A technical study visit and training were organized as part of the bilateral BMZ-funded project entitled Promotion of Quality Assurance Services for Sustainable Energy that is being undertaken in Viet Nam. PTB is implementing this project in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Directorate of Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ). The aim of this project, running from 2022 to 2025, is to enhance the quality infrastructure (QI) services for renewable energy production, with a particular focus on the photovoltaic (PV) sector. This includes metrology, standardization, conformity assessment, and quality assurance mechanisms.
From 4 to 13 August 2024, six highly qualified experts from key QI institutions of Viet Nam were trained and visited different laboratories related to measurements and quantities for the photovoltaic sector. The Vietnamese institutions come under the authority of STAMEQ and include Viet Nam Metrology Institute (VMI, Quality Assurance and Testing Center (QUATEST) 1,2 and 3, and Viet Nam Certification Centre (QUACERT).
The study tour commenced in Braunschweig, Germany, with a visit to PTB, where the delegation explored the laboratories dedicated to solar cell calibration, PV module calibration, photometry, and spectroradiometry. This was followed by an intensive three-day training session focussed on the classification of solar simulators. The participants greatly valued the in-depth discussions, expert sessions, and interactive exchanges with various PTB specialists, along with hands-on experience in applying different measurement techniques.
Following their training in Braunschweig, the delegation travelled to Berlin, where they visited the German Weather Service (DWD) in Lindenberg. Here, they delved into pyranometer calibration and its critical role in ensuring quality assurance for PV system performance.
The delegation then proceeded to the Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH) in Hamelin. ISFH is an affiliated institute of the Leibniz Universität Hannover and has been researching and developing in the fields of photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and energy systems in close cooperation with many research institutions and companies for more than 30 years. During this visit, the visitors gained a deeper understanding of the practical applications of their training.
Additionally, IMT Technology (formerly Mencke & Tegtmeyer), one of the global market leaders in reference cells for photovoltaics, welcomed the delegation. At the company headquarters, the manufacturing site with test benches and sun simulators, significantly enhancing the precision and longevity of the sensors, were shown.
The final day of the tour featured a wrap-up session with a closing meeting, during which the participants reflected on their experiences and insights. The discussions centred on how best to implement the newly acquired knowledge to advance Viet Nam’s QI and the necessary services for photovoltaics.
Throughout the tour, lively discussions and exchanges of ideas took place, all with the goal of enhancing Viet Nam’s PV sector and supporting it by offering the necessary services the sector needs to ensure high quality.
The training tour greatly bolstered the collaboration between German and Vietnamese institutions, laying a strong foundation for future endeavours in the field of renewable energy QI and metrological services.
The members of the delegation expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the PTB team for their impeccable organization of the whole event and the invaluable learning experience. Upon their return, they plan to integrate their new knowledge into ongoing projects and future initiatives, with an eye towards the continued collaboration in the next project phase which is now being planned.
Images: © PTB
