The book was conceived as a monograph and a comprehensive handbook of optical modeling and simulations, giving insights into examples of existing optical models, demonstrating the applicability of optical modeling and pointing out concrete directions and solutions for improving the devices under scope. The book incorporates practical examples for using simulations with the developed models so that readers can better understand and develop their own models as well as innovative concepts in light management in thin-film photovoltaic devices. Different approaches of one-, two- and three-dimensional optical modeling are discussed. Concepts and approaches presented in the book are in line with opportunities and challenges in photovoltaics, but also optoelectronics and photonics.
COBISS.SI-ID: 9762644
Outdoor performance of PV modules primarily depends on the irradiance and PV module temperature (Tpv). Tpv depends strongly on type of mounting, wind speed and also module type. Open rack mounted and unventilated roof integrated cases of PV module installation are experimentally and theoretically examined. Tpv is also affected by the module’s regime of operation. The Tpv dependency on different regime of operation is reported. Differences are discussed in light of energy balance equation within thermal management, where impact of the PV module conversion efficiency on Tpv is theoretically proven and experimentally demonstrated.
COBISS.SI-ID: 7946580
In the paper three direct maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms with non-adaptive voltage step were analyzed and evaluated in the light of their performance for photovoltaic systems under dynamic conditions for a resistive load. A microcontroller-based buck–boost DC–DC converter platform is used to implement and compare the algorithms. Dynamic test procedures from a new standard for inverter efficiency determination EN 50530 were implemented to evaluate dynamic MPPT algorithms’ efficiency and their dependence. Experimental results showed that MPPT algorithms’ regulating frequency and regulating voltage step play a crucial role in the dynamic performance of direct algorithms.. If proper parameter values are chosen, all algorithms perform well and close to each other. Detailed evaluation was performed with determining partial MPPT efficiency under different irradiance slopes. Results showed that at least 10 Hz should be used to satisfy the 99% tracking efficiency over all slopes in the range from 0.5 to 100 W/m2/s as specified by EN 50530 standard. Further increase of regulating frequency would result in higher slope efficiency only at dynamic conditions.
COBISS.SI-ID: 8505172
Electroluminescence as a spatial characterisation technique is used to characterise dye-sensitised solar cells. The obtained image is compared with a light beam-induced current scan image and a transmittance image. Results reveal the presence of inhomogeneities including those resulting from the topography of the cell and from defects, for example, presence of iodine crystals in the electrolyte, localised absence of dye in the active layer and poor adhesion of the active layer to the electrodes. The ability to identify such inhomogeneities within a relatively short acquisition time gives electroluminescence an advantage over the light beam-induced current technique.
COBISS.SI-ID: 9246804
The optical performance of tandem a-Si:H/uc-Si:H (micromorph) thin film solar cell was investigated experimentally and by means of rigorous 3-D optical simulation. The interplay of intermediate reflectors, with different refractive indices and thicknesses, and front electrode surface texture was studied. Experiments and simulations show that LPCVD ZnO based front electrodes have the highest optical potential together with a low refractive index of the intermediate reflector. The intermediate reflector layer serves for redistribution of the mid-range solar spectrum between the top and bottom cell, while the sum of the top and bottom cell currents decreases with increasing IRL thickness. Additionally, promising concepts to increase the short-circuit current of the tandem solar cell are shown. The most important steps are related to lowering parasitic absorption in supportive layers by the introduction of silicon oxide layers and improving the light in-coupling by introduction of anti-reflective layers.
COBISS.SI-ID: 10738772