IR-Sun Simulation System by Höenle

Overview

The IR-Sun Simulation System by Höenle is a purpose-engineered infrared irradiation platform designed for controlled thermal exposure of materials and components under non-visible solar spectral conditions. Unlike full-spectrum solar simulators (e.g., Class AAA AM1.5G systems), this system delivers broadband infrared radiation (780 nm – 3000 nm) with dominant energy output in the near- and mid-infrared bands—mimicking the thermal component of natural sunlight without significant UV or visible contribution. It operates on the principle of resistive heating of tungsten-halogen linear lamps housed in precision-aligned reflector housings, enabling directional, uniform irradiance over defined test areas. The system is not intended for photovoltaic cell calibration or spectral matching per IEC 60904-9; rather, it serves as a robust, repeatable heat source for thermal stress evaluation, material conditioning, and HVAC component validation in laboratory and industrial R&D environments.

Key Features

• High-power linear IR emitters available in 1000 W and 2000 W configurations, with optional custom wattage variants upon request
• Electronic phase-angle dimmer enabling precise, stepless intensity control from 0% to 100%—critical for ramped thermal profiling and steady-state soak testing
• Sub-second thermal response: achieves full rated radiant output within < 1 second, supporting dynamic thermal cycling protocols
• Modular mechanical design with adjustable mounting brackets and interchangeable reflector geometries (e.g., elliptical, parabolic) to optimize irradiance uniformity (±15% across 300 × 300 mm test zone)
• Integrated thermal cut-off protection and overtemperature monitoring compliant with EN 60598-1 safety requirements
• CE-marked construction with RoHS-compliant materials and EMC conformity per IEC 61000-6-3 (industrial environment emission limits)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system accommodates flat, curved, or volumetric samples up to 1.2 m in width, including automotive interior assemblies (dashboard modules, seat fabrics, HVAC ducts), polymer coatings, thermoplastic composites, and elastomeric seals. Sample stage integration supports both ambient-air and climate-controlled chamber configurations. While not certified to ASTM G151 or ISO 4892-2 for accelerated weathering, the IR-Sun Simulation System meets essential functional criteria for thermal load simulation referenced in SAE J2527 (Interior Component Thermal Soak Testing) and ISO 11337 (Plastics — Determination of Heat Resistance). All electrical interfaces conform to IEC 61800-5-1 for adjustable speed drive safety, and housing ingress protection meets IP20 for indoor laboratory use.

Software & Data Management

The system operates in standalone mode via front-panel controls but integrates seamlessly with third-party data acquisition platforms (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW, Keysight PathWave) through 0–10 V analog control input and RS-485 Modbus RTU interface. Optional Höenle-supplied software (IR-Control Suite v2.1) provides time-stamped irradiance logging, multi-channel temperature correlation (when paired with PT100 or thermocouple inputs), and pre-programmed thermal profiles—including ramp-hold-cool sequences traceable to GLP documentation standards. Audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signature support are available to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated quality assurance laboratories.

Applications

• Thermal aging of automotive interior materials per OEM specifications (e.g., VW TL 226, GMW 15635)
• Accelerated heat resistance testing of powder coatings, PVC films, and polyurethane foams
• Functional validation of HVAC blower motors, evaporator cores, and cabin air sensors under simulated solar thermal load
• Pre-conditioning of lithium-ion battery modules prior to electrochemical cycling tests
• Thermomechanical stress screening of adhesives and structural sealants used in transport applications
• Calibration reference source for radiometric IR camera validation (NIST-traceable blackbody comparison)

FAQ

Is this system suitable for UV degradation testing?
No. The IR-Sun Simulation System emits negligible ultraviolet radiation (< 0.1% of total output below 400 nm) and is not designed for photochemical aging studies.
Can the irradiance uniformity be validated per ISO/IEC 17025?
Yes—Höenle provides optional NIST-traceable irradiance mapping reports (using calibrated thermopile sensors) for accredited laboratories requiring documented measurement uncertainty budgets.
What cooling infrastructure is required during continuous 2000 W operation?
For extended duty cycles (>30 min), forced-air convection (≥120 m³/h at 25°C ambient) or water-cooled reflector housings are recommended to maintain lamp envelope temperature below 850°C and ensure rated lifetime (>2000 h).
Does the system support automated test sequencing with external PLCs?
Yes—via Modbus RTU or digital I/O triggers, enabling synchronization with environmental chambers, robotic sample handlers, or test management systems such as ETAS INCA or dSPACE SCALEXIO.