HYBRID SUPER PRECISION DIURNAL SOLAR SIMULATION APPARATUS AND DIURNAL SOLAR SIMULATION METHOD USING SAME

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus (100) for simulating an amount of light irradiation per unit area according to diurnal time of sunlight, including: a housing part (110) having an open area (11) formed on one surface thereof, lamp installation openings (113) formed on at least one or more surfaces thereof, and covers (115) adapted to cover the lamp installation openings; a lamp part (120) having a shape of a cylinder in such a manner as to be insertedly located inside the housing part through the lamp installation openings to emit light in a direction of 360°; lamp light shielding parts (130-1, 130-2) moving in a longitudinal direction of the lamp part in such a manner as to shield the entire light emitted from the lamp part or a portion of the light emitted from the lamp part; a driving part (140) adapted to provide a driving force allowing the lamp light shielding parts to move; and a control part adapted to control the driving part under predetermined conditions to allow moving distances, speeds or directions of the lamp light shielding parts and output of the lamp part to be controlled.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method that is capable of simulating diurnal sunlight from sunrise to sunset.

[Background Art]

[0002] If sunlight enters the atmosphere of the earth, it is mostly absorbed, and the sunlight reaching the earth surface includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. If sunlight incident on the earth surface is irradiated on an object made of a specific material, it ages the object by means of light response.

[0003] If a vehicle is exposed to sunlight for a long time, for example, a coating material which applied to the surface of the vehicle may peel off, and a metal plate located on the underside of the coating may corrode. Like this, aging of the object exposed to sunlight gives bad influences on reliability of a product.

[0004] In the past, a product is directly exposed to sunlight at a product developing step to perform the aging test for the product, but in addition to the influence of the sunlight, there is another interference influence like climate conditions, thereby making it hard to accurately analyze the influence of sunlight.

[0005] Recently, a new method capable of simulating characteristics of sunlight has been suggested to check aging of an object through irradiation of light simulating sunlight inside a chamber. However, the conventional solar simulation apparatus does not accurately simulate the characteristics of diurnal sunlight from sunrise to sunset.

[0006] Further, MIL-STD-810G Method 505.6 Procedure I is a test for the influence of heat of direct light and the influence of photochemical rays of direct light on military items, and as changes in the amount of irradiation of sunlight according to time have to be simulated to correspond to the test, there is a definite need for the development of a new solar simulation apparatus capable of performing such solar simulation.

[0007] In detail, there is a definite need for the development of a new solar simulation apparatus capable of simulating sunlight from sunrise to sunset, while generating the full spectrum of sunlight.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method that is capable of simulating changes in the amount of irradiation (W/m²) per unit area of diurnal sunlight like real natural sunlight, thereby enhancing reliability in a solar aging test.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method that is capable of simulating sunlight from sunrise to sunset, while providing the same light distribution shape and uniformly maintaining an amount of irradiation per unit area.

[Technical Solution]

[0010] To accomplish the above-mentioned objects, according to the present invention, there is provided a solar simulation apparatus for simulating an amount of light irradiation per unit area according to diurnal time of sunlight, including: a housing part having an open area formed on one surface thereof, lamp installation openings formed on at least one or more surfaces thereof, and covers adapted to cover the lamp installation openings; a lamp part having a shape of a cylinder in such a manner as to be insertedly located inside the housing part through the lamp installation openings to emit light in a direction of 360°; lamp light shielding parts moving in a longitudinal direction of the lamp part in such a manner as to shield the entire light emitted from the lamp part or a portion of the light emitted from the lamp part; a driving part adapted to provide a driving force allowing the lamp light shielding parts to move; and a control part adapted to control the driving part under predetermined conditions to allow moving distances, speeds or directions of the lamp light shielding parts and output of the lamp part to be controlled, wherein the light irradiated on the open area of the housing part is uniform light having the same light distribution shape and uniform amount of irradiation per unit area, independently of the amount of light shielded by the lamp light shielding parts.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0011] According to the present invention, the hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method can simulate changes in the amount of irradiation (W/m²) per unit area of diurnal sunlight like real natural sunlight, thereby enhancing reliability in the solar aging test.

[0012] In addition, the hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus and method according to the present invention is provided with the simulation light used for the solar aging test that can be uniform light similar to natural sunlight and can be always the same in the distribution shape of the simulation light, independently of the light shielded.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0013] 

FIG.1 is an exemplary view showing a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.3 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the apparatus is turned by 90° around an axis Y.

FIG.4 is an exploded perspective view showing an installation example of a lamp part on a housing part in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.5 is a perspective view showing an example wherein the lamp part has been installed on the housing part in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.6 is a perspective view showing an example wherein a reflection member is installed inside the housing part in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIGS.7 to 9 are perspective and front views showing a structure of a driving part and lamp light shielding parts in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIGS.10 and 11 are front views showing minimum and maximum open and distances of the lamp light shielding parts in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the reflection member of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing another example of the reflection member according to the present invention.

