0000000000015481
AUTHOR
Tor Oskar Saetre
Simulations of the effect of the contact energy levels on a simple model of a hot carrier cell
In the present work, the performance of a simplified model of a hot carrier cell is examined at different energy levels of carrier collection. Incident photons, Monte Carlo generated by employing the ASTM G173-03 data set, are accounted for individually as they interact with the cell. It is assumed that the carriers can be collected ultra-fast, thus avoiding considering hot carrier thermalisation effects. Although the model is preliminary and lacking some mechanisms of hot carrier cells, it has been demonstrated that the present approach to modelling hot carrier solar cells can be developed into fully working models. Some effects of the absorption energy levels in the valence band have been…
Reduction of temperature coefficients in multicrystalline silicon solar cells after light-induced degradation
This study focuses on the variations of the temperature coefficients after light-induced degradation (LID) of compensated multicrystalline silicon solar cells from three different ingots. The ingots have been chosen to see the effect of the compensation level, the resistivity and the impact of adding gallium to keep the resistivity as constant as possible along the ingot. The temperature coefficients of the efficiency experience a major decrease after LID on all ingots. We found that this decrease varies along the ingot height and does not correspond to the VOC drop. Moreover, no direct correlation with the interstitial oxygen concentration profiles could be seen.
Ideality factor behavior between the maximum power point and open circuit
The local ideality factor analysis of dark and light I-V curves has been used in the past to study various performance degradation effects in solar cells. Trapping, edge recombination and injection-level-dependent recombination are expressed as “lumps, humps and bumps” in the plots of the local ideality factor over cell voltage (m-V plots). Earlier applications of this differential technique did not correct the plots for the series resistance effect. Thus, the bumps at the higher voltages introduced by some mechanisms were more difficult to quantify. A possible solution is to analyze ISC-VOC curves, but their measurement is not always possible. We present a formula for calculation of the RS…
Accelerated Light-Induced Defect Transformation Study of Elkem Solar Grade Silicon
AbstractSolar cells made of silicon feedstock from a metallurgical route must qualify not only the initial efficiency, but must also be comparable to the solar cells made from reference polysilicon on the spectral response after light induced degradation. A detailed comparative study of light induced defects and its impact on cell performance is necessary for both materials. We have studied accelerated light induced degradation (ALID) defect transformation for Elkem Solar Silicon and polysilicon solar cells by selecting wafers from different positions from respective silicon bricks. Active boron-oxygen complexes and iron ions in multicrystalline silicon solar cells have been analyzed, and t…
Impurity analyses of silicon wafers from different manufacturing routes and their impact on LID of finished solar cells
Summarizes the measurements of impurity concentrations in directionally solidified silicon ingots from different feedstocks. The substitutional Carbon and interstitial Oxygen are measured on as-sawn wafers using FTIR. Active iron concentration is mapped on a-Si:H passivated wafers. It is observed that these impurities present in Elkem Solar Grade Silicon (ESS™) concentrations are comparable to the standard polysilicon which are in the acceptable ranges for silicon for solar industry. The measured LID of the finished solar cells is also comparable.
PV modules with variable ideality factors
The classical single-exponential I–V curve model for crystalline-Si PV devices assumes a constant ideality factor. The model is widely applied in e.g. modeling the power output of PV systems at different irradiances and temperatures, and also in calculating the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) from the open-circuit voltage. The present paper presents results from several crystalline-Si (c-Si) module types suggesting that the ideality factor may change with irradiance. The possible implications of such variability are discussed, in particular the need for a new ECT calculation procedure as well as for revision of some PV performance models.
Review on up/down conversion materials for solar cell application
The present paper reviews the methods of photon up- and down conversion strategies for improving the efficiency of solar cells. Photons with a lower energy than the band gap will be lost in a normal solar cell. The principle of the up conversion technique is that two or more photons are converted into a photon with energy higher than the band gap energy. High energy photons will lose the energy above the band gap energy limit. Down conversion is a process where a high energy photon is converted into several lower energy photons with energies above the band gap. A description is given of the most common methods and materials for these conversions resulting in higher solar cell efficiencies.
Series resistance determination and further characterization of c-Si PV modules
Abstract This paper presents a new algorithm for determination of the series resistance of crystalline-Si PV modules from individual illuminated I–V curves. The ideality factor and the reverse saturation current are then extracted in the classic way. The approach is applied to in-situ measured data from modules based on two types of mc-Si feedstock. The results indicate that the method yields physically meaningful parameters. An improved definition of local ideality factor is suggested, resulting in m-V plots unaffected by the series resistance. In addition, m-I plots are introduced for the first time. The novel differential techniques reveal an unexpected rise of the ideality factor at ope…
Simulation of IQE tuning of individual cells for DC-balancing multijunction tandem cells
In the present work, the performance of stacks of cells connected in series is examined at different levels of internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Incident photons, generated by employing the ASTM G173-03 data set, are accounted for individually as they interact with the stack of cells. The efficiencies of the devices studied are dependent upon the DC balance throughout the stack of cells. It is demonstrated that reducing the internal quantum efficiency of upper cells can lead to a better DC balance and thereby higher efficiency.
