NBS

Pub!! - cations

NATL INST. OF STAND & TECH R.I.C.

A111D4 7ME743

IMBSIR 7^-1743

Standards for Photovoltaic

Energy Conversion Systems

Harry A. Schafft

Electron Devices Division

Center for Electronics and

Electrical Engineering

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

May 1979

Prepared for Solar Energy Research Institute

Commercial Readiness Branch

Golden, CO 80401

and

Department of Energy

Division of Solar Technology

.qp Washington, DC 20545

100

,1156

79-1743

NBSIR 79-1743

• • f STANDARDS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC

ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS

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Harry A. Schafft

Electron Devices Division

Center for Electronics and

Electrical Engineering

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

May 1979

Prepared for Solar Energy Research Institute

Commercial Readiness Branch

Golden, CO 80401

and

Department of Energy

Division of Solar Technology

Washington, DC 20545

U S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Juanita M. Kreps, Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
'
Standards for Photovoltaic

Energy Conversion Systems

by

Harry A. Schafft

Electron Devices Division

Center for Electronics and Electrical Engineering

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

Abstract

This report provides the results of a search for existing domestic standards and related documents for possible application

in the development of a standards base for photovoltaic energy

conversion systems. The search resulted in locating about 130

test methods, recommended practices, standards, solar- thermal

performance criteria, and other standards-related documents.

They are listed by topic areas in the appendix. The listing

was prepared to assist those involved in developing performance

criteria for photovoltaic systems and in identifying methods to

test system performance against these criteria. It is clear

from the results of the search that few standards are directly

applicable to terrestrial solar photovoltaic systems and that

much standards development is required to support the

commercialization of such systems.

A search was conducted for existing domestic standards and related documents which might be applicable for use in the development of a standards

base for photovoltaic energy conversion systems. The search was part of

an effort directed by the Commercial Readiness Branch of the Solar Energy

Research Institute (SERI) to develop such a base.-*-

Among the elements of the SERI effort is the preparation of an Interim

Performance Criteria document. This document will provide the performance criteria for photovoltaic systems and their components, and specify

the methods to test system performance against these criteria. The

search was conducted to provide the groups preparing this document with a listing of existing standards and related documents of possible application to terrestrial photovoltaics

The sources used for the search are listed in table 1. These sources include two solar heating and cooling documents prepared by the National

*-This work was performed under SERI purchase order XD-8-0959-1 and

funded by the Department of Energy under contract number EG-77-C-01-4042

of the Division of Solar Technology.

1
Bureau of Standards which taken together represent the primary source on which depend many other documents and standards in the solar thermal

area. These documents-^ provided a significant number of relevant items

related to the following performance attributes: mechanical, structural,

durability and reliability, and safety.

Of the catalogs of standards and related documents searched, the catalog

of standards by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

(IEEE) provided the most entries. This catalog was a source for numerous documents of potential interest, especially for power conditioning and

control, for cables, and for storage components of photovoltaic power

conversion systems.

Another source used was An Index of U.S. Voluntary Engineering Standards,

NBS Special Publication 329, together with its two supplements. While

overlapping the scopes of many of the other sources, the Index with its

permuted titles facilitated the search process and offered the opportunity of double checking the search of the other sources. The Department

of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards was also searched for

applicable military standards to supplement the standards-related materials from the voluntary standards arena.

The method of selecting standards and related materials involved an exam- ination of the titles to make preliminary selections, followed by an ex- amination of the scope, purpose, and other descriptive material, if nec- essary, to make the final selections. Emphasis in the selection was placed on including items relevant only to the following subsystem levels: solar cells (and hierarchical assemblies of cells), storage (batteries), power conditioning and control, and cables.