FIGS.14 and 15 are perspective views showing simulation light mixed with the light of the lamp part by means of the reflection member in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG.16 is a flowchart showing a solar simulation method using the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

FIGS.17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the detailed steps of the solar simulation method of FIG.16 according to the present invention.

FIG.19 is a graph showing results of a solar simulation test carried out through the solar simulation method of FIGS.17 and 18.

[Mode for Invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, the present invention will be in detail explained with reference to the attached drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. In the description, the thicknesses of the lines or the sizes of the components shown in the drawing may be magnified for the clarity and convenience of the description, and the components may be different in shape, form, or size in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG.1 is an exemplary view showing a hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.1, a solar simulation apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing part 110 whose one area is open so that it can surround an outside of a solar aging test object P through the open area.

[0016] A lamp part 120 is located inside the housing part 110 and serves to emit light toward the solar aging test object P. Lamp light shielding parts 130 are located to surround the outer peripheral surface of the lamp part 120. The lamp light shielding parts 130 are linearly reciprocated in a longitudinal direction of the lamp part 120 by means of a driving part 140 located on one surface of the housing part 110.

[0017] The driving part 140 serves to provide a driving force to allow the lamp light shielding parts 130 to be linearly reciprocated. The driving part 140 includes an actuator, a motor, and so on. Cooling parts 150 serve to circulate the heat generated from the lamp part 120 to the outside from the interior of the housing part 110. The cooling parts 150 are located on both sides of the housing part 110.

[0018] FIG.2 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.2, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes an open area 111 formed on the front surface on an axis X and lamp installation openings 113 formed on both sides on an axis Y so as to exchange the lamp part 120 with new one.

[0019] FIG.2 shows a state wherein the lamp installation openings 112 are covered with covers 115. The lamp part 120 is located inside the housing part 110, and the two lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 are provided to surround a first area and a second area formed along the outer peripheral surface of the lamp part 120 in the longitudinal direction of the lamp part 120.

[0020] The driving part 140 protrudes from the rear surface of the housing part 110 on the axis X and transfers the driving force to the lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 through connectors (not shown) connected to the inside of the housing part 110. The cooling parts 150 serve to discharge the internal air of the housing part 110 to the outside of the housing part 110 and to supply external air to the interior of the housing part 110.

[0021] FIG.3 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the apparatus is turned by 90° around an axis Y. As shown in FIG.3, a reflection member 170 is inserted into the open area 111 of the housing part 110. The covers 115 are located on both sides of the housing part 110 so as to cover the lamp installation openings 113.

[0022] The driving part 140 is located on top of the housing part 110, while being protected from the outside by means of a protection cover. The first cooling part 150-1 and the second cooling part 150-2 constituting the cooling part 150 are located on both sides of the housing part 110 where the lamp installation openings 113 are formed.

[0023] FIG.4 is an exploded perspective view showing an installation example of the lamp part on the housing part in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.4, the lamp part 120 includes a light source 121, a first connection member 122, a first heatsink 123, a second heat sink 124, and a second connection member 125. The light source 121 is fixed to the first cover 115-1 and the second cover 115-2 constituting the covers 115 by means of the first connection member 122 and the second connection member 125.

[0024] Further, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes the lamp installation openings 113 formed on both sides of the housing part 110 in such a manner as to face each other, so that after the covers 115 are removed from the lamp installation openings 113, the lamp part 120 can be inserted into the lamp installation openings 113 and then conveniently installed inside the housing part 110.

[0025] So as to remove the lamp part 120 already installed from the housing part 110, also, the covers 115 are first removed from the lamp installation openings 113, and next, the lamp part 120 is conveniently removed from the housing part 110 through the lamp installation openings 113.

[0026] Furthermore, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention is configured to allow the reflection member 170 to be inserted into the open area 111 of the housing part 110. An explanation on the functions of the reflection member 170 will be given later with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] FIG.5 is a perspective view showing an example wherein the lamp part has been installed on the housing part in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.5, the lamp part 120 is located inside the housing part 110 in such a manner as to be adjacent to the surface of the housing part 110 on which the driving part 140 is located. The first connection member 122 of the lamp part 120 is fastened to the inner surface of the first cover 115-1 and is thus fixed to the inside of the housing part 110 (See a portion A of FIG.5). In the same manner as above, the second connection member 125 of the lamp part 120 is fastened to the inner surface of the second cover 115-2 and is thus fixed to the inside of the housing part 110.

[0028] FIG.6 is a perspective view showing an example wherein the reflection member is installed inside the housing part in the apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.6, the light source 121 can be fixed to the housing part 110 by means of the first connection member 122 and the second connection member 125. It can be found that the light source 121 is exposed to the outside, while being surrounded with the lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2.