Performance assessment of a grid-connected mc-Si PV system made up of silicon material from different manufacturing routes
Summarises the performance of an Elkem Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed in the Sunbelt Region (between 35 North and 35 South) in Hyderabad, India, which has been fully operational since August 2012. The PV system consists of 28 multicrystalline silicon PV modules made from the standard Siemens process and from material produced by a metallurgical route - the Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS™) process. A comparative performance study of the ESS™ modules with respect to standard polysilicon has been carried out under the various climatic and solar radiation conditions at the location. The present study suggests that the ESS™ PV modules have a slightly better performance than standard polysili…
100-millisecond Resolution for Accurate Overirradiance Measurements
Cloud enhancement of sunlight results in peak irradiance well exceeding extraterrestrial levels, even at high latitudes. Values above 1.8 kW/m2 are possible in the equatorial regions. Recently, we detected bursts over 1.5 kW/m2 in Northern Europe at latitude close to 60°N. Overirradiance events (intensities much higher than 1 sun) can last tens of minutes, as well as less than 1 s. They may have caused series arcing in photovoltaic modules, leading to fires and loss of property. The accurate measurement of short bursts requires sensors with response times on the order of milliseconds. The long response times of thermopile pyranometers smooth out important details of very short-lived peaks a…
Optimal temporal resolution for detailed studies of cloud-enhanced sunlight (Overirradiance)
Enhancement of sunlight by clouds can lead to irradiance peaks much exceeding the extraterrestrial levels - close to 2 suns near the Equator and at least 1.5 suns at latitudes of about 60°. Some extreme overirradiance events can last many minutes, but durations in the order of 1 second are also possible. The present paper reports the shortest bursts recorded in Southern Norway in the years 2012 and 2013. Our records of 10-millisecond resolution from 2012 show that the optimal instantaneous irradiance sampling interval is less than 0.15 s at the present test site, while the optimal averaging time is less than 0.13 s. We propose simple equations for deriving these times in an arbitrary geogra…
High temperature oxidation of higher manganese silicides
Abstract The oxidation kinetics and mechanisms of higher manganese silicides (HMS) MnSi1.75, MnSi (1.75-x)Gex, MnSi(1.75-x)Alx (with x = 0.005 and 0.01)were studied and the effects of densification methods and dopant concentration discussed. Oxidation experiments were conducted using thermogravimetry (TGA), while post characterization with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed that spark plasma sintering (SPS) is a better densification method than hot pressing (HP). Except for undoped HMS, HMS doped with 0.5at% Ge had the lowest oxidation rate. Stable formation of a SiO2 protective layer was the main reason for improved oxidation resistance in …
Two years performance comparison of Elkem Solar multicrystalline silicon with polysilicon in a PV grid-connected system
This abstract summarizes two years performance of an Elkem Solar and polysilicon photovoltaic (PV) system installed in the Sunbelt Region, which has been fully operational since 2011. The PV system consists of 28 multicrystalline silicon PV modules made from the standard Siemens process and from material produced by a metallurgical route - the Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS®) process. The present study suggests that after two years of field operation, both types of modules show similar degradation of power at STC. The ESS® PV modules have better performance than standard polysilicon modules as a function of solar irradiation, and thereby the total kWh generated has been slightly higher for the ES…
Test of the European Joint Research Centre performance model for c-Si PV modules
The performance of ten c-Si PV modules is studied at different levels of illumination and module temperatures and is modeled in terms of relative efficiency with respect to Standard Testing Conditions (STC). A recently proposed model is tested in Nordic conditions for generic mono- and mc-Si devices with screen-printed cells as well as for some high-efficiency cell designs. Two of the modules are field aged. Averaged model coefficients are derived and compared to values found in the literature. Irradiance and module temperatures measured in 2011 are then used to estimate the expected annual energy yields. The measured yields equal the predicted ones within 1.6% (mean bias error −1.0%) which…
Moisture ingress in photovoltaic modules: A review
Abstract Moisture ingress in photovoltaic (PV) modules is the core of most degradation mechanisms that lead to PV module power degradation. Moisture in EVA encapsulant can lead to metal grids corrosion, delamination and discolouration of encapsulants, potential induced degradation, optical and adhesion losses. The present work is a review of literature on the causes, effects, detection, and mitigation techniques of moisture ingress in PV modules. Literature highlights on determining the diffusivity, solubility, and permeability of polymeric components of PV modules via water vapour transmission rate tests, gravimetric, and immersion methods, have been presented. Electroluminescence, photolu…
Effect of quantum efficiency on the performance of multijunction tandem cells
New insight into the potential of practical solar cells can be given through alternative modeling approaches like Monte Carlo simulations. In the present work, the performance of three stacks of cells connected in series was examined at different levels of internal quantum efficiency. Incident photons, generated by employing the ASTM G173-03 and E490-00a data sets, are accounted for individually as they interact with the stack of cells. The values of the different bandgaps were chosen from a paper by K. Tanabe (2009), and the performance was studied based on photon dynamics.