Approximately 150 titles of performance criteria, tests, standards, and

reports of potential application to photovoltaic systems which were found

in the search are listed in Appendix A. References to these titles

follow in brackets for each entry. Information about obtaining copies of

these items may be obtained by using the addresses and telephone numbers

listed with the sources in table 1. In all but a few cases, it will be

obvious with which source listed in table 1 an entry is associated, that

is, the NBS Interagency Reports (NBSIR) , the catalogs of the five standards organizations, and the Department of Defense Index. In the few cases where this is not so, an address or other information is provided

in the brackets for the entry.

To determine if IEEE standards projects underway might be of interest, a list of Standards Projects hnd Responsibilities (April 6, 1978) was ob-

^One of these, NBSIR 76-1187, which provides interim performance criteria for solar heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings, is

based on an earlier document on performance criteria for such systems in

residential buildings. This earlier document has recently been revised

and it is now available as NBSIR 78-1562.

2
tained from the IEEE Standards Office and reviewed. The only project

found to be of interest is one on Harmonics and Reactive Compensation of

Static Converters of Electric Power. A preliminary report of the project

committee^ has been presented publicly for comments.^ As a result of

comments received, the committee is preparing a section on selfcommutating inverters and their use to reduce the effect of harmonics.

One important observation can be made now that the search for standards

of possible applicability to photovoltaic systems and their components

has been completed. The present standards base for solar photovoltaics

is clearly inadequate and will require considerable effort to develop to

a level required to support the desired commercialization of solar photovoltaic systems. Few, if any, of the standards listed appear to be

transferable without significant modification. In many of the standards,

only parts appear to be applicable to solar photovoltaics. Other standards, not directly applicable to solar photovoltaic systems, are included in the listing primarily to remind the task groups that will develop performance criteria of aspects of possible importance. Many standards deal with generalized topics of safety, reliability, quality assurance, and durability and so represent a source from which to draw when

considering performance criteria related to these aspects of solar photovoltaics .

The scope of this effort was limited to searching the standards literature. There is another source, however, that should contain documents

useful for developing the desired standards base for photovoltic systems.

This source is the government and published literature and other documents generated by members of the photovoltaic community. If they exist

anywhere, the raw materials for the standards base will be found in this

literature. For example, the effort by the SERI Advisory Committee^ in

defining the hierarchical terms for solar-cell assemblies represents the

best effort thus far in definitions. This compilation is an excellent

candidate for consideration by a standards writing organization. The

NASA document on Terrestrial Photovoltaic Measurement Procedures

(ERDA/NASA/1022-77/16 , NASA TM 73702, June 1977) is another example of a report which contains useful information. Portions of this document, as well as the aforementioned definitions, are already being considered by

ASTM Committee E44 on Solar Energy Conversion as draft standards from

which to develop consensus standards for photovoltics

^Standards project contact: R. P. Stratford, General Electric Co.,

Schenectady, NY. Tel: (518) 385-2299.

^Guide for Harmonic Control and Reactive Compensation of Static Power

Converters, Report of Subcommittee on Harmonic Control and Reactive

Compensation of Static Power Converter Committee of IEEE — IAS, Record,

International Semiconductor Power Converter Conference, Orlando,

Florida, March 1977, pp . 172-176.

^Organized by the Commercial Readiness Branch of SERI.

3
Table 1. Sources Used in Search of Standards Applicable to Photovoltaic

Energy Conversion Systems.

Source Publication Date

Interim Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and November 1976

Cooling Systems in Commercial Buildings, NBSIR

76-1187 [Available from the National Technical

Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce,

Springfield, VA 22161, using the order number

PB2621 14 . Tel: (703) 321-8543]

Provisional Flat Plate Solar Collector Testing Proce- September 1977

dures, NBSIR 77-1305 [Available from the National

Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of

Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161, using the order

number PB272500. Tel: (703) 321-8543]

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers March 1978

(IEEE) Standards Catalog [Available from the IEEE

Headquarters, 345 East 47th St., New York, NY

10017. Tel: (212) 644-7960]

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) March 1978

Standards Publications Catalog [Available from

NEMA, 2101 L Street, N.W. , Washington, DC 20037.

