Accelerated laboratory weathering of acrylic lens materials
Abstract
Flat samples from various PMMA formulations subjected to accelerated laboratory weathering in an "Atlas Xenotest Alpha +" weathering device operating at 3 Sun irradiance remain transparent after 6.48GJ/m2 radiant exposure (300 - 400nm). Transmittance is reduced and yellowness index increases. However, the amount of change depends largely on the PMMA formulation. Higher UV absorber concentrations lead to smaller changes in optical properties. Based on a model of CPV efficiency for a particular power train, relative losses of efficiency are between 1 and 28%. Performance regarding these properties can be linked to the UV absorber type and concentrations used.
- Publication:
-
10th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems: CPV-10
- Pub Date:
- September 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.4897027
- Bibcode:
- 2014AIPC.1616...54A