JP2006108128A - Flash discharge lamp lighting device and solar simulator for evaluating solar battery - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flash discharge lamp lighting device which can easily control the flash light emission waveform and can set the duration of a peak value of emission relatively long, and to provide a solar simulator for evaluating a solar battery using the same. <P>SOLUTION: The flash discharge lamp lighting device comprises a flash discharge lamp HFL which contains an external trigger electrode TRE and emits flash light; a constant current power supply CDC which supplies a constant current to the flash discharge lamp when the lamp starts discharging and lights up the lamp; a flash lighting circuit FOC equipped with a boost circuit BC which supplies a start-up auxiliary current that rises up rapidly to the flash discharge lamp HFL when the lamp starts discharging; and a high-voltage generating circuit HVC which starts up the flash discharge lamp HFL, by generating a high-voltage trigger signal and then applying it to the trigger electrode TRE of the flash discharge lamp HFL. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a flash discharge lamp lighting device that instantaneously irradiates high-intensity light suitable as a light source for simulated sunlight in a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, and a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation using the same.

  The performance of the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation depends on whether a larger number of solar cells can be evaluated in a shorter time. In the known solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, a plurality of solar cells are configured to be simultaneously measurable so as to increase the number of evaluations per time (see Patent Document 1).

By the way, although the solar cell evaluation can be measured within a relatively short time, it is better to irradiate the simulated sunlight only at the time of measurement because the solar cell is damaged when the simulated sunlight is continuously irradiated. . For this purpose, the inventor has conceived of using a flash discharge lamp. A conventional flash discharge lamp lighting device generally generates flash by discharging electric charge accumulated in a charge / discharge capacitor via a flash discharge lamp at the time of starting. Further, the flash discharge lamp is equipped with a trigger electrode that is in close contact with the outer surface of the hermetic container, and is configured to start the flash discharge lamp by applying a high voltage pulse to the trigger electrode.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-069057

  However, in the case of a conventional flash discharge lamp lighting device, the lamp current, and hence the emission intensity, has a pulse shape with a mountain shape. Therefore, even if synchronization is performed so that the measurement is performed a plurality of times in the vicinity of the peak value of the change of the emission intensity with respect to time, the emission intensity changes with time during the measurement. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the data according to the change in the emission intensity. For this reason, there exists a problem that the structure of a measuring apparatus will become complicated. Moreover, since the time width in the vicinity of the peak value is small, the number of measurement integrations is reduced. Furthermore, the large proportion of the rise and fall times of the emission intensity that cannot be used for measurement is also the cause of the decrease in the number of measurement integrations.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a flash discharge lamp lighting device that can easily control the flash emission waveform and set the duration of the emission peak value to be relatively long, and a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation using the same. .

    A flash discharge lamp lighting device according to the present invention includes an external trigger electrode, and a flash discharge lamp that emits flash light; and a constant current power source and flash discharge for supplying a constant current to the flash discharge lamp when the flash discharge lamp is discharged. A flash lighting circuit having a boost circuit for supplying a leading discharge current at the start of discharge of the lamp; generating a high voltage for starting the flash discharge lamp by generating a high voltage trigger signal and applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp And a circuit.

  In the present invention, the trigger signal generated by operating the high voltage generation circuit is applied to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, whereby the inside of the hermetic container of the flash discharge lamp is broken down and the flash discharge lamp is started. When the flash discharge lamp is started, a relatively weak leading discharge current is first supplied mainly from the boost circuit to the flash discharge lamp to assist the start. As a result, flash discharge is started. When the flash discharge starts following the leading discharge current, the supply of lamp current from the constant current power supply rises and transitions to full-scale flash discharge, then the lamp current reaches the peak current, and the state of the peak current is predetermined. Lasts for hours. During that time, when the light emission rises sufficiently and then the light intensity is kept at a constant level for a predetermined time in the peak state, the supply of the lamp current from the constant current power supply is stopped, so that the lamp current falls and the flash discharge is stopped. finish.

  Control of the start and stop of the supply of the lamp current of the constant current power source is performed by providing an appropriate switch means for the constant current power source. Note that the boost circuit only needs to have a relatively small power supply capacity for supplying a weak leading discharge current at the start of flash discharge to assist guidance.

  The flash discharge lamp performs flash emission through the above series of discharge operations. At this time, flash emission having respective spectral distributions is performed according to the kind of rare gas as the discharge medium. In order to obtain flash emission having a spectral distribution similar to sunlight, it is effective to enclose a discharge medium mainly composed of xenon. In addition, when it is desired to increase the ultraviolet content, it is effective to enclose a discharge medium mainly composed of krypton or argon.