Tel: (202) 457-8473]

Index of Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and January 1978

Joint Electron Device Engineering Councils (JEDEC)

Standards and Engineering Publications [Available

from EIA, 2001 Eye St., N.W., Washington, DC

20006. Tel: (202) 457-4900]

Catalog of Standards for Safety of the Underwriters January 1978

Laboratories [Available from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 207 East Ohio St., Chicago, IL

60611. Tel: (312) 642-6969]

An Index of U.S. Voluntary Engineering Standards, NBS December 31, 1969 a Special Publication 329 [Available from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161, using the order number COM71-50172. Tel: (703)

557-4780]

aLatest publication date of standards referenced.

4
An Index of U.S. Voluntary Engineering Standards, NBS

Special Publication 329, Supplement 1 [Available

from the National Technical Information Service,

U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA

22161, using the order number COM73-50679. Tel:

(703) 557-4780]

An Index of U.S. Voluntary Engineering Standards, NBS

Special Publication 329, Supplement 2 [Available

from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402,

using stock number 003-003-01362-5. Tel: (202)

783-3238]

Department of Defense Index of Specifications and

Standards [Available from the Superintendent of

Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, using stock number 003-007-

81001-4. Tel: (202) 783-3238]

Catalog of American National Standards [Available

from the American Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018. Tel: (212) 354-3300]

aLatest publication date of standards referenced.

December 31, 1 969 a

July 1, 1 974 a

May 1, 1978

August 1978

5
Appendix A

List of Test Methods, Recommended Practices, Standards, Related Standard

Materials, Solar-Thermal Performance Criteria, and Other Materials of

Potential Application to Photovoltaic Power Systems.

CONTENTS

Topic Areas Page

BATTERIES 7 DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY

A. Effects of External Environment 7 B. Effects of Operating Extremes of Temperature and Pressure 8

C. Chemical Compatibility of Components 8

D. Reporting 9 E. Promotion and Evaluation of Durability and Reliability 9 MECHANICAL ATTRIBUTES

A. Heat Transfer Fluid System Design Conditions 9 B. Mechanical Stresses 10

C. Orientation Adjustment 10

POWER SYSTEMS

A. Distribution 10

B. Protection 10

C. Control 10

D. Switches 10

E. Insulation 11 F. Cables 11 G. Grounding 11

H. Temperature Measurement 12

I. Definitions/Nomenclature 12

J. Electromagnetic Interference ' 12

K. Enclosures 12

L. Electrical Measurements 13

SAFETY

A. Electrical Safety 13

B. Fail-Safe Control 13

C. Fire Safety 13

D. Toxic and Flammable Fluids 13

E. Safety Under Emergency Conditions 14

F. Excessive Surface Temperature 14

G. Safety and Health 14

H. General 14

SOLAR CELLS , 14

STRUCTURAL ATTRIBUTES 14

6
BATTERIES

Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of

Large Lead Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and Substations

[IEEE Standard 450-1975].

Standard for Electrical Safety Practices in Electrolytic Cell Line

Working Zones [IEEE Standard 463-1977].

Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of

Large Lead Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and

Substations. [IEEE Standard 484-1975; ANSI N41 . 24-1976 ]

Recommended Practice for Sizing Large Lead Storage Batteries for

Generating Stations and Substations [IEEE Standard 485-1978].

Definitions for Lead-Acid Industrial Storage Batteries [NEMA

Standard Publication IBl-1971 (Rl 976) ]

Capacity Determination of Lead-Acid Industrial Storage Batteries for

Motive Power Services [NEMA Standard Publication IB2-1974].

Cycle Life Testing of Lead-Acid Industrial Storage Batteries for

Motive Power Service [NEMA Standard Publication I B3— 1 978 ]

National Electrical Safety Code, 1977 Edition [ANSI C2-1977].

Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms [IEEE Standard

100-1977]

DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Effects of External Environment

Al Solar Degradation [Section 5.1.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

Ala Aging Procedure Using Artificial Light [Procedure 1, page

53; NBSIR 76-1187].

Alb Aging Procedure Using Concentrated Solar Radiation

[Procedure 2, page 52; NBSIR 76-1187].

Ale Aging Procedure Using Unconcentrated Solar Radiation

[Procedure 3, page 52; NBSIR 76-1187].

A2 Moisture [Section 5.1.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

A3 Soil-Related Degradation [Section 5.1.3; NBSIR 76-1187].

A3a Soil-Related Degradation Test Methodology [Section 04,

page 59; NBSIR 76-1187].

A4 Airborne Pollutants [Section 5.1.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

A4a Resistance to Ozone Test Methodology [Section 05, page

59; NBSIR 76-1187].

A4b Resistance to Salt Spray Test Methodology [Section 05,

page 60; NBSIR 76-1187].

A4c Resistance to SO 2

, N0X , and HC1 Test Methodology
[Section 05, page 60; NBSIR 76-1187].

A5 Dirt Retention on Cover Plate Surface [Section 5.1.5; NBSIR

76-1187].

A6 Abrasive Wear [Sections 5.1.6; NBSIR 76-1187].

A7 Fluttering by Wind [Section 5.1.7; NBSIR 76-1187].

A8 Military Standard, Environmental Test Methods [MIL-STD-810C ]

A9 Military Standard, Moisture Resistance Test Cycle for Ground

Signal and Electronic Test Equipment [MIL-STD-1 70 ]

A10 Standard Method of Test for Effect of Moisture and Temperature

on Adhesive Bonds [ASTM D 1151-72].

All Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure

Testing of Nonmetallic Materials [ANSl/ASTM G 7-77a]

A12 Standard Recommended Practice for Outdoor Weathering of

Plastics [ASTM D 1435-75].

A13 Standard Test Method for Resistance of Transparent Plastics to

Surface Abrasion [ASTM D 1044-76].

A14 Standard Recommended Practice for Determining Hydrolytic

Stability of Plastic Encapsulants for Electronic Devices [ASTM

F 74-73].

A15 Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing [ASTM B 117-73].

A16 Military Standardization Handbook, Corrosion and Corrosion

Protection of Metals [MIL-HDBK-721 (MR)].

A17 Standard Definitions of Terms Relating to Corrosion and

Corrosion Testing [ASTM G 15-76].

B. Effects of Operating Extremes of Temperature and Pressure

Bl Thermal Cycling Stresses [Section 5.2.3; NBSIR 76-1187].

Bla Thermal Cycling Stress Test Methodology [Section 08, page

61; NBSIR 76-1187]

B2 Deterioration of Fluids Test Methodology [Section 5.2.2; NBSIR

76-1187].

B2a Deterioration of Fluids Test Methodology [Section 07,

page 60; NBSIR 76-1187].

B3 Fluid Leakage [Section 5.2.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

B3a Fluid Leakage Test Methodology [Section 09, page 61;

NBSIR 76-1187].

C. Chemical Compatibility of Components

Cl Deterioration of Materials in Contact with Fluids

[Section 5.3.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

Cla Deterioration of Materials Test Methodology [Section 10,

page 61; NBSIR 76-1187].

C2 Materials Corrosion [Section 5.3.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

C2a Materials Corrosion Test Methodology [Section 11, page

62; NBSIR 76-1187].

C3 Compatibility of Dissimilar Materials [Section 5.3.3; NBSIR

76-1187]

C3a Compatibility of Dissimilar Materials Test Methodology

[Section 12, page 62; NBSIR 76-1187].

