Non-contact inspection of PV system fasteners

DuraMAT 2.0 Spark Project

Fielded Module Forensics

Category: Other

Recipient Sandia National Laboratories (PI: Hansen, Clifford)

Subs CFV Labs, InnerSpec

Status Awarded

Abstract We will explore EMAT (Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer) technology for checking, monitoring and forensics of PV system threaded fasteners. EMAT offers potential for non-destructive, close but non-contact measurement of actual fastener clamping load, which is a more direct measurement of fastener performance than rotational torque. If successful, this project can lead to development of new instruments for field inspection and forensics of PV systems.