[0029] If the light source 121 is exposed to the outside, light is emitted along the outer peripheral surface of the light source 121, so that the light which simulates sunlight can be irradiated on the solar aging test object P and other areas of the housing part 110. If the light is irradiated on other areas of the housing part 110, the durability of the solar simulation apparatus 100 can be deteriorated. So as to prevent the light emitted from the light source 121 from being irradiated on the driving part 140 and the blowers 150 and also to allow light distribution to be uniform, accordingly, the reflection member 170 for reflecting the light emitted from the light source 121 is located inside the housing part 110. If the reflection member 170 is located inside the housing part 110, the light emitted from the light source 121 is collectively irradiated on the solar aging test object P.

[0030] As shown in FIGS.1, 5 and 6, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention is configured to allow the light emitted from the light source 121 of the lamp part 120 in a direction of 360°, like real natural sunlight, to be uniformly irradiated on the solar aging test object P.

[0031] Natural sunlight emits full spectrum in the range of 280 to 3000 nm, such as ultrasonic light, visible light, infrared light, and so on, and sunlight on the earth's surface is uniform on a unit area. So as to simulate the sunlight, in detail, simulation light has to have the same light distribution shape in various test environments and also have uniform amount of irradiation per unit area, like real sunlight.

[0032] To do this, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention can simulate sunlight, while maintaining the same light distribution shape in the changes of sunlight according to latitude from sunrise to sunset and uniform evenness in the amount of irradiation per unit area.

[0033] The light emitted from the light source 121 of the lamp 120 is irradiated on the solar aging test object P in a state of being mixed with direct light that is directly irradiated on the solar aging test object P, reflected light that is reflected on the reflection member 170 and is then irradiated on the solar aging test object P, and scattered light that is scattered on the edges of the parts, so that the uniform light like real natural sunlight can be irradiated on the solar aging test object P.

[0034] Further, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention is configured to allow other light (the reflected light and the scattered light) of the light emitted from the light source 121 except the direct light to be reflected on the reflection member 170 and thus irradiated on the solar aging test object P, so that even if the light source 121 is shielded by means of the lamp light shielding parts 130, the light having the same light distribution shape can be irradiated on the solar aging test object P. In detail, the simulation light can always have the same light distribution shape, independently of the amount of light shielded by means of the lamp light shielding parts 130.

[0035] Even if the amount of direct light directly irradiated on the solar aging test object P is decreased by shielding a large portion of the light source 121 through the lamp light shielding parts 130 so as to simulate natural sunlight upon sunset, in more detail, the light emitted from the light source 121 is reflected on the reflection member 170 and then irradiated on the solar aging test object P, so that the distribution shapes of the light irradiated on the solar aging test object P are always the same or similar to each other.

[0036] Unlike the existing solar simulation apparatus wherein the light source is shielded to adjust the brightness of light, the solar simulation apparatus 100 according to the present invention can adjust luminous fluxes to control amount of irradiation, and maintain the same light distribution shape of the simulation light and the evenness in the amount of irradiation per unit area even in the changes in the amount of light of the light source 121 by means of the lamp light shielding parts 130.

[0037] FIGS.7 to 9 are perspective and front views showing a structure of the driving part and the lamp light shielding parts in the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.7, the lamp light shielding parts 130 are constituted of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 that have cylindrical bodies. The driving part 140 includes a first motor 141-1 and a first connector 142-1 adapted to provide the driving force to the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 so as to allow the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 to be linearly reciprocated in the first area. Further, the driving part 140 includes a second motor 141-2 and a second connector 142-2 adapted to provide the driving force to the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 so as to allow the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 to be linearly reciprocated in the second area.

[0038] Referring to FIG.8, the driving part 140 includes the first motor 141-1, the second motor 141-2, the first connector 142-1, the second connector 142-2, a first limit sensor 143-1, a second limit sensor 143-2, a third limit sensor 143-3, a fourth limit sensor 143-4, a first actuator 144-1, and a second actuator 144-2. Further, the driving part 140 includes a first sensed member 143-5 coupled to the first connector 142-1 in such a manner as to respond to the first limit sensor 143-1 and the second limit sensor 143-2 so as to calculate a moving distance of the first connector 142-1 and a second sensed member 143-6 coupled to the second connector 142-2 in such a manner as to respond to the third limit sensor 143-3 and the fourth limit sensor 143-4 so as to calculate a moving distance of the second connector 142-2.

[0039] The first motor 141-1 transfers the driving force to the first actuator 144-1 to allow the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 connected to the first connector 142-1 to be linearly reciprocated in the first path a. The second motor 141-2 transfers the driving force to the second actuator 144-2 to allow the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 connected to the second connector 142-2 to be linearly reciprocated in the second path b.

[0040] At this time, the first motor 141-1 can control the size, direction and speed of the driving force transferred to the first actuator 144-1 on the basis of the sensed value through the first sensed member 143-5 responding to the first limit sensor 143-1 and the second limit sensor 143-2. In the same manner as above, the second motor 141-2 can control the size, direction and speed of the driving force transferred to the second actuator 144-2 on the basis of the sensed value through the second sensed member 143-6 responding to the third limit sensor 143-3 and the fourth limit sensor 143-4. As the positions of the first sensed member 143-5 and the second sensed member 143-6 are sensed by means of the first to fourth limit sensors 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4, in detail, the moving distances of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 can be precisely sensed, and also, their damage due to their collision can be prevented.

