity which may destroy the electronic components such as switches or processors, thus decreasing the life span of the lighting fixtures and increasing the maintenance cost. Shielding the lighting units from these natural elements may become even more challenging as the rates of extension and contraction of different materials used for building the lighting fixtures may vary. This variation in extension and contraction rates between different materials may cause seals to crack along the interfaces of these materials. The cracks may provide openings for leakages, which may be even exacerbated by future contractions and expansions of materials as some parts of lighting units expand much more than other parts. – the present disclosure addresses these issues by providing a reliable and comprehensive enclosure system that seals a lighting fixture from outside elements. – the systems, apparatuses and techniques of the present disclosure provide a lasting seal for the lighting fixture regardless of the rates of expansion and contraction different materials may experience. – the systems, apparatuses and techniques described herein also allow for a water-tight seal regardless of sizes and lengths of enclosure components. – the solution presented may utilize one or more silicone gaskets in combination with one or more
gels also exhibit excellent thermal stability, the ability of a material to retain its physical properties when subjected to heat. Importantly, these gels maintain their flexibility and strength through repeated heating and cooling cycles, a common occurrence since solar power production and ambient temperatures increase during the day before power production stops and ambient temperatures fall at night. In power electronics like IGBT7 modules, thermal cycling is also important because load cycling and switching losses can cause temperatures to fluctuate significantly. Moisture resistance and high-voltage protection Advanced silicone gels resist moisture and contaminants that can cause short circuits or corrosion in electronics. When poured into an electronic enclosure, these gels encapsulate electronics and fill voids between IGBTs. Photovoltaic inverters are usually housed in metal or plastic cabinets, but poorly sealed doors, vents or cable entry points can allow the ingress of unwanted substances. Because PV enclosure cabinets are often located outdoors, the ingress of moisture and dust are concerns. These contaminants can also enter an enclosure during routine checks or maintenance activities. To help prevent contamination, PV enclosures are sealed using mechanical gaskets, but these seals are not enough. Ingress Protection (IP) standards describe the degree of protection that a sealed enclosure provides. Higher IP ratings denote greater levels of protection against wate
# Why Solar Street Lighting Fails in Storms? (Structural Integrity for EPC Projects) Source: YouTube — Solar Street Light From Germany URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvEyflD92L4 Video ID: yvEyflD92L4 Transcript: generated The long-term durability of a solar street lighting project doesn't depend only on the battery. It also depends on how strong and stable the structure is. Often, lights collapse during powerful storms or the body corrodes within just a few months due to salty air. This puts your entire investment at serious risk. Why do such mechanical failures occur? In today's technical discussion, we'll explore the real secrets behind the durability of solar street lighting systems. In coastal or industrial areas, salt in the air causes iron or regular steel bodies to oxidize quickly and develop rust. Once holes form in the structure, rainwater can directly reach the battery and circuitry, rendering the entire system unusable. On the other hand, low-quality plastic bodies tend to crack under excessive sunlight. Once this kind of damage begins, it becomes nearly impossible to repair and significantly increases the overall project cost. When lights are installed on tall poles, wind pressure or wind load increases significantly. If the bracket or overall mechanical design isn't properly engineered, even winds of 100 km/h can cause the light to detach from the pole and fall. This is not only a financial loss, but also a serious safety hazard. We need to understand why m
# Benefits of protecting solar equipment with corrosion inhibitor Source: Blog/Web URL: https://solarbuildermag.com/featured/benefits-of-protecting-solar-equipment-with-corrosion-inhibitor/ Author: Contributing Author Date: 2022-09-22 From small solar powered LED lighting to massive solar farms, as well as wind turbines of all sizes, critical components must be able to stand up to constant exposure to sun, rain, dew, humidity, wind, and dust for the life of the system. The challenge is that the internal components, electronics, and wiring of solar panels, inverters, meters, cooling fans, racks, and