  The flash emission is proportional to the magnitude of the lamp current supplied to the flash discharge lamp and the change thereof. Therefore, by controlling the lamp current using the constant current power source, it is possible to control the flash emission so that the rising edge is fast, the peak value continues for a while, and then falls and ends.

  In the present invention, the leading discharge current at the rise of the flash discharge is supplied by the boost circuit of the flash lighting circuit to assist the manual start, and thereafter, the constant current power supply starts the main lamp current supply under the constant current characteristic. As a result, it is possible to realize a peak value with a flash discharge, and therefore with a fast rise and flat flash emission and a relatively long duration.

  Therefore, when the flash discharge lamp of the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention is used as a light source for pseudo solar light of the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, the solar cell evaluation is performed during the period before and after the peak value of light emission. When the required measurement is performed, the number of times of measurement integration can be increased, and correction of measurement data becomes unnecessary. Even if the measurement data is corrected, the correction becomes easy.

  In carrying out the present invention, one or more of the following embodiments may be selected and adopted as desired.

  (First Embodiment) A first embodiment includes an external trigger electrode and a flash discharge lamp that performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. And a high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and a flash discharge lamp lighting device in which the rise time of the lamp current waveform is set to 20 ms or less. The rise time is a time of 10 to 90% of the peak value of the lamp current rise waveform. The rise time also applies to light emission. That is, the rise time of the flash emission waveform can be set to 20 ms or less.

  In order to realize the first embodiment, the configuration of the flash discharge lamp, the configuration of the flash lighting circuit and its power supply impedance, and the distribution circuit constant of the distribution line connecting the power source and the flash discharge lamp are appropriately set. It is desirable to do. The above-described configuration of the present invention can be employed as a flash lighting circuit for supplying a lamp current. However, if desired, it can be realized by adopting a circuit configuration in which the electric charge accumulated in the charge / discharge capacitor is discharged to the flash discharge lamp.

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a pseudo-sunlight light source of a solar battery evaluation solar simulator, a time during which extra light or heat is given to the battery cell. Can be shortened so that the photoelectric conversion function of the battery cell is not deteriorated.

  In addition, by shortening the rise time of the lamp current waveform or the flash emission waveform, the ratio of the duration of the peak value in the lamp current waveform or the flash emission waveform is increased, so that the duration of one flash emission cycle is increased. It is possible to increase the number of measurement integrations by increasing the proportion of time available for measurement (measurement time efficiency).

  (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment includes an external trigger electrode and a flash discharge lamp that performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high-voltage trigger signal is generated. And a high voltage generation circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and a flash discharge lamp lighting device set so that the peak time of the lamp current waveform is maintained for 10 ms or more. . The peak time is the time during which 90% or more of the peak value of the lamp current waveform continues. Further, if the peak time is set as described above, as a result, a peak value duration of 10 ms or more of the flash emission waveform is realized. Further, the fluctuation range of the light output during the peak period is preferably within ± 2.5%.

  Further, the second embodiment can be easily realized by adopting the configuration of the present invention described above. However, if desired, in a circuit configuration for discharging the electric charge accumulated in the charge / discharge capacitor to the flash discharge lamp, the flash discharge lamp, the capacitance and charge voltage of the charge / discharge capacitor, the insertion of the inductor into the discharge circuit, and the circuit of the discharge circuit It can also be realized by appropriately setting constants.

  Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a pseudo-sunlight light source of the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, the peak value in the lamp current waveform and hence the flash emission waveform is maintained. Since the time is long, it is possible to increase the measurement integration number of battery cells during one light emission.

  (Third Embodiment) A third embodiment includes a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. And a high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and a flash discharge lamp lighting device in which the fall time of the lamp current waveform is set to 20 ms or less. The fall time is the time of 90 to 10% of the peak value of the lamp current fall waveform. The fall time also applies to the flash emission waveform. That is, the falling time of the flash emission waveform can be set to 20 ms or less.

  Further, in order to realize the third embodiment, the configuration of the flash discharge lamp, the configuration of the flash lighting circuit and the power supply impedance thereof, and the distribution line connecting between the power source and the flash discharge lamp as in the first embodiment It is desirable to appropriately set the distributed circuit constants. As the power source for supplying the lamp current, the above-described configuration of the present invention can be employed. However, if desired, it can be realized by adopting a circuit configuration in which the electric charge accumulated in the charge / discharge capacitor is discharged to the flash discharge lamp.