8
C4 Effects of Decomposition Products [Section 5.3.5; NBSIR

76-1187]

C4a Effects of Decomposition Products Test Methodology

[Section 14, page 63; NBSIR 76-1187],

C5 Standard Methods of Test for Corrosive and Adhesive Effects of

Gasket Materials on Metal Surfaces [ASTM F 64-69; (reapproved

1975); ANSI Zl 95 . 1-1970 ]

D. Reporting

D1 A General Guide for Technical Reporting of Electronic Systems

Reliability Measurement [EIA Reliability Bulletin No. 1,

December 1956].

D2 Reliability Quantification [EIA Reliability Bulletin No. 4, May

1969].

E. Promotion and Evaluation of Durability and Reliability

El Military Standard, Reliability Prediction [MIL-STD-756A]

E2 Military Standard, Reliability Evaluation from Demonstration

Data [MIL-STD-757]

E3 Military Standard, Reliability Tests: Exponential Distribution

[MIL-STD-781B]

E4 Military Standard, Reliability Program for Systems and

Equipment Development and Production [MIL-STD-785A]

E5 Military Handbook, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Life and

Reliability Testing (Based on Exponential Distribution)

[Quality Control and Reliability Handbook (interim) H-108].

E6 Military Standard, Sampling Procedures and Tables for

Inspection by Variables for Percent Defective [MIL-STD-414 ]

E7 Military Standard, Failure Rate Sampling Plans and Procedures

[MIL-STD-690B]

E8 Military Handbook, Statistical Procedures for Determining

Validity of Suppliers' Attributes Inspection [Quality Control

and Reliability Handbook (interim) H-109].

E9 Recommended Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the

Results of Probability Sampling [ASTM E 141-69].

E10 Military Standard, Quality Assurance Terms and Definitions

[MIL-STD-109B]

MECHANICAL ATTRIBUTES

A. Heat Transfer Fluid System Design Conditions

Al Noise or Erosion-Corrosion [Section 2.1.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

A2 Fluid Flow [Section 2.1.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

A3 Entrapped Air [Section 2.1.5; NBSIR 76-1187].

A4 Thermal Expansion [Section 2.1.6; NBSIR 76-1187].

A5 Pressure Drops [Section 2.1.7; NBSIR 76-1187].

A6 Fluid Quality [Section 2.5.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

A7 Fluid Treatment [Section 2.5.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

9
A8 Freezing Protection [Section 2.5.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

B. Mechanical Stresses

Bl Vibration Stress [Section 2.2.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

B2 Vibration from Moving Parts [Section 2.2.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

B3 Thermal Changes [Section 2.2.5; NBSIR 76-1187].

B4 Standard Definitions of Terms Relating to Methods of Mechanical

Testing [ANSI/ASTM E 6-76].

C. Orientation Adjustment

Cl Orientation and Tilt [Section 2.4.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

C2 Mutual Shadowing [Section 2.4.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

POWER SYSTEMS

A. Distribution

A1 Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for

Industrial Plants [IEEE Standard 141-1976].

B. Protection

Bl Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of

Industrial and Commercial Power Systems [IEEE Standard

242-1975; the IEEE Buff Book].

C. Control

Cl Test Code for Industrial Control (600 Volts or Less) [IEEE

Standard 74-1958].

C2 Industrial Controls and Systems [NEMA Standards Document

ICS-1970 (R1975) ]

C3 Guide for the Installation of Electrical Equipment to Minimize

Electrical Noise Inputs to Controllers from External Sources

[IEEE Standard 518-1977].

C4 American National Standard for Industrial Control Apparatus —

General [ANSI C19. 3-1973].

