Light-scattering measurement (BSDF, BRDF, BTDF)
For light-scattering measurements of reflectance and transmittance we are using an «Imaging Sphere». In contrast to a Goniophotometer this kind of instrument has the advantage of measuring the spatial distribution of the light in a complete hemisphere within a few seconds, detected by a light density camera. The angle of incidence can be varied from 0° to 80° for reflectance, and from 110° to 180° for transmittance. The angular resolution of the straylight is 0.5°. As an option the measurement can be done with spectrally resolved in the range from 330 to 1100 nm.

Determination of the specific heat capacity (cp) of heat transfer fluids
Our procedure to determine the specific heat capacity of heat transfer fluids is providing an accuracy of ± 0.3 – 0.5 %. This is significantly more accurate than standard values that are declared with an uncertainty of ± 3 – 5 % in data sheets of products on the market. A higher accuracy of these important values increases confidence in your products. This is indispensable for the monitoring of energy balances of heating and cooling applications.

Mobile photovoltaic test laboratory
With our mobile PV test laboratory we run detailed tests and measurements of PV modules on-site. The tests include I/V curves, electroluminescence, infrared imaging and HighPot measurements. The mobile test lab measures in a matter of seconds and delivers resilient information e.g. in case of suspected loss of efficiency or safety-related deficiencies of panels, as well as for general quality checks during operation or as inspection of new panels delivered to a storehouse or on-site.

Flyer (PDF, German)

Pictures (PDF, German)

Information about the testing methods ...

Walk-in climatic chamber
Our walk-in climatic chamber measures 2.0 m x 2.7 m x 4.5 m (H x W x L) on the inside and can be run at temperatures from – 40 to +85 °C. Moisture can be controlled in the range of 15 to 95% above 7 °C. We can run constant conditions as well as any kind of time dependent profile for temperature and moisture.

Solar Tracker
Several solar trackers are installed outdoors and allow for the testing of components under normal irradiance, including accelerated ageing and depenency of parameters on the angle of incidence of solar irradiance. Fluid circulation loops are available for cooling or heating of the exposed specimen.

Solar Simulator / Artificial Sun
Our indoor solar simulator enables testing of larger objects with predefined and repeatable conditions for solar irradiance and environmental conditions. Examples of application are the testing and optimization of solar collectors and othere elements of the building skin, resistance of materials to extreme conditions of irradiance, infrared imaging of objects under solar irradiance, and many more.

Test rigs for components of heating systems
For the development of pumps, thermal compensators, sealings, solar fluids, DHW modules etc., different test benches are available that can be adapted to almost any kind of problem definition.

Spectroscopy
A wide range of spectrometer systems are available for the measurement of spectral radiation distribution (radiometrics) and for the determination of absorption, emission, reflection and transmission of materials.

Termografía
La termografía ofrece una mirada sobre el mundo de la radiación térmica. Nuestra cámara termográfica enfriada con nitrógeno líquido hace visibles los puntos débiles.

PIV y LIF
Con Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) el SPF puede analizar los procesos fluidodinámicos, por ejemplo alrededor de las paredes internas del depósito. Además, con la Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) es posible calcular la distribución de la temperatura en el fluido en movimiento.

Concise Cycle Test for combi-systems
The Concise Cycle Test (CCT) method is used for the determination of the functionality and efficiency of combined heating systems for domestic hot water and space heating under realistic conditions based on a six day dynamic hardware in the loop test profile.
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Concise Cycle Test for storage stratification

Since 2014 SPF offers a Concise Cycle Test also fort he determination of storage stratification efficiency under realistic dynamic operating conditions with a 24 hour test profile.
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Simulación ambiental
En nuestros armarios climatizados y en nuestros hornos de alta temperatura se pueden ensayar materiales y componentes para analizar su resistencia contra los factores medioambientales como la temperatura, la humedad, la condensación y la radiación.

System Simulations
The SPF institute for Solar Technology has a long and vast experience in the simulation of complex energy systems with Polysun and TRNSYS. We are not only users of these programs, but also develop our own codes for components, control and systems. Thus, our possibilities go far beyond the tasks a normal user can accomplish.

Building Simulation
For building simulations IDA-ICE and TRNSYS are used at SPF.

EES
EES es un programa para la resolución de ecuaciones. Gracias a la interfaz gráfica programable podemos programar aplicaciones específicas para nuestros clientes. (TubeCalc ha sido desarrollado por el SPF en EES).

Raytracing
Con el uso de Raytracing, un programa no secuencial, se puede optimizar el rendimiento óptico de captadores con superficies reflectantes.

FEM
El Finite Element Method se puede utilizar en todos los casos en los que no es posible resolver analíticamente los procesos complejos de conducción térmica.

CFD
Con el Computational Fluid Dynamics, a diferencia del FEM, se pueden modelar también, además de procesos de transmision de Calor, procesos de  transporte de Material. De esta forma se deducen también procesos fluidodinámicos, en líquidos y gases, de las simulaciones.

Accelerated Lifetime Testing (ALT)
Las pruebas de envejecimiento acelerado (Accelerated Lifetime Testing) permiten hacer previsiones acerca de la duración de vida útil esperado de nuevos materiales, como por ejemplo los revestimientos de absorbedores solares, en determinadas condiciones de utilización.