  Thus, according to the third embodiment, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a pseudo-sunlight light source for a solar simulator for solar battery evaluation, a time during which extra light or heat is given to the battery cell. Can be shortened so that the photoelectric conversion function of the battery cell is not deteriorated.

  In addition, shortening the fall time of the lamp current waveform increases the proportion of the duration of the peak value of the lamp current waveform, and hence the flash emission waveform, so that it can be used for measurement during one flash emission time cycle. It is possible to increase the number of measurement integrations by increasing the proportion of time that can be measured (measurement time efficiency).

  (About the fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment includes an external trigger electrode and a flash discharge lamp that performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and comprising a plurality of charge / discharge capacitors connected in parallel to the flash lighting circuit. A flash discharge lamp lighting device having a circuit configuration in which an inductor is connected in series to a capacitor.

  Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, a large lamp current necessary for a desired flash discharge is ensured, and the peak value, and hence the duration of the flash light emission peak value, can be easily set.

  Therefore, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a light source for simulated sunlight in a solar simulator for solar battery evaluation, the number of measurement integrations of battery cells during one light emission can be increased.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment includes an external trigger electrode and a flash discharge lamp that performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and a flash discharge lamp in which the lamp current density in the flash discharge lamp is set to 2000 A / cm ² or less It is a lighting device. Incidentally, the lamp current density (A / cm ²⁾ is a unit sectional area of the discharge space formed in the hermetic vessel of the flash discharge lamp (1 cm ²⁾ per lamp current (A). If the lamp current density is 2000 A / cm ² or less, it becomes easy to set the peak value duration to 10 ms or more of the desired value, and a desired light emission amount can be secured. The lamp current is the peak value of the pulse waveform.

  Thus, according to the fifth embodiment, it is easy to set the light emission peak value duration to a desired value.

  Therefore, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a light source for simulated sunlight in a solar simulator for solar battery evaluation, the number of measurement integrations of battery cells during one light emission can be increased.

  (Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment includes a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high-voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and a flash discharge lamp in which a light emitting portion of the flash discharge lamp is bent into a spiral shape, for example It is a lighting device.

  When the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a pseudo-sunlight light source of a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, a flash discharge lamp formed in an effective shape can be used. In this case, it is effective to bend a portion of ½ or more of the effective light emitting portion length. When the flash discharge lamp is bent in a spiral shape, for example, when the outer diameter of the flash discharge lamp is A (cm) and the diameter of the spiral is B (cm), Expression 3 ≦ B / A ≦ 15 is satisfied. Is preferred. About ratio B / A, a suitable value can be selected according to the magnitude | size of the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation within the range which the said numerical formula shows.

  If the sixth embodiment is adopted in the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, it is easy to realize a desired light distribution characteristic even with a small number of flash discharge lamps.

  (Seventh Embodiment) A seventh embodiment includes a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and the flash lighting circuit allows a small lamp current to flow during standby to continue the discharge of the flash discharge lamp. In addition, the flash discharge lamp lighting device is configured to perform flash discharge by intermittently supplying a predetermined lamp current during use. In order not to shorten the life of the flash discharge lamp, the amount of light emitted during standby is set to be 50% or less, preferably 30% or less of the flash discharge during use. desirable.

  Thus, according to the seventh embodiment, it is not necessary to start the flash discharge lamp each time flash light emission is performed, so that the time from the input of the lamp lighting command signal to the flash light emission can be greatly shortened. At the same time, it is effective for speeding up the rise and fall of the lamp current and light emission. As a result, when the flash discharge lamp lighting device is used as a light source for simulated sunlight in a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, the proportion of time that can be used for measurement in one flash emission time cycle (measurement time efficiency) To increase the number of measurement integrations.

  In addition, since it is not started every time, the reliability of flash emission is increased.

  (Eighth embodiment) The eighth embodiment includes an external trigger electrode and a flash discharge lamp that performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and the flash lighting circuit is configured so that the output current of the constant current power source changes according to a program. It is configured. Therefore, the output current of the constant current power supply is variable. In addition, a program unit is provided, and a constant current power source is configured to be linked to the program unit.

  Thus, according to the eighth embodiment, by changing the output current in accordance with a preset program, it is possible to cope with various uses such as a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation. In addition, the operability is remarkably improved.

