High-intensity lighting for solar simulation in automotive and materials testing

For decades, OSRAM’s HMI® lamps have met the rigorous demands of the film and television industry, offering a daylight color temperature of 6000K with exceptional color rendering and consistent photometric quality.

However, HMI® lamps may be also used in solar simulation for automotive testing and materials laboratories. Simulating natural sunlight, solar testing facilities can evaluate how materials respond to extended UV exposure. This process assesses how prolonged exposure impacts the aesthetics and structural integrity of materials, from color fading to increased brittleness and strength degradation.

Solar simulation

In solar simulation, certain properties of natural sunlight are imitated using a solar simulator.

By mimicking the full spectrum of sunlight, this technology enables detailed study of light’s impact on materials under controlled laboratory conditions. This allows simulation of aspects of aging effects caused by solar radiation. The benefit lies in the ability to conduct consistent, repeatable measurements under stable conditions, independent of time of day or season.

Inside the solar simulation chamber, both short-wave and long-wave sunlight-like radiation are applied to the test sample. Short-wave components have a significant destructive effect, while long-wave components can cause intense heating and potential overheating of irradiated objects. Solar simulation testing is recommended for products that will be used outdoors or exposed to sunlight, directly or indirectly.

OSRAM’s HMI® 4000 W/DXS SOLAR lamp, with its double-ended metal halide design and quiet operation, which may be used for solar simulation applications. Its high performance under electronic power supplies (ECG) makes it ideal for testing in laboratory settings, with reproduction of solar radiation’s effects on materials.
HMI® 4000 W/DXS SOLAR lamps ensure precision in solar simulation applications.

Key specifications of OSRAM’s HMI® 4000 W/DXS SOLAR

– Lamp wattage: 4000 W

– Nominal voltage: 204 V

– Color temperature: 6000 K

– CRI: > 90

– Lifespan: 500 hours

– Typical luminous flux: 398,000 lm

– Base: SFa21-12

In laboratory settings, the HMI® 4000 W/DXS SOLAR provides controlled and stable illumination to test solar cells, plastics, and other materials under conditions that closely mimic natural sunlight. Maintaining this stability is vital, as color temperature and luminous flux may fluctuate over time based on the lamp’s switching cycle and environment. Under standardized test conditions, the lamp’s output stabilizes after six minutes at 4000 W operation, with the light output reaching a minimum of 330,000 lumens initially and maintaining at least 50% of this output by the 500-hour mark.

Safety and usage recommendations

Due to high luminance, UV emission, and internal pressure during operation, HMI® lamps should only be used in enclosed casings designed specifically for these lamps. Proper UV filters are necessary to keep radiation within safe limits. Additionally, as mercury is released if the lamp breaks, careful handling and adherence to safety protocols are essential. Comprehensive safety and handling guidelines are available in the product’s instructional materials.

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