D. Switches

Dl Standard for Relays and Relay Systems Associated with Electric

Power Apparatus [IEEE Standard 313-1971; ANSI C37.90— 1971 ]

D2 Definitions and Requirements for High-Voltage Air Switches,

Insulators, and Bus Supports [IEEE Standard 324-1971; ANSI

C37. 30-1971]

D3 Definitions for Power Switchgear [ANSI C37 . 100-1972 ]

D4 Standard for Switchgear Assemblies Including Metal-Enclosed Bus

[IEEE Standard 27-1974; ANSI C37. 20-1969, C37 . 20a-1970,

C37 . 20b-l 972 , C37 . 20-1 974 ]

10
D5 Guide for Surge Withstand Capability (SWC) Tests [IEEE Standard

472-1974; ANSI C37.90a-1974 (Supplement to IEEE Standard

313-1971, ANSI C37. 90-1971) ]

D6 Standard Guide for Evaluating the Effect of Solar Radiation on Outdoor Metal-Clad Switchgear [IEEE Standard 144-1971].

E. Insulation

El General Principles for Temperature Limits in the Rating of

Electric Equipment [IEEE Standard 1-1969].

E2 Guide for the Preparation of Test Procedures for the Thermal

Evaluation of Insulation Systems for Electric Equipment [IEEE

Standard 99-1970].

E3 Guide for the Statistical Analysis of Thermal Life Test Data

[IEEE Standard 101-1972].

E4 Standard Definitions of Terms Relating to Electrical Insulation

[ANSI/ASTM D 1711-75].

F. Cables

FI Standard Test Procedures and Requirements for High-Voltage

Alternating-Current Cable Terminations [IEEE Standard

48-1975]

F2 Test Procedure for Impulse Voltage Tests on Insulated

Conductors [IEEE Standard 82-1963].

F3 Standard for Separable Insulated Connectors for Power

Distribution Systems Above 600 V [ANSI/IEEE Standard

386-1977].

F4 Standard for Power Cable Joints [IEEE Standard 404-1977].

F5 Guide for the Design and Installation of Cable Systems in Power

Generating Stations [IEEE Standard 422-1977].

F6 Guide for Testing and Inspection of Cable or Harness Assemblies

[EIA Reliability Bulletin No. 6, April 1970].

F7 Military Standard, Test Methods for Electrical Connectors

[MIL-STD- 1344A]

F8 Federal Test Method Standard, Cable and Wire, Insulated;

Methods of Testing [Fed. Test Method Std. 228; Source: DoD

Index]

G. Grounding

G1 Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial

Power Systems [IEEE Standard 142-1972; the IEEE Green Book].

G2 Guide for Safety in Alternating-Current Substation Grounding

[IEEE Standard 80-1976].

G3 Military Standard, Grounding, Bonding and Shielding Design

Practices [MIL-STD-1857 ]

G4 Loss Prevention Data, Protective Grounding of Electrical

Circuits and Equipment [Factory Mutual System 5-10, 14-10;

Factury Mutual System, 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike,

Norwood, MA 02062. Tel: (617) 762-4300].

11
H. Temperature Measurement

Hi Recommended Practice for General Principles of Temperature Measurement as Applied to Electrical Apparatus [IEEE Standard

119-1974].

I. Definitions/Nomenclature

11 Definitions for Power Switchgear [ANSI C37. 100-1972 (Revision

of C37. 100-1966)].

12 Definitions and Requirements for High-Voltage Air Switches, Insulators, and Bus Supports [IEEE Standard 324-1971; ANSI

C37. 30-1971]

13 Nomenclature for Generating Station Electric Power Systems

[IEEE Standard 505-1977].

14 Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms [IEEE Standard

100-1977].

15 Military Standard, Definitions and System of Units, Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility Technology

[MIL-STD-463A]

16 Guiding Principles for the Selection of Reference Values for

Electrical Standards [IEEE Standard 3-1962].

17 American National Standard, Voltage Ratings for Electrical

Power Systems and Equipment (60 Hz) [ANSI C84. 1-1977].