[0041] Referring to FIG.9, the first motor 141-1 is connected to the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 through the first connector 142-1. At this time, the first connector 142-1 is configured to be divided into four parts. The first part 142-1a of the first connector 142-1 is extended toward the first lamp light shielding part 130-1, the second part 142-1b is extended toward the first motor 141-1 at an angle of 90° with respect to the first part 142-1a, the third part 142-1c is bent toward the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 in such a manner as to be extended up to the center of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 from one end thereof, and the fourth part 142-1d connects one end of the third part 142-1c with the center of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1.

[0042] In the same manner as above, the second connector 142-2 is configured to be divided into four parts. The first part 142-2a of the second connector 142-2 is extended toward the second lamp light shielding part 130-2, the second part 142-2b is extended toward the second motor 141-2 at an angle of 90° with respect to the first part 142-2a, the third part 142-2c is bent toward the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 in such a manner as to be extended up to the center of the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 from one end thereof, and the fourth part 142-2d connects one end of the third part 142-2c with the center of the second lamp light shielding part 130-2.

[0043] Referring to FIGS.10 and 11, the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 can be moved to the maximum open distance M from the minimum open distance m so as to simulate sunlight from sunrise to sunset. At this time, the moving distances of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 to the maximum open distance M from the minimum open distance m can be adjusted by means of the first to fourth limit sensors 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4 and the moving distance sensing values of the first sensed element 143-5 and the second sensed element 143-6. Referring to FIG.10, in detail, if the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 is moved up to the minimum open distance m, it is stopped, while maintaining the minimum open distance m, through the sensed values of the first and second limit sensors 143-1 and 143-2 responding to the first sensed element 143-5. In the same manner as above, the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 is stopped after moved up to the minimum open distance m. Of course, the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 are moved until they come into close contact with each other to shield the entire light source 121, but in this case, they may be damaged due to their collision. Accordingly, it is desirable that they are spaced apart from each other, while maintaining the minimum open distance m therebetween.

[0044] Referring to FIG.11, the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 can be moved to the maximum open distance M to allow the entire light source 121 to be exposed to the outside. Even in this case, the moving distances of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 up to the maximum open distance M can be adjusted by means of the first to fourth limit sensors 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4 and the moving distance sensing values of the first sensed element 143-5 and the second sensed element 143-6.

[0045] According to the present invention, as the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 are moved linearly in the longitudinal direction of the light source 121, they shield the light source 121 so as to physically dim the light emitted from the light source 121, and the movements of the first lamp light shielding part 130-1 and the second lamp light shielding part 130-2 to the maximum open distance M from the minimum open distance m can be precisely controlled by means of the first to fourth limit sensors 143-1, 143-2, 143-3, and 143-4 and the moving distance sensing values of the first sensed element 143-5 and the second sensed element 143-6.

[0046] FIG.12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the reflection member 170 of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG.13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a reflection member 270 as another example of the reflection member according to the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG.12, the reflection member 170 of the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention includes a rectangular or square frame 171 whose center is open, a pair of side reflection plates 172 facingly located on both sides of the square frame 171, and a bent reflection plate 173 located on other two sides of the square frame 171.

[0048] The square frame 171 has handles 171-1 fixed thereto in such a manner as to face the side reflection plates 172, so that when the square frame 171 is installed inside the housing part 110, the handles 171-1 can be held by a worker. Further, the square frame 171 has a plurality of fastening holes formed along the four edges to fixedly couple the side reflection plates 172 and the bent reflection plate 173 thereto by means of fastening means like bolts.

[0049] The side reflection plates 172 have a shape of a general trapezoid, and they have insertion holes 172a incisedly formed on the opposite side to the side located on the square frame 171 to insert the lamp light shielding parts 130. Along the insertion holes 172a, the lamp light shielding parts 130 can be linearly moved. Further, the side reflection plates 172 are not coupled perpendicularly to the square frame 171,but coupled slantly toward the lamp light shielding parts 130.

[0050] The bent reflection plate 173 is bent to cover the tops of the lamp light shielding parts 130 and then fixed to the square frame 171. The inner surface of the bent reflection plate 173 is contactedly coupled to both edges of the side reflection plates 172 to most desirably prevent the light emitted from the lamp part 120 from leaking to the outside. The lengths of the edges of the portions of the bent reflection plate 173 coupled to the square frame 171 are larger than the length of the bent portion thereof to cover the lamp light shielding parts 130, and when the bent reflection plate 173 is unfolded before coupled to the square frame 171, accordingly, it has a shape of a plate like a ribbon. In the same manner as the side reflection plates 172, the bent reflection plate 173 is coupled to the square frame 171 in such a manner as to be slant toward the lamp light shielding parts 130.

