Weiss Technik Solar Simulation Test Chamber
The Weiss Technik SunEvent is a high-performance solar simulation test chamber designed for the reproducible testing of materials, components, and products under combined solar radiation, temperature, and humidity loads.
Direct solar radiation, heat, cold, and humidity can cause long-term changes to materials: colours fade, plastics become brittle, coatings lose their properties, and electronic or mechanical components are subjected to thermal stress. The SunEvent allows these influences to be investigated under controlled and accelerated laboratory conditions.
Solar simulation is provided by metal halide lamps with a global solar radiation spectrum according to CIE 85, Tab 4. Irradiance can be adjusted between 400 and 1,150 W/m². For testing according to DIN 75220, an irradiance of 1,000 W/m² is factory-set and verified on the defined reference plane.
The combination of solar simulation, temperature control, and humidity conditioning enables realistic environmental testing within a single test system.
SunEvent test chambers simulate the effects of sunlight and climatic environmental conditions on the properties and service life of a test specimen.
The light from the irradiation unit installed above the test chamber is coupled into the test space through a temperature-controlled, double-glazed filter system. Optimized reflectors and controlled heat dissipation ensure uniform irradiation while maintaining precisely controlled test conditions.
Depending on the model, test chamber volumes of 340, 600, or 1,000 litres are available. The product range is therefore suitable for both material samples and larger components and assemblies.
Key Advantages
- Simultaneous simulation of sunlight, temperature, and humidity
- Irradiance from 400 to 1,150 W/m²
- Factory setting of 1,000 W/m² according to DIN 75220
- High irradiation uniformity of ±5 %
- Global solar radiation spectrum according to CIE 85, Table 4
- Temperature range with irradiation from −20 to +100 °C
- Three different test chamber sizes
- Optimized airflow and temperature distribution
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel test chamber
- Programmable and reproducible test sequences
- Web-based control via WEBSeason
- Numerous options and extensions available
SunEvent test chambers are suitable for research, development, quality assurance, and product validation across numerous industries.
Typical Applications
- Lightfastness testing
- Accelerated material ageing
- Testing of colour changes and fading
- Testing of plastics and elastomers
- Testing of paints, coatings, and adhesives
- Testing of electronic components and sensors
- Testing of vehicle components and interior materials
- Ageing tests of seals and connecting elements
- Testing of construction materials and exterior components
- Testing of consumer goods and household products
- Combined solar, temperature, and humidity testing
Typical Industries
- Automotive industry
- Electronics and electrical engineering
- Plastics industry
- Chemical industry
- Coatings and paint industry
- Aerospace
- Construction and materials industry
- Research institutions and testing laboratories
The irradiation unit is positioned above the test chamber. Metal halide lamps are used as light sources, with a global solar radiation spectrum corresponding to that described in CIE 85, Tab 4.
The radiation enters the test chamber through pre-aged, temperature-controlled, double-glazed filter glass. The filter system supports a defined spectral distribution and protects the test chamber conditioning system against uncontrolled heat input.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Light source | Metal halide lamps |
| Spectral reference | CIE 85, Table 4 |
| Irradiance | 400–1,150 W/m² |
| Standard value according to DIN 75220 | 1,000 W/m² |
| Irradiation uniformity | ±5 % |
| Control | Continuously adjustable within the specified range |
| Light coupling | Temperature-controlled, double-glazed filter system |
| Optional spectrum | Interior filter available |
A pyranometer can optionally be installed for direct measurement of irradiance on the reference plane.