  (Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment includes a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. And a high voltage generation circuit that starts the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and the high voltage generation circuit receives a high voltage when a lamp lighting command signal is input thereto. The flash discharge lamp lighting device is configured such that the generation circuit can send an external output signal synchronized with the lamp lighting command signal to the outside.

  In the ninth embodiment, when a lamp lighting command signal is sent to the high voltage generation circuit when the flash discharge lamp is turned on, the high voltage generation circuit generates a trigger signal in response to the lamp lighting command signal, and flash discharge is performed. Applied to the trigger electrode of the lamp. This starts the flash discharge lamp. When the flash lighting circuit is configured with a boost circuit and a stabilized power source according to the present invention, the lamp current is supplied from the boost circuit first and then from the stabilized power source, and the flash lighting circuit is charged and discharged. In the case of being configured with a capacitor, a lamp current is supplied from the charge / discharge capacitor, and the flash discharge lamp is lit by flash discharge.

  When the lamp lighting command signal is input, an external output signal is sent from the high voltage generation circuit to the outside in synchronism with it. This external output signal can be used to easily execute a measurement program for an external device, such as a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, or to perform synchro shooting of the spectral distribution of the flash discharge lamp and the lamp current waveform if desired. Become.

  (Tenth Embodiment) A tenth embodiment includes a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. And a high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and using the embossed reflector to illuminate the irradiated light with the flash discharge of the flash discharge lamp It is the flash discharge lamp lighting device comprised in this. As the embossed reflector, it is effective to use a reflector having an optical characteristic with a total reflectance of 80% or more and a diffuse reflectance of 70% or more, for example, arranged on the back side of the flash discharge lamp L.

  Thus, according to the tenth embodiment, it is possible to illuminate an object to be irradiated, such as a solar cell, by reflecting the light amount equivalent to the direct irradiation light by the flash discharge lamp by the reflector REF. This makes it possible to perform effective illumination with a small number of lamps and good light distribution characteristics.

  Therefore, this embodiment is suitable for a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation.

  (Eleventh Embodiment) In an eleventh embodiment, a flash discharge lamp that includes an external trigger electrode and performs flash emission; a flash lighting circuit that flashes the flash discharge lamp; and a high voltage trigger signal is generated. A high voltage generating circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by applying it to a trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp, and the flash lighting circuit flashes the flash discharge lamp with the discharge current of the charge / discharge capacitor. The flash discharge lamp lighting device is configured to insert switching means in series with the discharge circuit to cut off the discharge current of the charge / discharge capacitor in the vicinity of the peak value.

  Thus, according to the eleventh embodiment, it becomes easy to shorten the falling time of the lamp current waveform of the flash discharge lamp, and hence the flash emission waveform, to a desired time of 20 ms or less.

    Next, a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation according to the present invention comprises: a solar simulator main body for solar cell evaluation; and a flash discharge lamp lighting according to claim 1, wherein the flash discharge lamp is disposed in the solar simulator main body for solar cell evaluation as a light source. And a device.

  In the present invention, the flash discharge lamp lighting device turns into a pseudo-sunlight in which the flash discharge lamp flashes, and the peak value duration of the flash emission can be set relatively long. By performing this measurement, the number of times of measurement integration can be increased, and correction of the measurement data becomes unnecessary, or correction is easy even if the measurement data is corrected.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a flash discharge lamp lighting device in which the flash emission waveform can be easily controlled and the duration of the flash emission peak value can be set relatively long.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation which has the effect of Claim 1 can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

    1 and 2 show a first embodiment for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the flash discharge lamp. In this embodiment, the flash discharge lamp lighting device includes a flash discharge lamp HFL, a flash lighting circuit FOC, and a high voltage generation circuit HVG.

  [About Flash Discharge Lamp HFL] The flash discharge lamp HFL includes an airtight container SE, a pair of electrodes E, E, a pair of lead wires LW, a discharge medium, and a trigger electrode TRE.

    (Airtight container SE) The airtight container SE includes, for example, a radiation-permeable and airtight elongated tube s1 such as quartz glass, and sealed portions s2 and s2 having a graded seal structure formed at both ends of the elongated tube s1. . Preferably, when the outer diameter of the airtight container SE is D (mm), it is in a range satisfying Expression 6 ≦ D ≦ 30. In the above mathematical formula, the outer diameter D (mm) can be obtained as a value obtained by converting the average value of the outer periphery of a main part, which will be described later, in the tube axis direction into a circle having the same outer periphery.