[0051] Under the above-mentioned configuration, the reflection member 170 is configured to have the side reflection plates 172 and the bent reflection plate 173 slant toward the center of the square frame 171, so that the side reflection plates 172 and the bent reflection plate 173 can reflect the light emitted from the lamp part 120 in a direction allowing the light to be distributed from the center of a light path. As a result, the distribution shapes of the light emitted from the lamp part 120 can be maintained in the same shape as each other, and also, the amount of irradiation per unit area can be uniformly maintained.

[0052] On the other hand, if the light emitted from the lamp part 120 is irradiated on other parts of the solar simulation apparatus 100, that is, on the driving part or the cooling parts, the durability of the solar simulation apparatus 100 may be deteriorated, and also, light losses may occur. In detail, it is most desirable that all of the light emitted from the lamp part 120 is irradiated on the solar aging test object P. In case of the reflection member 170 as shown in FIG.12, the light of the lamp part 120 may leak through spaces between the insertion holes 172a of the side reflection plates 172 and the lamp light shielding parts 130. So as to solve such problems, the reflection member 270 as shown in FIG.13 may be provided.

[0053] Referring to FIG.13, the reflection member 270 according to the present invention includes a square frame 271 and a pair of side reflection plates 272 and a bent reflection plate 273 located on the square frame 271. The whole configuration of the reflection member 270 is the same as the reflection member 170 as shown in FIG.11, and for the brevity of the description, therefore, an explanation on different components of the reflection member 270 will be given.

[0054] The side reflection plates 272 have first semicircular insertion holes 272a formed thereon to allow the lamp light shielding parts 130 to be moved linearly therethrough, and also, they are contactedly coupled to the inner surface of the bent reflection plate 273.

[0055] The bent reflection plate 273 is bent to cover the tops of the lamp light shielding parts 130 and then fixed to the square frame 271. Further, the bent reflection plate 273 has light shielding plates 274 adapted to prevent the light from leaking from both sides and tops of the lamp light shielding parts 130. In detail, the light shielding plates 274 are formed unitarily with the bent reflection plate 273. The light shielding plates 274 are fixedly coupled to the inner surface of the bent reflection plate 273 and have second semicircular insertion holes 274a formed on the center thereof to allow the lamp light shielding parts 130 to be linearly moved therethrough. In detail, the first insertion holes 272a and the second insertion holes 274a are formed correspondingly to the outer peripheral surfaces of the lamp light shielding parts 130. Desirably, the light shielding plates 274 are made of the same material as the bent reflection plate 273 so as to shield or reflect the light leaking around the lamp light shielding parts 130. Further, the light shielding plates 274 have rectangular slits 274b corresponding to the fourth parts 142-1d and 142-2d of the driving part 140 so as to allow the fourth parts 142-1d and 142-2d to be passed and linearly moved therethrough.

[0056] FIGS.14 and 15 are perspective views showing states where the light emitted from the lamp part 120 is reflected on the reflection member 170 to form the same light distribution shape and the evenness of irradiation.

[0057] Referring to FIG.14, the lamp part 120 is cylindrical, so that it can emit light in a direction of 360°. The light of the lamp part 120 includes the light that is directly emitted toward the open area 111 and thus irradiated on the solar aging test object P, the light that is emitted toward top of the open area 111, that is, the bent portion of the bent reflection plate 173 of the reflection member 170, in directions of arrows, and the light that is emitted toward the side reflection plates 172. In detail, the lamp part 120 emits the light in the direction of 360°.

[0058] Like this, the light emitted in the direction of 360° is emitted directly toward the open area 111 or is reflected on the side reflection plates 172 and the bent reflection plate 173 in such a manner as to be then irradiated on the open area 111. In this case, as the reflection member 170 has a flood type of member, that is, a cone or square funnel, the square or rectangular light distribution shape can be formed on the open area 111, and the irradiated light can be uniform in the amount of irradiation per unit area.

[0059] FIG.15 shows a state where about half of the lamp part 120 is shielded by means of the first lamp light emitting part 130-1 and the second lamp light emitting part 130-2, and at this time, the simulation light produced by the light of the lamp part 120 has the same light distribution shape as that in a state where the lamp part 120 is exposed to the outside to the maximum by means of the first lamp light emitting part 130-1 and the second lamp light emitting part 130-2 as shown in FIG.14.

[0060] As shown in FIGS.14 and 15, in detail, the amounts of irradiation of the simulation light per unit area are varied since the open distances of the first lamp light emitting part 130-1 and the second lamp light emitting part 130-2 are changed, but the light distribution shapes are the same as each other, so that the energy of the amounts of irradiation of the simulation light per unit area can be uniform.

