Solar Panel Damage Inspection Device "Socrates Tester Portable"

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Socrates Tester Portable (Portable) SCT-81P

last updated：Jul 04, 2023

電子工学センター

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Notify you of invisible wounds with sound and light!!

The "Socrates Portable" is the world's first device that conducts crack detection in solar panels using the eddy current magnetic induction method. If cracks in solar panels are left unattended, they can spread from the initial point, allowing moisture to enter and eventually causing patterns known as snail trails to appear on the surface, which can lead to a decrease in power generation efficiency. Additionally, if the electrode pattern is broken due to cracks, hot spots can develop, potentially causing fires. Traditionally, crack detection in solar panels required stopping power generation and either removing the panels or flowing large currents while the panels remained installed, capturing the luminescence phenomenon through photography. Determining the presence of cracks was also done visually, requiring experience. This product allows for crack detection before and after installation, during operation, and regardless of whether it is day or night. Furthermore, it does not require flowing large currents, thus not putting a burden on the panels. Additionally, being a battery-operated handheld type makes it easy to operate, enabling quick crack detection in solar panels.

Related Link - http://www.eec.co.jp/product/socratester/

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basic information

Product Name: Socratester Portable Order Start Date: February 1, 2016 Sales Price: Open Price Size: Width 85.5mm, Depth 170mm, Height 74mm Weight: Approximately 720g (including battery weight) Power Supply: Battery-operated (4 AA alkaline batteries) Operating Time: Approximately 10 hours Options: Extension rod (sold separately) Detection Method: Eddy current magnetic induction method Detection Target: Cracks in the rear electrode (length of approximately 20mm or more) Display: 10-segment LED light bar Alarm Sound: Piezoelectric buzzer Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +40°C *2: It detects cracks in the rear electrode and does not detect cracks or scratches in the front cover glass or back sheet. *3: The information published on this site (product price/specifications, etc.) may change without notice, so please be aware of this in advance. *4: This device is precision equipment. Please be careful of sand, dust, condensation, and water exposure as they may cause malfunction or failure. For details, please refer to the instruction manual.

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Applications/Examples of results

Target for Investigation Silicon crystal type (monocrystalline, polycrystalline) solar panels only (excluding some products) ◎ Case Studies ◎ In recent years, the reuse business for used solar modules has become active. To ship them back to the market as reuse products, pre-inspection is essential, and various inspections such as cleaning, insulation testing, output measurement, and EL testing incur labor and costs. The SocraTester demonstrates its power in pre-inspection (sorting) within the reuse cycle. With user-friendly operability that anyone can easily use and the advantages of a handheld type, it quickly sorts out solar modules that are not suitable for reuse. It has also been introduced to major reuse business company N, where it has received positive evaluations.

Detailed information

The world's first! A handheld device that can be used in any exploration scene. Weighing 720g (including battery weight), it operates on four AA alkaline batteries and is compact enough to be held with one hand. There is no need to prepare an exploration space or power source. You can immediately conduct panel damage inspections wherever you want to explore.
Invisible damage is notified by LED and buzzer. By passing high-frequency current through the sensor part of the Socratester, eddy currents are generated in the solar panel. The sensor reads the changes in the magnetic field lines from the panel and notifies you of the areas with damage. Invisible cracks (microcracks) can expand into larger damage if left unattended. With the easy-to-use Socratester, early prevention is possible.
Crack Inspection Scene The operation is simple. Just place the Socratester on the glass surface of the solar panel and slide it lightly. When a crack (damage to the panel) is detected at the electrode area on the back of the panel, it will notify you with an LED and a buzzer. Anyone can perform damage inspection without relying on specialized technicians. Additionally, by using a separately sold extension pole, you can efficiently conduct inspections on large panels or over a wide area.
There is a rental service available. Overview of the rental service: In response to customer requests to easily use the "Socrates Tester Portable" for crack inspection of solar panels anywhere by anyone, we have started equipment rentals. Rental fee (excluding tax): 40,000 yen per month per unit (main unit + extension pole) Rental area: Nationwide in Japan.
Solar Panel Crack Inspection On-Site Service Overview of Solar Panel Crack Inspection On-Site We will visit your location and conduct a crack inspection of the solar panels using a Socratic tester, and submit a report. *Transportation and accommodation costs will be charged at actual expenses. *Please inquire about the inspection fees.