  Further, the hermetic container SE has at least a main part thereof, that is, at least a portion that is intended to lead out and use light generated by discharge, that is, ultraviolet light, visible light, and / or infrared light to the outside. It is made of light quartz glass. Therefore, other parts other than the above parts may not be translucent. The translucency means that light in a desired wavelength region that is derived and used outside can be substantially transmitted. If necessary, it can be substantially transparent to vacuum ultraviolet light. .

  Further, the airtight container SE has an elongated shape as a whole, and the inside thereof is hollow and is used as a discharge space. The length of the airtight container SE can be set to a desired value according to the irradiated object. For example, a flash discharge lamp having an airtight container SE with a length of about 0.3 to 2 m can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the airtight container SE allows the main portion of the hollow portion in the tube axis direction to change its internal cross-sectional area with respect to other portions as desired.

  Thus, the airtight container SE can be variously configured as described above. As an example, an airtight container SE made of a quartz valve having an outer diameter of 12 mm, a wall thickness of 1 mm, and an inner diameter of 10 mm is adopted.

    (A pair of electrodes E, E) The pair of electrodes E, E are sealed in the sealing portions s2 at both ends of the hermetic container SE, and electrode main portions e1 described later are opposed to each other inside the both ends of the hermetic container SE. It is sealed. A cold cathode type electrode structure that has been generally used in flash discharge lamps can be employed. In this case, for example, one or more kinds of refractory metals selected from the group of nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), and titanium (Ti), or an alloy made of these plural kinds. Alternatively, the electrode E can be formed using stainless steel or the like.

  The electrode E includes, for example, an electrode main portion e1 and an electrode shaft e2, and can be configured by supporting the electrode main portion e1 on the tip of the electrode shaft e2. The base end of the electrode shaft e2 is hermetically sealed to the sealing portion of the hermetic container SE.

    (A pair of lead-in lines LW, LW) The pair of lead-in lines LW, LW is formed of a portion where the electrode shaft e2 extends integrally and is exposed to the outside of the airtight container SE. Therefore, the lead-in line LW can be penetrated through the sealing part of the hermetic container SE to protrude into the hermetic container, and the electrode main part e1 can be supported at the tip.

  Furthermore, the electrode shaft e2 can be coated with ceramics as desired. As a result, impurities such as carbon (C) are released from the electrode shaft e2 heated to a high temperature by the lighting of the flash discharge lamp into the hermetic container SE, and the inner surface of the hermetic container SE is blackened to shorten the life of the flash discharge lamp. Can be suppressed. In addition, by forming the ceramic in an appropriate size, it can also act as an electrode holding member for holding the electrode E in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the getter can be held on the ceramic as desired.

    (Discharge medium) The discharge medium is a medium that emits light in a desired wavelength region by the discharge, and is mainly composed of a rare gas. As the rare gas, one kind selected from the group consisting of argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), and xenon (Xe) can be used alone, or a plurality of kinds can be used in combination. The rare gas filling pressure is allowed to be the same pressure as that generally used for a flash discharge lamp, for example, about 50 to 200 kPa. Further, by adding krypton to xenon as a main component, it is possible to increase radiation of ultraviolet light of 200 to 300 nm in addition to radiation from the ultraviolet region to the infrared region by xenon. In addition, it is possible to further increase ultraviolet radiation by encapsulating as a rare gas mainly composed of krypton.

  Thus, although the discharge medium can be variously configured, as an example, 13.3 kPa of Xe was enclosed.

    (Trigger electrode TRE) The trigger electrode TRE is spirally wound close to the outer surface of the hermetic container SE, or is arranged in parallel along the tube axis. Between the at least one electrode E, for example, This is means for applying a high voltage trigger signal to form a strong potential gradient. Thus, the inside of the hermetic container SE can be dielectrically broken to generate a discharge between the pair of electrodes E and E.

