PRESS RELEASE
Twenty years of Fronius Solar Electronics
Sustainable research and development ensures high quality
(Wels, 24.02.2012) Austrian company Fronius has been involved in solar electronics for 20 years, during
which time the inverter manufacturer has made a name for itself as the worldwide quality leader. This is
not least due to the sustainable research and development that Fronius carries out. The new
technology and research centre in Thalheim, Upper Austria opened its doors in 2011; 140 solar experts
research and develop pioneering technologies across the 34,000 m² site.
"Our customers can be sure of receiving products and services that are state-of-the-art and of the very best
quality on the market," promises Martin Hackl, head of the Fronius Solar Electronics division. Fronius sets high
standards, starting with the idea and extending through to the product, the technology and the service.
New technology and research centre
At the end of 2011, Fronius opened a new research and development centre in Thalheim, Upper Austria. The
centre covers more than 34,000 m² and has 17 climate chambers, grid simulators and ample space for the
design and development of prototypes and preassembly. More than 400 m² are devoted to test laboratories. A
PV system is naturally also available for testing new technologies.
In-depth testing guarantees a high standard of quality
Fronius devices are characterised by the highest quality standards. The inverters undergo numerous in-depth
tests under state-of-the-art conditions in the technology and research centre. Some of these tests examine
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). This means that the devices must be able to work properly in an
environment without interfering with other devices or being affected by them. The Fronius EMC chamber
provides technical facilities that are unrivalled in Austria. Inverters can be tested here at a voltage of 1,500 V
DC.
Depending on the type of inverter and its intended country of use, various partial tests are carried out. In the
"Radiated Emission" test, for example, the inverter is exposed to high levels of electromagnetic radiation using
an antenna. At the same time, the measured level is compared with the limit values specified for the device. If
the inverter meets the limit values, it has passed the test.
Fronius tests beyond the required limits. The devices, for example, undergo a more rigorous electrical noise test
than that stipulated by the legislator. "We want to provide our customers with a high-quality product," explains
Josef Feichtinger, head of the Compliance Engineering department.
The radiated measurements are carried out in what are known as absorber halls. These consist of a Faraday
cage that is lined with ferrites* to ensure the required degree of field homogeneity. The electromagnetic waves
inside the room are absorbed by the walls.
Qualitative tests like these are carried out continually throughout the development of a product. All devices that
fall under the EMC Directive are always tested.
* 1. pure ferrite 2. strongly magnetic ceramic material (source: http://services.langenscheidt.de/fremdwb/fremdwb.html)
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The inverters undergo in-depth testing to guarantee the high quality standards of
Fronius devices. One of these tests examines electromagnetic compatibility.
140 experts research and develop pioneering technologies at the new, 34,000 m²
research and development centre in Thalheim, Upper Austria.
Photos: Fronius International GmbH, reproduction free of charge.
About Fronius International GmbH
Fronius International GmbH is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach and other sites in Wels,
Thalheim and Sattledt. With 3,250 employees worldwide, the company is active in the fields of battery charging
systems, welding technology and solar electronics. Around 95% of its products are exported through 17
international Fronius subsidiaries and sales partners/representatives in over 60 countries. In financial year
2010, the company generated a total turnover of 499 million euros. With its outstanding products and services
and 737 active patents, Fronius is world technology leader. 392 employees work in research and development.
Media enquiries:
Andrea SCHARTNER, +43 (0)6648 853 6765, schartner.andrea@fronius.com, Froniusplatz 1,
4600 Wels, Austria.
Lia VANBAALEN, +1 905 288 2128, vanbaalen.lia@fronius.com, 2875 Argentia Rd Units 3-6, L5N 8G6
Mississauga, ON, Canada.
Nicola LEE, +44 (0) 1908 512 301, lee.nicola@fronius.com, Maidstone Road, Kingston, Milton Keynes, MK10
0BD United Kingdom.
Kimberly JAYNE, +61 3 8340 2945, jayne.kimberly@fronius.com, 90-92 Lambeck Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
Australia.
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