[0061] FIG.16 is a flowchart showing a diurnal solar simulation method using the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.16, a solar simulation method using the solar simulation apparatus according to the present invention includes the steps of: driving a lamp (Step S110); shielding light emitted from the lamp (S130); performing physical dimming (Step S150); and performing electronic dimming (Step S170).

[0062] The step of driving the lamp (Step S110) is carried out by applying power to the lamp part 120 to generate light. If the lamp part 120 makes use of an HMI lamp, a voltage and a current are applied to the lamp part 120 to allow output power at initial step to be more than 50%, so that the lamp part 120 can be driven. In a state where the HMI lamp or xenon lamp used in simulating sunlight has the output power less than 50% if the electronic dimming for the lamp part 120 is carried out, it is hard to reliably simulate sunlight. In detail, the lamp part 120 has to generate the output power of more than at least 50% so as to simulate natural sunlight, thereby producing the simulation light having high reliability. At this time, if the lamp part 120 generates the output power of more than at least 50%, it is shielded by the lamp light shielding parts 130 to allow the amount of irradiation to be limited, thereby simulating the sunlight at sunrise or sunset. As a result, the dimming control for the lamp part 120 can be physically and electronically performed.

[0063] At the step of shielding the light emitted from the lamp part 120 (Step S130), the initial light emitted from the lamp part 120 becomes unstable, so that the wavelength characteristics of the light may be different from those of sunlight. Accordingly, the initial light emitted from the lamp part 120 can be shielded so that it cannot reach the solar aging test object P.

[0064] The way of shielding the light emitted from the lamp part 120 is carried out by allowing the two lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 to come into contact with each other so that the center of the lamp part 120 is not exposed to the outside.

[0065] At the step of performing physical dimming (Step S150), the lamp light shielding parts 130 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the lamp part 120 are open by the given distance from the minimum open distance m to the maximum open distance M after the spectrum of the lamp part 120 has been stabilized, so that the light emitted from the lamp part 120 can be physically dimmed.

[0066] At the step of performing electronic dimming (Step S170), if the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts 130 is more than an intermediate value, it is increased until it reaches the maximum open distance M, and next, the voltage and current supplied to the lamp part 120 are adjusted to perform the electronic dimming. In detail, if the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts 130 reaches the maximum open distance M, the physical dimming wherein the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts 130 is adjusted is stopped, and from this time, the electronic dimming wherein the voltage and current supplied to the lamp part 120 are adjusted is performed. At this step, if the output of EPS controlling the lamp part 120 reaches maximum output, the lamp light shielding parts 130 are fixed to the maximum open distance M and the output of the EPS is fixed to the maximum output. After that, a quiet period for about 2 to 3 hours is started. The quiet period is a period wherein the energy of the light irradiated on the solar aging test object P is at a maximum value, that is, it is noon, and as the energy of the light irradiated on the solar aging test object P reaches the maximum value in the quiet period, accordingly, a timer for counting the time of the quiet period may be further provided.

[0067] If the quiet period is finished, the above-mentioned steps are carried out in reverse order thereto, thereby simulating sunlight from noon to sunset.

[0068] FIGS.17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the detailed steps of the solar simulation method according to the present invention, and FIG.19 is a graph showing results of a solar simulation test carried out through the solar simulation method of FIGS.17 and 18.

[0069] Referring to FIG.17, a control part of the solar simulation apparatus at the step of driving the lamp part 120 (Step S110) applies the voltage and current to the lamp part 120 to allow the output power of the lamp part 120 to be more than 50% and thus drives the lamp part 120. At this time, the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 adapted to surroundingly shield the lamp part 120 is less than 4 mm.

[0070] After that, the control part of the solar simulation apparatus counters the time for simulating sunlight (Step Sill), and referring to FIG.19, the simulation time at each step is about 30 minutes. After the simulation time of 30 minutes, in detail, the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 is compared with the output of the EPS, and the physical or electronic dimming is performed for the simulation at next step.

[0071] The open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 is compared with a set value (Step S112) by means of the control part so that the dimming type is determined. The set value may be an intermediate value between the minimum open distance m and the maximum open distance M of the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 or an arbitrary value determined between the minimum open distance m and the maximum open distance M of the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2. In this case, if the open distance is less than or equal to the set value, the control part serves to fix the output of the EPS to allow the lamp part 120 to have the minimum output of 50% and increases the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 to perform the physical dimming (Step S150) and to also count the simulation time. After the simulation time has elapsed, the open distance is repeatedly increased to perform the physical dimming (Step S150), so that the energy of the simulation light per unit area irradiated on the solar aging test object is gradually increased.

[0072] If the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 reaches the set value, next, the control part serves to control the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 and the EPS so that the electronic dimming is performed (Step S170). In detail, at this time, the control part serves to allow the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 to be increased up to the maximum open distance M and then fixed thereto, and simultaneously, the control part serves to increase the output of the EPS so that the output of the lamp part 120 is increased, thereby performing only the electronic dimming (Step S170). The electronic dimming is carried out by increasing the output of the EPS step by step to allow the output of the lamp part 120 to be increased step by step and to thus allow the lamp part 120 to emit the simulation light. The electronic dimming is carried out until the lamp part 120 reaches the maximum output, and the simulation time for each step is counted.