  Further, when the trigger electrode TRE is disposed in a spiral shape, the trigger electrode TRE is within a range satisfying Formula 5 ≦ P ≦ 50 when the pitch is P (mm) in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the airtight container SE. It is effective to form If the pitch P is within the above range, the center of the arc of the flash discharge is stably formed on the tube axis in the range where the tube length of the hermetic vessel SE is about 2 m or less, and the light energy generated by the discharge. The desired degree can be derived to the outside. Note that the optimum range of the pitch P of the trigger electrode TRE varies depending on the tube length of the hermetic container SE. Therefore, the optimum condition can be selected in accordance with the tube length within the above range. For example, when the tube length is 300 to 1000 mm and the outer diameter D (mm) is in the range of 6 ≦ D ≦ 30, the pitch of the trigger electrodes TRE is preferably 20 to 30 mm. In the above formula, the outer diameter D (mm) is a value obtained by converting the average value of the outer periphery of a main part, which will be described later, in the tube axis direction into a circle having the same outer periphery. However, when the pitch P is less than 5 mm, there is no problem with the stability of the arc, but this is not possible because the light shielding rate becomes too large. On the other hand, when the pitch P exceeds 30 mm, there is no problem of the light shielding ratio, but this is not possible because the stability of the arc deteriorates.

  In addition to the above, the trigger electrode TRE preferably has thermal expansion at the time of lighting as long as the wire diameter is d (mm) within the range satisfying the formula 0.1 ≦ d ≦ 2.0. There is no influence, and the shading rate does not become too large. On the other hand, when the wire diameter is less than 0.1 mm, thermal expansion at the time of lighting increases and a gap is easily formed between the airtight container and the pitch of the trigger electrodes TRE is easily disturbed. A gap between the trigger electrode TRE and the airtight container SE is increased, and startability is impaired. Further, if the pitch is disturbed, the stability of the arc is impaired. On the other hand, if the wire diameter exceeds 2.0 mm, the light shielding rate increases and the degree of uniformity of the light energy distribution in the tube axis direction led out to the outside deteriorates.

  Furthermore, in order to fix the trigger electrode TRE to a predetermined position in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hermetic container SE, both ends of the trigger electrode TRE can be preferably bound by a ring-shaped member made of metal. In this case, a lead wire can be derived from a metal ring-shaped member. For this reason, even if an undesired tension acts on the lead wire, it is possible to prevent the pitch of the trigger electrode TRE from being disturbed.

  [About Flash Lighting Circuit FOC] The flash lighting circuit FOC includes a constant current power source CDC and a boost circuit BC.

    (Constant Current Power Supply CDC) The constant current power supply CDC has a constant current characteristic, and outputs a direct current that is made constant during a flash discharge period. In order to generate a DC constant current output for a short time during the flash discharge, an appropriate switching means, for example, a power switch is provided. In this case, the constant current output is started when the switching means is turned on, and the constant current output is stopped when the switching means is turned off.

  In addition, a diode D1 is connected between the pair of electrodes E, E of the flash discharge lamp HFL via the forward direction so that the constant current output does not enter a boost circuit BC described later. The constant current direct current output current is continuously supplied to the flash discharge lamp HFL through the ramp current rising period, peak period, and falling period.

    (Boost Circuit BC) The boost circuit BC supplies a weak starting auxiliary current that rises quickly at the start of discharge of the flash discharge lamp HFL. Accordingly, a series connection body of charge / discharge capacitors C1 and C2 having a relatively small capacity can be configured as the power source. That is, the boost circuit BC includes a charging DC power supply BDC, a charging resistor R1, the charging / discharging capacitors C1 and C2, a discharging resistor R2, and a diode D2.

  The direct current power supply BDC is connected to both ends of a series connection body of charge / discharge capacitors C1, C2 via a charge resistor R1, and charges the charge / discharge capacitors C1, C2 with a relatively high voltage. The series connection body of the charge / discharge capacitors C1 and C2 supplies a start-up auxiliary current that rises quickly under a relatively high charging voltage to the flash discharge lamp HFL at the start of discharge through the discharge resistor R2 and the diode D2 when the flash discharge lamp HFL starts. This helps to start.

  [Regarding High Voltage Generating Circuit HPG] The high voltage generating circuit HPG is mainly composed of a pulse transformer PT and generates a high voltage trigger signal. In the pulse transformer PT, the primary winding wp is connected to a pulse power source (not shown) via a start switch, and the secondary winding ws is connected between one electrode E of the flash discharge lamp HFL and the trigger electrode TRE. Yes.

  [Circuit Operation] When a trigger signal generated by operating the high voltage generation circuit HPG is applied between the trigger electrode TRE and one electrode E of the flash discharge lamp HFL, the flash discharge lamp HFL starts to break down. . Then, a fast start-up auxiliary current is supplied from the boost circuit BC of the flash lighting circuit FOC to start flash discharge, and subsequently, the lamp current is supplied from the constant current power source CDC. Flash emission occurs.

