Abstract: An accelerated weather testing apparatus includes a test chamber, a lamp (16), a dispenser (18, 20), and a specimen support (14). The lamp is capable of generating UV radiation and directing the radiation towards the specimen support. The dispenser connects to an associated liquid source to dispense either water or acid, or both. The specimen support is disposed in the test chamber below the lamp and the dispenser.

Abstract: An accelerated weathering apparatus includes a test chamber (30), a specimen supporting means (34), a light source (60) powered by a power source controlled by a ballast, at least one chamber air temperature sensor (26), a black panel temperature sensor (36), and a multiple blower system and control means (52). A first blower (12) draws and circulates outside or fresh air and as second blower (46) optionally draws recirculated air into an air mixing duct. The speeds of the fresh air and recirculated air blowers are independently regulated and controlled by a blower controller based on the chamber air temperature and black panel temperature, respectively. In addition, a humidifier (18) and humidity controller (20) regulates humidity within the system as required.

Abstract: A high-instantaneous, low-average current ballast is used in an accelerated weathering apparatus. The ballast includes a DC voltage generator or front end, to generate a high DC voltage, which produces a charging current to charge an arc capacitor. The energy on the arc capacitor is selectively released into a xenon lamp as short, high-current pulses. A starting transformer acts to strike an arc in the lamp. A switch is connected between the capacitor and the lamp, and is used to control generation of current pulses developed for the xenon lamp. A timer is implemented to control operation of the transformer and switch to selectively generate the current pulses for the xenon lamp.

Abstract: A high-instantaneous, low-average current ballast is used in an accelerated weathering apparatus. The ballast includes a DC voltage generator or front end, to generate a high DC voltage, which produces a charging current to charge an arc capacitor. The energy on the arc capacitor is selectively released into a xenon lamp as short, high-current pulses. A starting transformer acts to strike an arc in the lamp. A switch is connected between the capacitor and the lamp, and is used to control generation of current pulses developed for the xenon lamp. A timer is implemented to control operation of the transformer and switch to selectively generate the current pulses for the xenon lamp.

Abstract: A high-instantaneous, low-average current ballast is used in an accelerated weathering apparatus. The ballast includes a DC voltage generator or front end, to generate a high DC voltage, which produces a charging current to charge an arc capacitor. The energy on the arc capacitor is selectively released into a xenon lamp as short, high-current pulses. A starting transformer acts to strike an arc in the lamp. A switch is connected between the capacitor and the lamp, and is used to control generation of current pulses developed for the xenon lamp. A timer is implemented to control operation of the transformer and switch to selectively generate the current pulses for the xenon lamp.