Model Overview
| Technical Feature | SUN 340 | SUN 600 | SUN 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test chamber volume | 340 l | 600 l | 1,000 l |
| Interior H × W × D | 775 × 580 × 765 mm | 975 × 800 × 800 mm | 975 × 1,100 × 950 mm |
| Usable test area H × D | 400 × 400 mm | 600 × 600 mm | 800 × 700 mm |
| Irradiance | 400–1,150 W/m² | 400–1,150 W/m² | 400–1,150 W/m² |
| Irradiation uniformity | ±5 % | ±5 % | ±5 % |
| Maximum temperature with irradiation | +100 °C | +100 °C | +100 °C |
| Minimum temperature with irradiation | −20 °C | −20 °C | −20 °C |
| Maximum heat load with irradiation | 2,000 W | 2,000 W | 3,500 W |
Temperature Testing Without Irradiation
| Technical Feature | SUN 340 | SUN 600 | SUN 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | −30 to +100 °C | −30 to +100 °C | −30 to +100 °C |
| Cooling rate | 2.5 K/min | 2.5 K/min | 2.5 K/min |
| Heating rate | 3.0 K/min | 4.0 K/min | 4.0 K/min |
| Temporal temperature deviation | ±0.1 to ±0.5 K | ±0.1 to ±0.5 K | ±0.1 to ±0.5 K |
| Spatial temperature homogeneity | ±0.5 to ±1.5 K | ±0.5 to ±1.5 K | ±0.5 to ±1.5 K |
| Maximum heat load | 2,300 W | 2,500 W | 4,500 W |
Climate Testing with Irradiation
| Technical Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | +15 to +80 °C |
| Humidity range | 10–80 % relative humidity |
| Dew point range | +5 to +74 °C |
| Temporal humidity deviation | ±3 to ±5 % RH |
The values are based on the available SunEvent product brochure. Actual performance data may vary depending on the model, equipment, ambient conditions, and test setup.
The floor of the test chamber is made of highly alloyed, particularly corrosion-resistant stainless steel, material grade 1.4404. Smooth surfaces, rounded corners, and machine-welded seams facilitate cleaning and support a permanently vapour-tight design.
Optimized air circulation ensures uniform temperature distribution within the test chamber. The performance-optimized temperature control system and precise humidity regulation provide stable test conditions, including during combined load profiles.
Design Features
- Test chamber floor made of stainless steel 1.4404
- Corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces
- Vapour-tight construction
- Optimized airflow
- Uniform temperature distribution
- Environmentally optimized insulation
- Separate irradiation unit above the test chamber
- Optimized reflector and controlled heat dissipation
The system is controlled via the web-based WEBSeason operating system. Test programs can be created, executed, and monitored. Depending on the system configuration, access is also possible via computer, tablet, or smartphone.
For advanced process management and documentation, the system can be integrated into the S!MPATI software environment.
Functions
- Programming of automated test sequences
- Control of temperature, humidity, and irradiation
- Monitoring of ongoing tests
- Visualization of process values
- Documentation and archiving of test data
- Traceability for quality assurance
- Networking of multiple test systems
- Adjustable languages and units of measurement
Depending on the testing requirements, the SunEvent can be extended with additional functions:
- Pyranometer for measuring irradiance
- Black standard temperature sensor
- Interior filter for simulating a filtered solar spectrum
- Water spray system for simulating extreme climatic zones
- Compressed-air dryer for extended low-temperature operation
- S!MPATI software for process management
- Mobile version with castors
- Additional measurement and documentation equipment
- Extended factory or DAkkS calibration
The SunEvent is specifically designed for standards-oriented solar simulation and environmental testing. Actual compliance with a particular standard depends on the system configuration, calibration, and test procedure.
Relevant Standards and Factory Specifications
- DIN 75220
- CIE 85, Table 4
- IEC 60068-2-5
- MIL-STD-810G, Method 505.5, Procedure II
- VW PV 1211
- BMW PR 306.4
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official product page: Weiss Technik SunEvent | https://www.weiss-technik.com/environmental-simulation/de/produkte/detail/sonnensimulations-pruefschrank-typ-sunevent~p3848 |
| SunEvent product brochure – PDF, English | https://www.medipment.pl/resources/3/201756?fileName=Weiss-Technik-SunEvent-EN.pdf |
| Weiss Technik Standards Finder | https://www.weiss-technik.com/environmental-simulation/de/produkte/normenfinder |
Any questions?
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision systems and specialized irradiation equipment for test benches.
Your contact person
Danelis Diaz
Management Backoffice
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BF is a forward-looking company that specializes in the development, manufacture, and optimization of high-precision lighting systems and specialized illumination systems for test benches.