18 Military Standard, Electric Voltages, Alternating and Direct

Current [MIL-STD-255A]

J. Electromagnetic Interference

J1 Military Standard, Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics, Requirements for Equipment [MIL-STD-461A]

J2 Military Standard, Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics, Measurement of [MIL-STD-462 ]

J3 Military Standard, Electromagnetic Interference, Test Requirements and Test Methods [MIL-STD-826A ]

J4 Military Standard, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Requirements

for Space Systems [MIL-STD-1541 ]

J5 Military Standard, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and

Grounding Requirements for Space System Facilities

[MIL-STD-1542]

J6 Military Standard, Definitions and System of Units, Electromagnetic Interference Technology [MIL-STD-463 ]

K. Enclosures

K1 American National Standard for Industrial Control Apparatus —

Enclosures [ANSI C19. 4-1973].

K2 Military Standard, Definitions of and Basic Requirements for

Enclosures for Electric and Electronic Equipment [MIL-STD108E]

12
L. Electrical Measurements

LI Master Test Code for Electrical Measurements in Power Circuits

[IEEE Standard 120-1955 (Reaffirmed 1972)].

L2 Military Standard, Test Provisions for Electronic Systems and

Associated Equipment, Design Criteria for [MIL-STD-41 5D ]

SAFETY

A. Electrical Safety

Al Electrical Codes and Standards [Section 4.1.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

A2 National Electrical Safety Code 1977 Edition [ANSI C2-1977].

A3 Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for

Industrial Plants [IEEE Standard 141-1976; the IEEE Red Book].

A4 Industrial Controls and Systems [NEMA Standards Document

ICS-1970 (R 1975)].

A5 Guide for Safety in Alternating-Current Substation Grounding

[IEEE Standard 80-1976].

A6 Electrical Safety Practices in Electrolytic Cell Line Working

Zones [IEEE Standard 463-1977].

A7 Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation

of Large Lead Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and

Substations [IEEE Standard 484-1975; ANSI N41 . 24-1976]

A8 Standard for Safety for Access Control Systems Units [UL-294].

A9 American National Standard, Safety Requirements for Electrical

and Electronic Measuring and Controlling Instrumentation [ANSI

C39. 5-1974].

B. Fail-Safe Control

Bl System Failure Prevention [Section 4.2.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

C. Fire Safety

Cl Fire Codes and Standards [Section 4.3.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

C2 Protection Against Auto-Ignition of Combustibles [Section

4.3.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

C3 Ignitability and Flammability Tests [EIA Recommended Standard

RS-325A, March 1976].

D. Toxic and Flammable Fluids

D1 Fluids Requiring Special Handling [Section 4.4.1; NBSIR

76-1187].

D2 Liquid Flash Point [Section 4.4.2; NBSIR 76-1187].

D3 Detection of Toxic and Combustible Fluids [Section 4.4.3; NBSIR

76-1187]

D4 Provision of Catch Basins [Section 4.4.4; NBSIR 76-1187].

13
E. Safety Under Emergency Conditions

El Emergency Egress and Access [Section 4.5.1; NBSIR 76-1187],

E2 Identification and Location of Controls [Section 4.5.2; NBSIR

76-1187].

F. Excessive Surface Temperature

Fl Protection from Heated Components [Section 4.7.1; NBSIR

76-1187].

G. Safety and Health

G1 Safety and Health Standards [Section 4.1.3; NBSIR 76-1187],

H. General

Hi EIA System Safety Bibliography [EIA Safety Engineering Bulletin

No. 2, August 1970].

H2 System Safety Analytical Techniques [EIA Safety Engineering

Bulletin No. 3, May 1971].

H3 Design Specification Safety Digest Military Specifications and

Standards [EIA Safety Engineering Bulletin No. 4, February

1972].

H4 American National Safety Color Code for Marking Physical

Hazards [ANSI Z53 .1-1971],

SOLAR CELLS

I. Definitions of Terms for Solar Cells [IEEE Standard 307-1969].

2. Performance Test Procedure for Solar Cells and Calibration Procedure

for Solar Cell Standards for Space Vehicle Service [EIA Standard

RS365, November 1969].