wiring, as well as wind generators, rotor blades, and towers are susceptible to corrosion and electrolysis, which can compromise function and lifespan. Accumulated dust can also obscure solar panels, reducing their effectiveness in collecting energy from the sun. In response, industry professionals are turning to a unique anti-corrosion protectant, cleaner, and lubricant called StrikeHold. The spray was originally developed to preserve and maintain U.S. military weapons and heavy equipment for use in some of the harshest working conditions in the world. Today it is used to protect circuit boards, electrical circuits, and metal components in corrosive environments while improving electrical continuity and contacts. The spray not only protects the wide range of renewable energy equipment comprised of such components, but also extends its usable life and facilitates more efficient ene
INVENTION Current vehicle head lamps, brake lamps, running lamps, turn signal lamps, fog lamps, back-up lamps and parking lamps (hereinafter referred to collectively as "lamps" or "vehicle lamps" for convenience) typically have the light bulb located in an enclosed housing of the lamp not only for aesthetic appearance, but also to prevent water, dirt, oils and the like from reaching the bulb, the reflective surfaces, and the light transmitting surfaces of the lamp. It is often the case however, that upon thermal cycling during use of the bulb, thermal cycling due to changes in the environment, or thermal cycling as a result of vehicle operation, moisture condenses on the interior of the housing and inhibits light output from the lamp. Various venting concepts and desiccant assemblies have been used conventionally to minimize the effects of condensation build-up in enclosed lamp housings. For instance, some conventional vehicle lamps having an enclosed housing include a desiccant for preventing fog formation on the internal walls of the lamp or its reflector. The desiccant adsorbs water vapor which enters the housing when the lamp is off. When the lamp is turned on, heat generated by the bulb dries the air and the desiccant, thereby regenerating the desiccant. The desiccant is usually in the form of a housed or packaged silica gel or similar material. Although this type of packaged desiccant provides adequate moisture adsorption under some conditions and is capable of being re
it remains necessary to further analyze the phenomenon to more accurately predict the long-term effects of UV-induced degradation on module yield.” The investigations by the Fraunhofer ISE research team indicate that UV irradiation during the tests destabilizes the modules to such an extent that they lose a great deal of efficiency during dark storage after UV exposure. Subsequent irradiation with sunlight, on the other hand, leads to a significant recovery effect. Field tests at the Fraunhofer ISE Outdoor Performance Lab with TOPCon modules and analyses of 'field returns' at the institute's CalLab PV Modules, indicate that this stabilization process provides degradation measurements that are significantly closer to the values measured in practice. Some PV modules showed hardly any degradation after UV testing at 60 kilowatt hours per square meter, which roughly corresponds to the UV exposure in one year in Germany, and subsequent stabilization under sunlight. Other modules still showed significant power losses of up to 5 percent even after stabilization. Overall, however, the degradation is significantly less drastic than the standard UV tests suggest. Laboratory UV tests simulate the natural UV radiation to which PV modules are exposed in the field and on roofs, but significantly increase the intensity of the irradiation to accelerate aging and thus be able to predict long-term power losses. Last modified:
that of the mirror. Most Fresnel lenses are made of polymer material. The step-wise convex side of the planoconvex lens is at the back side while the solar radiation is incident on the front plane side. 10. Minimization of UV Radiation Related Damage to the EDS and Improving Durability in Outdoor Applications (a) Stabilizers, blockers, and absorbers are often used to promote UV resistance. However, the modifications should not compromise the transparency of the plastic in the visible spectrum. The stabilizers react with UV radiation. One of the common stabilizers is called HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer). These molecules absorb the excited groups and prevent the chemical reaction of the radicals. Fluoropolymer has good UV resistance because of its strong carbon-fluorine (C—F) bond. Fluoropolymer resin (such as marketed by DuPont as Tefzel) has transparency over 94% in the visible range. Polyurethane (PU) and silicone have good UV resistance. (b) The best UV resistant polymers are the imides, polyimide (PEI) has been used for space applications. Fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) can be added to the polymer. The FWA molecules can absorb UV photons and undergo fluorescent radiation in the visible range providing additional radiation energy to the solar cells for energy conversion. Application of UV stabilizers helps in lowering the temperature of the crystalline solar cells by absorbing high energy photons and radiating part of the energy in the visible radiation. 11. Ad