[0073] In detail, sunlight from sunrise to noon can be simulated through the physical dimming (Step S150) and the electronic dimming (Step S170).

[0074] If the output of the EPS reaches the maximum output (Step S172), next, it is fixed to the maximum output, and the quiet period for a given time is provided. Allowing the output of the EPS to reach the maximum output means that the amount of irradiation of the simulation light per unit area reaches a maximum, and the simulation light is obtained by simulating sunlight at noon where sunlight is irradiated most. In the quiet period, the simulation time is controlled by means of a timer, and the maximum energy is irradiated on the solar aging test object for about 2 to 3 hours to perform the solar aging test.

[0075] According to the present invention, as mentioned above, the solar simulation from sunrise to noon is carried out, and at a period where the amount of irradiation per unit area is small, the physical dimming wherein the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 are moved is carried out to control the amount of irradiation. After that, the electronic dimming wherein the output of the lamp part 120 is increased in the state where the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 are open to the maximum open distance M is carried out to control the amount of irradiation. As a result, solar simulation from sunrise to noon can be performed. On the other hand, solar simulation from noon to sunset is performed in the reverse order to the above-mentioned order, and it will be in detail explained with reference to FIG.18.

[0076] Referring to FIG.18, if the quiet period is finished, that is, after the solar simulation for noon is finished, the amount of irradiation of the lamp part 120 is decreased to perform the simulation test up to sunset.

[0077] First, it is checked whether the output of the EPS applying the voltage and current to the lamp part 120 is minimum output or not (Step S211), and the output of the EPS is decreased until it reaches the minimum output (Step S220). At this time, the simulation time is counted to perform the simulation step by step as shown in FIG.19. The simulation time at each step is set to about 30 minutes. If the unit simulation time has elapsed, the output of the EPS decreased is compared with the minimum output (Step S211) again. The minimum output can be the output of the EPS that allows the output of the lamp part 120 to be 50%.

[0078] If the output of the EPS reaches the minimum output, it is fixed to the minimum output allowing the output of the lamp part 120 to be 50% (Step S231), and simultaneously, the physical dimming (Step S230) wherein the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 is decreased is carried out. In the same manner as above, the unit simulation time for solar simulation is counted, and after the unit simulation time is finished, the open distance decreased between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 and a set value are compared with each other. In this case, the set value is set to an intermediate value between the minimum open distance m and the maximum open distance M of the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 or an arbitrary value determined between the minimum open distance m and the maximum open distance M of the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2. In this case, if the open distance is greater than the set value, the control part serves to fix the output of the EPS to allow the lamp part 120 to have the minimum output of 50% and decreases the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 to the set value.

[0079] After that, the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 is compared with the set value, and if the open distance is less than the set value, the physical dimming (Step S230) wherein the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 is decreased to the minimum open distance m is carried out in the state where the output of the EPS is fixed to 50%.

[0080] Next, if the open distance between the first and second lamp light shielding parts 130-1 and 130-2 reaches the minimum open distance m, the solar simulation is finished.

[0081] Through the solar simulation method as described above, sunlight from noon to sunset can be simulated, and the amount of irradiation (energy) of the light per unit area can be similarly simulated to natural sunlight by means of the electronic dimming controlling the output of the lamp part 120 and the physical dimming shielding the lamp part 120 to control the amount of irradiation.

[0082] Through the first physical dimming, the first electronic dimming, the quiet period, the second electronic dimming, and the second physical dimming, as mentioned above, the solar simulation method can similarly simulate changes in spectrum of sunlight for a day.

[0083] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus for simulating an amount of light irradiation per unit area according to diurnal time of sunlight, comprising:

a housing part having an open area formed on one surface thereof, lamp installation openings formed on at least one or more surfaces thereof, and covers adapted to cover the lamp installation openings;

a lamp part having a shape of a cylinder in such a manner as to be insertedly located inside the housing part through the lamp installation openings to emit light in a direction of 360°;

lamp light shielding parts moving in a longitudinal direction of the lamp part in such a manner as to shield the entire light emitted from the lamp part or a portion of the light emitted from the lamp part;

a driving part adapted to provide a driving force allowing the lamp light shielding parts to move; and

a control part adapted to control the driving part under predetermined conditions to allow moving distances, speeds or directions of the lamp light shielding parts and output of the lamp part to be controlled,

wherein the light irradiated on the open area of the housing part is uniform light having the same light distribution shape and uniform amount of irradiation per unit area, independently of the amount of light shielded by the lamp light shielding parts.