  Next, when the lamp current reaches the peak value, the lamp current supplied from the constant current power source CDC maintains the peak value under the constant current characteristic, and the flash emission of the flash discharge lamp HFL also peaks in synchronization with this. The value reaches a constant and becomes constant, and the flash emission peak value lasts for a predetermined time.

  When a predetermined peak period elapses, the constant current output of the constant current power source CDC is cut off, so that the lamp current falls and the flash emission ends.

Thus, the rise time of the lamp current waveform and the flash emission waveform is 20 ms or less, the peak value duration is 30 ms or more (preferably 50 to 100 ms), and the light output fluctuation within the peak value duration is within ± 2.5%, and A fall time of 20 ms or less of the lamp current waveform and the flash emission waveform can be realized. In the examples, the peak value of the lamp current was 750 A, and the current density was 955 A / cm ² .

3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the ideal waveform and the actual waveform of flash light emission, respectively. That is, the ideal waveform of the flash light is in rise time and fall time is 0 as shown in FIG. 3, only the peak time T _P. However, in actuality, as shown in FIG. 4, the rise time _TRU and the fall time _TRD are generated. In this embodiment, by using the boost circuit BC and the constant current power source CDC, the rise time _TRU is shortened, the peak time is maintained for a desired time, and the lamp current is cut off to shorten the fall time _TRD . is doing.

    FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a second mode for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. In this embodiment, the flash lighting circuit FOC is mainly composed of a charging / discharging capacitor C3 and a charging circuit CC, which are composed of a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel. The capacitance of the charge / discharge capacitor C3 is 0.15F, the charge voltage is 300V, and the peak value of the discharge current is 755A.

  Thus, it is possible to realize a ramp current waveform and flash emission waveform rise time of 20 ms or less, a peak value duration of 10 ms or more, and a lamp current waveform and flash emission waveform fall time of 20 ms or less.

    FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a third mode for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. In this embodiment, an inductor L having an inductance of 10 mH is inserted in series between the charge / discharge capacitor C3 of the flash lighting circuit FOC and the flash discharge lamp HFL. In the case where the charge / discharge capacitor C3 is constituted by a parallel connection body of a plurality of capacitors as shown in FIG. 5, an inductor may be inserted in series for each of the plurality of capacitors.

  Thus, by suppressing the change of the lamp current by the inductance, the peak value duration of 20 ms or more can be realized.

    FIG. 7 is a front view of a flash discharge lamp showing a fourth embodiment for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. In this embodiment, the light emitting portion of the flash discharge lamp HFL is bent in a spiral shape. Further, the trigger electrode TRE is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the airtight container SE.

  Thus, when this embodiment is used as a light source for pseudo-sunlight of a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, suitable light distribution characteristics as a solar simulator for solar cell evaluation can be obtained while the number of lamps is small. .

    FIG. 8 is a schematic waveform diagram showing the change of the lamp current with respect to time in the fifth embodiment for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents lamp current.

  In this embodiment, the flash discharge lamp HFL is started in advance, and in the standby state, the lamp current is reduced to a small extent within a range in which the discharge can be maintained, and the discharge state is continuously maintained by maintaining the discharge state. When desired, the lamp current is largely controlled in a pulse shape to obtain a desired amount of light emission.

    9 and 10 show a sixth embodiment for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram, and FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram of each part. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  In this embodiment, when a lamp lighting command signal is input to the high voltage generation circuit HVC that starts the flash discharge lamp HFL, the high voltage generation circuit HVC outputs an external output signal to the outside of the high voltage generation circuit HVC. Includes a signal forming circuit SFC, a connector CN, a delay circuit DeC, and a high voltage pulse generating circuit HPG.

  The signal forming circuit SFC shapes the lamp lighting command signal that has arrived as indicated by the left arrow in FIG. 9 to form a required operation signal. In order to generate a high-voltage trigger signal, the signal is first input to a delay circuit DeC, which will be described later, and also sent to the connector CN. The connector CN can supply an operation signal to the outside as an external output signal. The delay circuit DeC is provided for the purpose of facilitating synchronization with an external device, and delays the operation signal for a predetermined time. When the delayed operation signal is input, the high voltage pulse generation circuit HPG generates a trigger signal, which is applied between the trigger electrode TRE of the flash discharge lamp HFL and the lower electrode E in FIG. Start flash discharge. The high voltage pulse generation circuit HPG has a circuit configuration similar to that of the high voltage generation circuit HVC described with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9, a device that uses an external output signal taken out from the connector CN is, for example, a spectral distribution measuring device SPM. The spectral distribution measuring device SPM includes a measuring device main body M1, a light receiver M2, and a display device M3. The measurement apparatus main body M1 performs a measurement operation in synchronization with the external output signal indicated by the arrow on the right side in the figure coming from the connector CN. The light receiver M2 receives the flash emission of the flash discharge lamp HFL and inputs the received light signal to the measurement apparatus main body M1. The display device M3 displays the spectral distribution data of the measurement result output from the measuring device main body M1 as, for example, a spectral distribution curve.

