Austrian company Fronius has been active in the field of Solar Electronics for 20 years. The inverter manufacturer has established itself as a worldwide quality leader. Among other things, this is due to the high level of research and development carried out by Fronius. In 2011, the new Technology and Research Center in Thalheim (Upper Austria) opened its doors. 140 solar experts will research and develop groundbreaking technologies in the 366,000 square foot facility.

"Our customers can rely on receiving products and services that are state-of-the-art and of the very best quality on the market," promises Martin Hackl, head of the Fronius Solar Electronics division.  Fronius sets high standards, starting with the idea and extending through to the product, the technology and the service.

New technology and research center

At the end of 2011, Fronius opened a new research and development center in Thalheim (Upper Austria).  The 366,000 square foot facility houses 17 climate chambers, network simulators as well as space for design and construction of prototypes and pre-assembly.  There are also over 4,000 square feet  of test laboratories available.  A dedicated PV system is also available for testing new inverter technologies.

Comprehensive Tests to Ensure High Quality

Fronius devices ensure the highest possible degree of quality. In the Technology and Research Center, the inverters are subjected to numerous extensive tests under state of the art conditions.  Some of these tests check the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).  This means that the devices must function normally in their surroundings, without interfering with or being influenced by other devices.  The Fronius EMC chamber is a unique technical facility in Austria. Here, inverters can be tested at 1,500 Volts DC.
 
Depending on the type of inverter and the country in which the device is to be used, different sub-tests are carried out. For example, in what is known as "radiated emission", the inverter to be tested is exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation using an antenna.  At the same time, the measured level is compared with the limit values stipulated for the device.  If the inverter complies with the limit values, it has passed the test.

Fronius tests go beyond the required limits.  For example, devices are subjected to stricter interference resistance testing than is legally required.  "We want to provide our customers with a premium quality product", explains Josef Feichtinger, Head of the Compliance Engineering department.

The radiated measurements are performed in what are known as "absorber halls".  These consist of a Faraday cage which is lined with ferrites* in order to ensure the required field homogeneity.  As a result, inside the room, the electromagnetic waves are absorbed by the walls.

Such quality testing takes place on an ongoing basis during product development. As a matter of principle, all devices covered by the EMC Directive are tested.

* 1.pure iron crystals 2. strongly magnetic, ceramic material (source: http://services.langenscheidt.de/fremdwb/fremdwb.html)

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