LIGHT ENGINES

The "Xenonless Xenon" lamp

The need for a reliable and accurate light source for solar simulation and solar cell testing emerged during the early days of Solaronix. At that time, the available light sources appeared to be unstable over time and led to biased photovoltaic measurements. With the same credo of autonomy and technological leadership, Solaronix developed a specific type of light source to overcome such limitations: the Lumixo light engine.

Full Sun Spectrum

This genuine light source perfectly mimics sunlight (without filter), and presents an outstanding light flux and spectrum stability over a long period of time. The unmatched features of the Lumixo and Lumixo-S light engine allow Solaronix to supply today's photovoltaic industry with accurate and dependable testing equipment.

Electrodless lamp

In common discharge lamps, the light is emitted as an electrical arc between two electrodes. The extreme temperature of the discharge causes often electrode breakdown after a few hundred hours of operation.

Incredible life time

Alternatively, plasma lamps belong to a class of electrode-less light sources energized by radio frequency power. In the Lumixo light engine, a radio frequency system generates the power necessary to excite a plasma in a sealed electrode-less bulb. The bulb's lifetime itself is virtually infinite, allowing for the Lumixo's outstanding lifetime of 20 000 hours. The end-of-life time is actually dictated by the rotating parts (fans + motor) and the radio frequency system, parts that can be easily replaced. Existing Solaronix solar simulators have over 63,000 hours of operation!

Our vision

Lumixo and Lumixo-S light engines are installed in the new generation of Maintenance Free Solar Simulator (MFSS).

Lumixo and Lumixo-S light engines are similar to a xenon lamp without its drawback. Lumixo and Lumixo-S Light engines solves the issues of poor life time, spectral shift and light flux reduction of xenon lamp system. This new way of illuminating increase the quality of the testing and reduces dramatically the maintenance costs.

Proper documentation and remote assistance is provided to make Lumixo light engine services trouble free, directly on-site by the customer's team, that is instructed by Solaronix

Lumixo-S

Outstanding lifetime of the light emitter (> 20,000 h), unprecedented for a 1 kW light source
Continuous illumination, especially well suited for monitoring thin film and other 3rd generation solar cells
Temporal light stability allowing an excellent measurement reproducibility over a long period of time
Sun spectrum Class A accroding IEC60904-9
Beautifully simple design, no filter needed, no obscuration
Adjustable illumination (60%-110%) to operate at partial sun equivalents
Safe: does not contain mercury, low pressure light emitter
Reduced cost of ownership and streamlined maintenance

Lumixo

Outstanding lifetime of the light emitter (> 20,000 h), unprecedented for a 1 kW light source
Continuous illumination, especially well suited for monitoring thin film and other 3rd generation solar cells
Temporal light stability allowing an excellent measurement reproducibility over a long period of time
Smooth and continuous light spectrum with a sun-like wavelength distribution
Several spectra available, from energy-saving Class C (120 lm/W) to high-end Class A+ (70 lm/W)
Beautifully simple design, no filter needed, no obscuration
Adjustable illumination (30%-130%) to operate at partial sun equivalents
Safe: does not contain mercury, low pressure light emitter
Reduced cost of ownership and streamlined maintenance

Characteristics

Class A+, A, B, or C spectrum (as per IEC 60904-9)
Quasi-uniform light intensity distribution.
Linear light flux control between 300 and 1300 W.
Temporal stability < 0.5% in “freeze” mode or with ALR option

Specifications

Software control: desktop application (RS-232) or web-based control (CAN server)
Radio frequency system power supply: included
Lamp lifetime: 20,000 hours, serviceable
Warranty: 24 months
Electrical: 220-230 VAC, 50-60 Hz, max 1.5 kW uptake
Weight: Lumixo 10.5 kg and Lumixo-S 8.5 kg (inc. power supply)