| Basic Facts | |
|---|---|
| Client: | DB Schenker |
| Project Location: | Antwerpen, Belgium |
| Main services: | - Technical advisory service - Quality certification - Inspection of logistics system |
Initial situation and requirements
Transportation phases such as packaging, loading, travel and unloading negatively impact the overall performance of 5 to 10 percent of all photovoltaic modules. The innovative DBSCHENKERpvchain monitoring and control system provides a new transparency during the transport of Photovoltaic modules. Monitoring services can now be implemented all the way from manufacturer to end customer.
| The development and test phase of the DBSCHENKERpvchain project lasted one year. |
|---|
About TÜV Rheinland
Founded 140 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment and technology in nearly all aspects of life.
We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006, we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.
Due to our extensive Experience with solar power plants, we can help you in all project phases and ensure plant safety and reliability. We can also support you in achieving and maintaining profitability for large-scale PV systems and Solar thermal power plants – from choosing the right site to full-scale operations.
The new system calls for inspections of quality and packaging processes during production and examinations of operational processes for products leaving the plant. Transport is then continuously monitored and technical controls are conducted upon delivery. Representative samples of delivered products are drawn and tested in a specially equipped TÜV Rheinland laboratory at the DB Schenker incoming warehouse in Antwerpen.
Solutions, results
All DB Schenker containers traveling from Asia to Europe are equipped with special shock and vibration sensors (DBSCHENKERsmartbox). Current information on the status and location of each shipment can be constantly monitored via GPS. According to the continual data gathered during transport, conclusions about transgressions of the determined stress levels can be made.
Precise inspections and analyses can be conducted at the TÜV Rheinland and DB Schenker collaborative test laboratory in Antwerpen. The facility allows representative samples to be drawn during normal workflow conditions to avoid any unnecessary additional transports.
All interpreted test patterns and inspection results are collected and made available in a database. DBSCHENKERpvchain strives to enhance transparent quality and performance levels of photovoltaic modules in order to establish higher quality standards for manufacturers and investors.
Benefits for the client
TÜV Rheinland supports DB Schenker by providing:
- Quality assurance and expertise to secure the investment.
- Highly-qualified and experienced experts to inspect the required samples.
- Independent assessment supporting the logistics system as a sound project.