Work Item
ASTM WK78477
New Practice for New Practice for Using a High-Resolution Optical Microscope and a Mini-tensile Tester for Quantifying Surface Cracking Propensity of Photovoltaic Backsheets
1. Scope
The promotion of knowledge, stimulation of research and the development of standard test methods, specifications, guides, practices and terminology concerned with the technology for conversion of solar and geothermal renewable energy to directly usable energy forms and the application of such technology for the public benefit.
The areas of interest shall encompass standards relating to methods and applications of solar and geothermal energy conversion. These methods and applications shall include the following: heating of domestic hot water; active and passive space heating and cooling; process heating; thermal conversion power generation; photovoltaic generation of electricity; and advanced energy conversion, including wind energy. Consideration shall be given to applicable materials components, subsystems, and systems in each of these methods and applications.
The work of this Committee will be coordinated with other ASTM Committees and other organizations having mutual interest.
Keywords
Photovoltaic (PV) backsheet; cracking; crack density; aging; mini-tensile tester; strain; optical microscope
Rationale
Polymeric backsheets play critical roles in protecting solar cells from adverse environmental conditions and providing electrical insulation safety. However, due to the susceptibility of polymeric backsheets to degradation, backsheets gradually lose their mechanical integrity during outdoor services, resulting in cracking on backsheet surface or in the bulk. Such cracking can be a precursor for the ultimate backsheet failure. To ensure long-term safe operation of PV system, it is important to develop a standard test procedure to quantify the surface cracking propensity and propagation of backsheets, which is not currently existent.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 10-01-2021
Technical Contact: Xiaohong Gu
Item: 000
Ballot:
Status: