Abstract:
A testing apparatus or test jig is configured to accept a electrical device for testing prior to final assembly. In one example, a pair of conductive conveying belts compliantly engage a partially assembled photovoltaic (PV) module by its sides, and electrodes engage orthogonal sides of the module. The test apparatus or jig can be use for a variety of electrical tests, and may, for example be connected to a high potential (HiPot) tester.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This disclosure relates manufacture and testing of electrical devices prior to final assembly, and has particular application to performing tests on partially assembled electrical devices such as solar modules. 
     2. Background 
     Many electric devices, appliances and sources require dielectric voltage-withstand tests to ensure that they offer adequate protection from electric shock to their operators and users. Many such tests verify isolation between the electrically energized parts of the device and its mounting structure. In many cases the test is performed after assembly, and then the components must be disassembled to correct the detected defects. It is desired to be able to perform such tests in a manner that does not require that the component be fully assembled to its mounting structure prior to testing. This provides test results before final mounting and allows correction of the defect prior to final assembly. 
     Existing test methods require the user to select a mounting structure, assemble it on the device, and then run the dielectric voltage-withstand test. If such a test fails, the source of the failure needs to be identified and the device and/or mounting structure re-worked or scraped. 
     One existing test procedure is the “dielectric voltage-withstand test” set forth by Underwriters&#39; Laboratories (UL). In the dielectric voltage-withstand test, an electrical device under test is tested to determine if the insulation of the electrically energized parts of the electrical device and exposed surfaces is able to withstand a predetermined voltage. In one example, applied to solar modules, the “withstand” voltage is two times the system voltage plus 1000 volts without the leakage current exceeding 50 μA. In order to accomplish this, the electrical device under test is energized at a predetermined voltage (two times the system voltage+1000 volts), with a second test electrode at the exposed surface. 
     One of the issues with testing is the ability to achieve testing prior to final assembly. If repairs or other modifications are to be made to the device as a result of the testing, it is desired to be able to effect such repairs prior to final assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     Testing electrical devices is performed in a jig with at least one conductive frame element. The electrical device is positioned, in at least a partially unassembled state. The electrical device is positioned in electrical contact with the conductive frame element on a first side so as to establish electrical contact with the electrical device. An electrode is placed in communication with electrically energized parts on the electrical device through an electrical contact point. The conductive frame element and the electrode act as electrical contact connectors for testing the electrical device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing a high potential (HiPot) test on a Device Under Test (DUT). 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a possible implementation of such a simulated frame test apparatus or jig, taken from a top oblique view. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are diagrams showing details of engagement of the test apparatus or jig of  FIG. 2 , taken from bottom oblique views which show the side of the jig opposite to the one shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing the use of probes and the use of a test pad. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic diagrams showing top views of the DUT being moved into its test position by the roller-driven compliant conductive belts. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are diagrams showing end pads coming into place, taken from a side view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     The present disclosure provides an ability for testing for a number of different mounting schemes without requiring the mounting structure to be present during the test. 
     A temporary mounting arrangement is provided for testing a Device Under Test (DUT). The DUT can, by way of non-limiting example, take the form of a PV module. The disclosed approach comprises or consists of using a simulated mounting structure, that can be easily applied and removed from the device, and which allows for testing of a number of different possible mounting configurations at once. 
     While photovoltaic modules are described, the technique is also applicable to a large number of electrical devices, such as displays and printed circuit boards. 
     Uneven Device Topography 
     In order to compensate for uneven device topography, the simulated structure may be made compliant and uniformly preloaded against the test area on the device. This helps to create good electrical contact. The technique works for other types of appliances or devices, and the DUT can potentially be any shape and the location of the contacts anywhere on it. An additional advantage is that the compliant frame element or electrode may perform tests more stringently than would be achieved by mounting in the usual housing to the frame. This is because the compliant feature makes full contact, whereas the frame and housing might only contact part of the contact surface. It is contemplated that the belt, frame element, electrode, or any combination may be compliant. 
     EXAMPLE 
     Solar Module Test for Safety Standard 
     As an example, consider the dielectric voltage-withstand test for solar modules mandated by a safety certification agency, such as Underwriters&#39; Laboratories certification UL 1703, section 43. For this test the positive and negative terminals of a solar module must be shorted and connected to one terminal of a high potential (HiPot) tester, and the other terminal of the high potential (HiPot) tester must be connected to the mounting structure of the module. 
     In the example, the mounting structure of the module is a type of frame that surrounds the edges and back of the module. In this case, the existing approach would be to assemble the entire frame to the module and run the test. Since many module frames involve lamination and cured adhesives, the existing approach may be irreversible. An assembled module that fails may be impossible to repair and therefore may need to be scrapped. The resultant waste increases the cost of production and may also burden the disposal environment. 
     In a test setup used with the present technique, a test apparatus or jig is provided with electrodes. The electrodes are positioned such that, when an unmounted module is placed in the test apparatus or jig, all four edges of the module, which would be covered by a frame after complete assembly, are brought into contact with electrodes. The test apparatus or jig and the electrodes therefore simulate the presence of the frame. By ensuring that these electrodes fully contact the entire length of all four sides of the module it is possible to deduce that if the module passes the test with the electrodes simulating a frame, it would also pass the test with an edge-mounted frame installed. This test also verifies that the “edge deletion” process, which removes all the active and conductive films from the module edges to electrically isolate the PV cells from the frame (a common process in the manufacture of PV modules), is successful. If the back of the module is also to be covered by a backsheet, backcap, or backcoating during operation, the test apparatus or jig may include a conductive pad that engages the back of the module to test the dielectric strength of the backing. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing a high potential (HiPot) test on a device under test (DUT)  111 . One or more ground electrodes  121 ,  122  are connected to locations on the DUT  111 . The locations may be conductive parts which would be contacted by a frame after full assembly. Probe electrodes  133 ,  134  are connected to the normal operating terminals  143 ,  144  of the DUT  111 . Probe electrodes  133 ,  134  are electrically connected. The test measurement, collected by tester  151 , is the current between ground electrodes  121 ,  122  and probe electrodes  133 ,  134 , which is the pathway for current leakage. In this test, the +/−polarity of the ground electrodes  121 ,  122  and probe electrodes  133 ,  134  can be subsequently reversed, so as to test for leakages under both polarities. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a possible implementation of such a simulated frame test apparatus or jig  200 . The apparatus  200  has conductive frame elements, which in the example are belts  207 ,  208 . Belts  207 ,  208  engage a solar module  211  in order to hold the solar module  211 . In the example, the solar module  211  is loaded in place using the conductive belts  207 ,  208 . Pneumatic cylinders  221  apply compliant electrodes  227 ,  228  to short sides  231 ,  232  of the module  211 , while the belts  207 ,  208  act as electrodes for the long sides  233 ,  234 . 
     Details of engagement of the test apparatus or jig  200  with the solar module  211  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which show the side of the jig opposite to the one shown in  FIG. 2 . The test apparatus or jig  200  provides engagement of the solar module  211  with electrodes  227 ,  228 . Pneumatic cylinders  311 ,  312  place electrodes into contact with sides of the solar module  211 , with cylinder  311  shown as controlling electrode  228  and cylinder  312  controlling the conductive frame elements. This results in electrical contact with the module terminals on all four sides. Pneumatic cylinder assembly  321  includes probe electrodes  331 ,  332 , which contact positive and negative terminals  341 ,  342  of the module  211 . For example, if the DUT is a solar module, the probes make contact with the back electrode or a structure electrically connected to the back electrode. 
       FIG. 4  also depicts a backplane electrode  412  mounted on the jig  200 . Backplane electrode  412  is made of compliant conductive material, in order to achieve contact over a substantial area of the backplane of the DUT  111  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). In one configuration, the backplane electrode is formed of compliant foam. Backplane electrode  412  can be used for test sequences in which electrical contact with the backplane of the DUT  111  is implemented. Under these circumstances connections are established to run tests on the solar module  211 . 
     Application of electrodes  227 ,  228 ,  207 ,  208  on all four sides does in no way preclude application of additional electrodes on areas where other mounting means can be attached (e.g., a specific area on the back side of the module). Adding such electrodes allows for simultaneous testing for a number of different mounting structures. Each mounting structure can be tested independently and concurrently, so if a module is unsuitable for a specific mounting structure it might be usable with a different one. As an example, it is possible to test for any mounting structure attached to the back of the module by testing the entire back side using a compliant conductive plastic or sponge electrode, or an inflatable conductive membrane. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing the use of probes and the use of a test pad. Shown is DUT  211  engaged by conductive belts  207 ,  208 . The belts are biased into engagement with the DUT  211 , as schematically represented by springs  511 ,  512 ,  513 ,  515 ,  516 . The actual biasing can be by springs, pneumatic pressure, electromechanical devices or any other convenient means. Test probes  531 ,  532  engage DUT  211  at terminals  541 ,  542 . This is done when the DUT  211  reaches the test position and the belts and pads are pressed against the DUT  211  or are able to be pressed against the DUT  211 . In a device configuration in which multiple terminals are provided, multiple test probes such as the illustrated pair of test probes  531 ,  532  are used, all probes are held at the same electrical potential. 
     Compliant conductive pad  412  engages the surface of the DUT  211  from above. Compliant conductive pad  412  engages the DUT  211  when the DUT  211  reaches the test position. In that way, the compliant conductive pad  412  can be pressed against any surfaces on the DUT  211  that are not touched by the belts  207 ,  208 . The compliant conductive pad  412  can engage the DUT  211  from any direction, provided that the DUT has sufficient support for such engagement. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are schematic diagrams showing top views of the alignment of the DUT. In  FIG. 6A , the DUT is in transit and being moved into position on the jig  200 . In  FIG. 6B , the DUT is in the test position. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7A  are diagrams showing end pads coming into place, taken from a side view. As depicted in  FIG. 7A , DUT  211  is moved into a testing position by belts  207 , as indicted by arrow  714 . Compliant electrodes  227 ,  228  are held by hinged supports  727 ,  728  so as to remain out of position during movement of DUT  211  into position. After DUT  211  is in position, hinged supports  727 ,  728  cause compliant electrodes  227 ,  228  to engage DUT  211 . Compliant electrodes  227 ,  228  are biased against DUT  211 , as represented by springs  735 , in order to engage end contacts on the DUT  211 . The biasing (springs  735 ) can be achieved by any convenient means, including springs, pneumatic actuators and electromechanical devices. 
     Operation 
     In testing a solar module  211 , the PV module  211 , potentially in a partially unassembled state, is placed in the jig  200  as a DUT. In this configuration, the module  211  is complete except for the mounting. Belts  207 ,  208 , which function as conductive frame elements, engage in electrical contact with the solar module  211  on sides  233 ,  234 . Electrodes  227 ,  228  are used to engage in electrical contact of the solar module  211  on sides  231 ,  232 . Belts  207 ,  208  and the electrodes  227 ,  228 ,  331 ,  332  are used as electrical contact connectors for testing the electrical device. 
     The described technique provides an ability to test for a number of mounting structures simultaneously. There is no need to assemble the mounting structure for the purpose of testing, and consequentially no need to and remove or scrap the mounting structures in case of failure. Since the test apparatus or jig is able to connect with electrodes on the partially assembled module  211 , it is easy to integrate multiple tests on the HiPot jig. The technique provides for high potential (HiPot) testing of frameless modules. The high potential (HiPot) testing can be performed through a conductive or antistatic belt. 
     The test apparatus or jig  200  can be made an integral part of module handling mechanism or combined with other compatible tests, which can have the advantage of expediting manufacturing. 
     Conclusion 
     It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated to explain the nature of the subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.