  Next, the waveform of each part shown in FIG. 10 will be described. 10, (a) is a lamp lighting command signal, (b) is an operation signal, (c) is an input signal of the high voltage pulse generation circuit HPG, (d) is a trigger signal, and (e) is an external device operation time signal. , (F) are lamp lighting time signals. The arrow shown in (c) means the delay time by the delay circuit DeC.

    FIG. 11 shows a seventh embodiment for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. FIG. 10 (a) is a front view, FIG. 10 (b) is a schematic side view, and FIG. 10 (c) is a bottom view. It is. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. In each figure, the symbol REF is a reflector.

  The reflector REF is embossed with a random pattern over the entire surface. As a result, the reflector REF has a good diffuse reflection performance. In the figure, symbol G is a getter supported on the back of the electrode E of the flash discharge lamp HFL.

    FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing an eighth mode for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. In this embodiment, the switching means SW is inserted in series between the charge / discharge capacitor C3 of the flash lighting circuit FOC and the flash discharge lamp HFL, and the switching means SW is turned off in the vicinity of the rear end side of the peak value of the lamp current. The lamp current is cut off.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the fall time of the lamp electric waveform, and hence the flash emission waveform, can be easily set to 20 ms or less.

    FIG. 13: is a conceptual diagram which shows one form for implementing the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation of this invention. In the figure, SYM is a solar simulator body for solar cell evaluation, FLU is a flash discharge lamp lighting device, and SB is a solar cell.

  The solar battery evaluation solar simulator body SYM includes a light shielding chamber, and a flash discharge lamp lighting device FLU and a solar battery SB are arranged in a predetermined relationship therein.

  The flash discharge lamp lighting device FLU implements the present invention shown in the above-described drawings, and is arranged so as to irradiate flash light toward the solar cell SB. In the figure, REF is a reflector.

  Many of the solar cells SB are arranged at positions to receive flash light emission.

  Thus, when the flash discharge is performed by the flash discharge lamp lighting device FLU, a measurement system (not shown) is activated to perform a required measurement.

The circuit diagram which shows the 1st form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention Similarly front view of flash discharge lamp Schematic diagram showing the ideal waveform of flash emission Schematic diagram showing the actual waveform of flash emission The circuit diagram which shows the 2nd form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention The circuit diagram which shows the 3rd form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention The front view of the flash discharge lamp which shows the 4th form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention Schematic waveform diagram showing change of lamp current with respect to time in the fifth embodiment for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention The circuit diagram which shows the 6th form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention Similarly, waveform diagram of each part 7 shows a seventh embodiment for carrying out the flash discharge lamp lighting device of the present invention, FIG. 10 (a) is a front view, FIG. 10 (b) is a schematic side view, and FIG. 10 (c) is a bottom view. The circuit diagram which shows the 8th form for implementing the flash discharge lamp lighting device of this invention The conceptual diagram which shows one form for implementing the solar simulator for solar cell evaluation of this invention

Explanation of symbols

  BC ... Boost circuit, BDC ... DC power supply, E ... electrode, FOC ... flash lighting circuit, HFL ... flash discharge lamp, HVC ... high voltage generation circuit, PT ... pulse transformer, SDC ... stabilized power supply, TRE ... trigger electrode

Claims (2)

A flash discharge lamp having an external trigger electrode and flashing;
A flash lighting circuit having a constant current power source for supplying a constant current to the flash discharge lamp when the flash discharge lamp is discharged and a boost circuit for supplying a leading discharge current at the start of the discharge of the flash discharge lamp;
A high voltage generation circuit for starting the flash discharge lamp by generating a high voltage trigger signal and applying it to the trigger electrode of the flash discharge lamp;
A flash discharge lamp lighting device comprising: A solar simulator for solar cell evaluation;
The flash discharge lamp lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the flash discharge lamp is disposed as a light source in a solar simulator body for solar cell evaluation;
A solar simulator for solar cell evaluation, comprising:

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