3. Standard Test Methods for Solar Energy Transmittance and Reflectance

(Terrestrial) of Sheet Materials [ASTM E 424-71].

4. Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms [IEEE Standard

100-1977].

5. Standard Recommended Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus

(Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic

Materials [ANSI/ASTM G 26-77].

6. Standard Recommended Practice for Operating Xenon-Arc Type Apparatus

for Light Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials [ASTM G 27-70].

7. Standard Recommended Practice for Xenon Arc-Type (Water-Cooled)

Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus for Exposure of Plastics

[ANSI/ASTM D 2565-76] .

STRUCTURAL ATTRIBUTES

1. Load and Resistance of Conventional Elements [Section 3.1.1; NBSIR

76-1187].

2. Building Code Requirements for Minimum Design Loads in Buildings and

14
Other Structures [ANSI A58 . 1 , 1972].

3. Resistance to Maximum Load of Nonconvent ional Elements [Section

3.1.2; NBSIR 76-1187]

4. Resistance to Cycle Loads of Nonconventional Elements [Section

3.1.3; NBSIR 76-1187].

5. Hail Damage [Section 3.1.5; NBSIR 76-1187].

6. Hail Load Test [Page 34; NBSIR 77-1305].

7. Resistance to Load Induced Damage [Section 3.2.1; NBSIR 76-1187].

8. Deflection Limitations of Nonconventional Elements [Section 3.2.2;

NBSIR 76-1187].

9. Positive Live Loads [Page 22; NBSIR 77-1305].

10. Negative Live Loads [Page 25; NBSIR 77-1305].

11. Longitudinal Loads [Page 30; NBSIR 77-1305].

12. Static Pressure Leakage Test [Page 37; NBSIR 77-1305],

13. Thermal Shock Water Spray Test [Page 15; NBSIR 77-1305].

14. Thermal Cycling [Page 20; NBSIR 77-1305].

15. Rain Test [Page 17; NBSIR 77-1305].

16. Fire Test [Page 41; NBSIR 77-1305 ]

15
NBS-114A (REV. 9-78)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIK 79-1743

Ho, J. No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Standards for Photovoltaic Energy Conversion Systems

5. Publication Date May 1979

7. AUTHOR(S)

Harry A. Schafft

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, DC 20234

11. Contract/Grant No. SERI pill chase order XD-8-0959~l,

DOE con. no. EG- 77 - C- 01- 104

12. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street, City, Stste, ZIP) Solar Energy Research Institute, Commercial Readiness Branch

Golden, CO 80401 and

Dept, of Energy, Division of Solar Technology

Washington, DC 20545

13. Type of Report & Period Covered Final , February to

September 1978

•- VW> > ml 15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

[ ] Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or leaa factual summary of moat aighi ficant information. If document includes a significant bibliography or

literature survey, mention it here.) This report provides the results of a search for existing domestic standards and

related documents for possible application in the development of a standards base for

photovoltaic energy conversion systems. The search resulted in locating about lbO

test methods, recommended practices, standards, solar-thermal performance criteria,

and other standards-related documents. They are listed by topic areas in the

appendix. The listing was prepared to assist those involved in developing

performance criteria for photovoltaic systems and in identifying methods to test

system performance against these criteria. It is clear from the results of the

search that few standards are directly applicable to terrestrial solar photovoltaic

systems and that much standards development is required to support the

commercialization of such systems.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the firat letter of the first key word unleaa a proper name;

separated by semicolons)

Batteries; photovoltaic energy conversion; power conditioning; power systems;

solar cells; standards; test methods.

18. AVAILABILITY HD Unlimited 19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

1 1 For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS UNCLASSIFIED

CT] Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402, SD Stock No. SN003-003-

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

del Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161 UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

17

22. Price $ 4.00

USCOMM- DC