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Navaid Solar Power Supplies Top Tough Testing
01 Mar 2003
Dartmouth UK based BecoSolar has been specialising in navaid power supplies since 1976, turning to solar electric (photovoltaic) in 1989. All products made by Beco and BP are manufactured to ISO9001 and ISO9002.
Last year at the IALA Conference in Sydney, BP Solar announced it had begun a punishing test schedule on an uprated range of marine photovoltaic modules, the BP 525MM and the BP 550MM, which have 25W and 50W power outputs respectively in 12V modules.
The test schedule has now been successfully completed, with the tests passed including repetitive thermal cycling between -40ºC to 85ºC and a prolonged damp heat test at 85ºC and 85% humidity. After the test was completed, the modules were subjected to both rigorous inspection and functional tests to ensure that their performance was still within specification.
The new modules are identical in build quality and dimensions to the original US Coast Guard inspired MSX-38MM and MSX-20MM but have much higher power output (31.5% more in the case of the 550MM) due to the use of premium grade laser grooved monocrystalline cells. They will thus fit into existing frames and superstructures designed for the earlier models while delivering much more power for the same weight and area. This could provide a significant advantage in applications where telemetry for monitoring or increased light ranges have been specified.
The new modules are now available.
MJ Information No: 18043
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