side. 10. Minimization of UV radiation related damage to the EDS and improving durability in outdoor applications (a) Stabilizers, blockers, and absorbers are often used to promote UV resistance. However, the modifications should not compromise the transparency of the plastic in the visible spectrum. The stabilizers react with UV radiation. One of the common stabilizers is called HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer). These molecules absorb the excited groups and prevent the chemical reaction of the radicals. Fluoropolymer has good UV resistance because of its strong carbon- fluorine (C-F) bond. Fluoropolymer resin (such as marketed by DuPont as Tefzel) has transparency over 94% in the visible range. Polyurethane (PU) and silicone have good UV resistance. (b) The best UV resistant polymers are the imides. polyimide (PEI) has been used for space applications. Fluorescent whitening agents (FWA) can be added to the polymer. The FWA molecules can absorb UV photons and undergo fluorescent radiation in the visible range providing additional radiation energy to the solar cells for energy conversion. Application of UV stabilizers helps in lowering the temperature of the crystalline solar cells by absorbing high energy photons and radiating part of the energy in the visible radiation. 11. Adding sensors and control systems for automated removal of dust when needed thus conserving power (a) The control circuitry 44 of Figure 6 may include a photodiode based sensor used to monitor dust
have the light bulb located in an enclosed housing of the lamp not only for aesthetic appearance, but also to prevent water, dirt, oils and the like from reaching the bulb, the reflective surfaces, and the light transmitting surfaces of the lamp. It is often the case however, that upon thermal cycling during use of the bulb, thermal cycling due to changes in the environment, or thermal cycling as a result of vehicle operation, moisture condenses on the interior of the housing and inhibits light output from the lamp. – some conventional vehicle lamps having an enclosed housing include a desiccant for preventing fog formation on the internal walls of the lamp or its reflector. – the desiccant adsorbs water vapor which enters the housing when the lamp is off. When the lamp is turned on, heat generated by the bulb dries the air and the desiccant, thereby regenerating the desiccant. – the desiccant is usually in the form of a housed or packaged silica gel or similar material. – this type of packaged desiccant provides adequate moisture adsorption under some conditions and is capable of being regenerated by the heat produced by the light bulb, a number of difficulties have been identified with these types of systems. – the desiccant package is not easy to position within the housing, often requiring that a special sub-housing be provided within the lamp housing. – this type of packaged desiccant subhousing cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by some light bulbs, and ac
in the natural environment. Dust blown onto a treated surface blows off cleanly with wind or rain, leaving the coating intact. For this reason, the protectant and cleaner is used on hundreds of solar lighting fixtures along a coal mine roadway in Brisbane, Australia, according to Daryl Bancroft, Alpha LED Lighting’s Managing Director in Australia. “Each light has a solar panel that keeps the light charged. The dust raised by the wind, passing vehicles, and coal trucks was very problematic for the solar panels,” says Bancroft. “Once the panel is coated with the shield-like, completely dry film seal, it’s protected, and moisture, sand, dust, and dirt don’t stick to it. This eliminates a lot of preventative maintenance and allows the solar panels to be much more efficient producing energy for the lights.” He adds, “The best preventive maintenance is using the spray. I’ve discovered it can be utilized across multiple industries, mainly because of the dry lube and micro barrier features that make this product very unique.” According to Bancroft, the mine occasionally reapplies the compound on the solar panels but does not otherwise clean them. There have been no reported failures in the 12 months since the treatment began. The mine plans to install additional solar powered lights, which will be pre-treated and maintained with the protectant and cleaner. In another potential application, StrikeHold is being evaluated by a maintenance firm in rural Alaska whose platform facilitates