2. A hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus for simulating an amount of light irradiation per unit area according to diurnal time of sunlight, comprising:

a housing part having an open area formed on one surface thereof to allow a solar aging test object to be located thereon;

a lamp part having a shape of a cylinder in such a manner as to be insertedly located inside the housing part to emit light in a direction of 360°;

lamp light shielding parts moving in a longitudinal direction of the lamp part in such a manner as to shield the entire light emitted from the lamp part or a portion of the light emitted from the lamp part;

a driving part adapted to provide a driving force allowing the lamp light shielding parts to move;

a control part adapted to control the driving part under predetermined conditions to allow moving distances, speeds or directions of the lamp light shielding parts and output of the lamp part to be controlled; and

a reflection member adapted to reflect a portion of the light emitted from the lamp part to the solar aging test object on the open area,

wherein the light irradiated on the solar aging test object is uniform light mixed with direct light from the lamp light shielding parts, reflected light from the reflection member, and scattered light, the uniform light having the same light distribution shape and uniform amount of light irradiation per unit area, independently of the amount of light shielded by the lamp light shielding parts.

3. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lamp light shielding parts have cylindrical bodies adapted to surround the outer peripheral surface of the lamp part, while not coming into contact with the lamp part, in such a manner as to be movable in a transverse direction.

4. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the lamp light shielding parts comprise a first lamp light shielding part for performing a first linear reciprocating motion between one end of the lamp part and the center of the lamp part and a second lamp light shielding part for performing a second linear reciprocating motion between the other end of the lamp part and the center of the lamp part.

5. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the driving part moves the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part to the opposite direction to each other in such a manner as to maintain an isolated distance between the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part during unit simulation time and to move the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part if the unit simulation time has elapsed so as to change the isolated distance.

6. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part are moved between a minimum open distance and a maximum open distance, and the lamp part is maintained at output power of 50% until the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part reach the maximum open distance.

7. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control part controls the output of the lamp part if the first lamp light shielding part and the second lamp light shielding part reach the maximum open distance.

8. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reflection member comprises a square frame, a pair of side reflection plates facingly located on both sides of the square frame, and a bent reflection plate located on the other two sides of the square frame to cover tops of the lamp light shielding parts, and the reflection member serves to mix the light irradiated from the lamp part to form the uniform light having the same light distribution shape, independently of the amount of light shielded by the lamp light shielding parts and the output of the lamp part.

9. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the side reflection plates have first insertion holes formed on portions adjacent to the lamp light shielding parts in such a manner as to allow the lamp light shielding parts to be linearly moved therethrough.

10. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the bent reflection plate has light shielding plates adapted to cover tops of the lamp light shielding parts to prevent the light from leaking to the surrounding portions of the lamp light shielding parts, and the light shielding plates have second insertion holes formed correspondingly to the outer peripheries of the lamp light shielding parts in such a manner as to allow the lamp light shielding parts to be linearly moved therethrough.

11. A hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation method using a solar simulation apparatus for simulating diurnal sunlight, the method comprising the steps of:

applying power to a driving part and driving the driving part to allow a lamp part to produce minimum rated output;

performing physical dimming so that a portion of light of the lamp part is shielded by means of lamp light shielding parts surrounding the lamp part and moving between a minimum open distance and a maximum open distance; and

performing electronic dimming so that output of the lamp part is controlled.

12. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation method according to claim 11, wherein so as to simulate sunlight from sunrise to noon, the power is applied to allow the lamp part to be driven with the minimum output power in a state where the lamp light shielding parts are moved to the minimum open distance, the physical dimming is then carried out to allow the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts to be increased so that an amount of irradiation of the lamp part is increased, and if the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts reaches the maximum open distance, the electronic dimming is carried out to allow the output of the lamp part to be increased so that the amount of irradiation of the lamp part is increased.

13. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation method according to claim 11, wherein so as to simulate sunlight from sunrise to noon, the power is applied to allow the lamp part to be driven with the minimum output power in a state where the lamp light shielding parts are moved to the minimum open distance, the physical dimming is then carried out to allow the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts to be increased so that an amount of irradiation of the lamp part is increased until the open distance reaches a set value between the minimum open distance and the maximum open distance of the lamp light shielding parts, and if the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts reaches the set value, the electronic dimming is carried out to allow the output of the lamp part to be increased after the open distance is increased to the maximum open distance so that the amount of irradiation of the lamp part is increased.

14. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein if the output of the lamp part reaches the maximum output through the electronic dimming, a quiet period is carried out so that the maximum output of the lamp part is maintained for a given period of time.

15. The hybrid super precision diurnal solar simulation method according to claim 11, wherein so as to simulate sunlight from noon to sunset, the power is applied to allow the lamp part to be driven with the maximum output power in a state where the lamp light shielding parts are moved to the maximum open distance, the electronic dimming is then carried out to allow the output of the lamp part to be decreased until the output of the lamp part reaches minimum output, and if the output of the lamp part reaches the minimum output, the physical dimming is carried out to allow the open distance between the lamp light shielding parts to be decreased until the open distance reaches the minimum open distance so that an amount of irradiation of the lamp part is decreased.

Drawing