Development of a test station for accurate in situ I-V curve measurements of photovoltaic modules in Southern Norway
The development of an outdoor test station for accurate in situ I-V curve measurements of photovoltaic (PV) modules is described. The modules are installed in an open-rack configuration at the University of Agder in Southern Norway. Seven new and three aged PV modules of different type and make are being tested, including mono-and multicrystalline silicon from differing manufacturing routes, triple-junction amorphous silicon, and CIS. Data acquisition is controlled with a multichannel electronic load system and LabVIEW software, recording high-resolution I-V curves at one-minute intervals. Between I-V curve sweeps, each module is operated at the maximum power point. Characteristic electrica…
Challenges with balancing excitations in intermediate-band solar cells
New insight into the potential of practical solar cells can be given through alternative modeling approaches like Monte Carlo simulations. In the present work, the performance of intermediate band solar cells was examined by this method. It is demonstrated that the balance of excitations from the valence band to the intermediate band and from the intermediate band to the conduction band is of great importance for the performance of such cells. Several cases with different distributions of photons given by ASTM standards have been employed in order to detect spectrum sensitivity. Incident photons are accounted for as they interact with the electrons in the valence band or in the intermediate…
1.6 suns at 58°20′N - the solar resource in Southern Norway
We measured an extreme overirradiance event of 1.6 suns at latitude 58°20′N during a solar resource assessment in southern Norway. The burst occurred when the sun showed in a narrow gap between broken, optically thin altocumulus clouds. The enhancement was most intense within 3° around the solar disk. The annual solar irradiation in the plane of an optimally tilted PV array peaked at 1.30 MWh/m2 in the year 2013, and measured 1.20 MWh/m2 in the previous two years. These values exclude irradiance below 0.05 suns but include reflections from the sea surface and terrain which have not been quantified. The long-term average predicted by the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) i…
Microscopic defects and impurity analyses of multicrystalline silicon solar cells from different manufacturing routes
It is important to fully understand the physical behavior of solar cells made by materials from alternative process routes. Solar cells from Elkem Solar Grade Silicon and standard polysilicon have been investigated with light beam induced current and electroluminescence imaging. The low efficiency regions have been further analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy under different imaging modes. It was found that cell regions of low performance had undergone plastic deformations resulting in the creation of crystalline defects appearing as subgrain patterns. Similar patterns were observed in both ESS™ and standard polysilicon. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatte…
Initial light-induced degradation study of multicrystalline modules made from silicon material processed through different manufacturing routes
The paper presents results of initial lightinduced degradation (LID) of multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules made of crystalline silicon from different manufacturing processes. The modules were installed within the Sunbelt, in Hyderabad, India. Current-voltage (I–V) characteristics are measured and infra-red (IR) images of the modules are taken at regular intervals. A relationship of the IV degradation with the IR images is discussed. Results from laboratory LID tests at room temperature are performed parallel to the outdoor degradation of PV modules. It was found that the total LID, measured on the module level, after the initial 40 hours is similar for both materials resulti…
Extreme overirradiance events in Norway: 1.6 suns measured close to 60°N
Abstract We report the most extreme overirradiance event of 1.6 kW/m 2 measured so far in Grimstad, southern Norway (latitude 58°20′), at altitude of only about 60 m a.s.l. Images of the sky conditions taken with a wide-dynamic-range camera suggest that this is not the ultimate value for our location, but that extremes as high as 1.7 kW/m 2 may be possible. The phenomenon was caused by strong forward scattering of sunlight within 3° around the solar disk in thin, broken altocumulus clouds. The normalized spectrum of sunlight during such extreme events is very similar to the normalized clear-sky spectrum measured at Air Mass 1.4 and irradiance of 1.0 kW/m 2 . We suggest that the values excee…
Equivalent cell temperature calculation for PV modules with variable ideality factors
Outdoor testing of PV modules involves monitoring their operating temperatures which have strong influence on the output power. Back-of-module sensing is associated with significant uncertainty due to temperature drop across the back encapsulation and also due to non-uniform temperature over the module's area. The international standard IEC 60904-5 defines a procedure for calculating the Equivalent Cell Temperature (ECT) of PV devices from their open-circuit voltage. This and other standards (as well as some module performance models) assume a single-exponential I-V curve model with a constant ideality factor. However, this parameter may vary with the illumination level and the operating te…
A new analytical solar cell I–V curve model
Abstract A simple mathematical equation that can represent empirical I–V curves of individual solar cells, systems of solar cells and modules has been found. The basic model is determined by four parameters: the open circuit voltage, the short circuit current and two shape parameters. With the four parameters determined, the complete current–voltage curve, the fill factor and the maximum power point are given by simple analytical functions. The model is valid both in the positive and the negative (dark condition) voltage range. Several simple examples demonstrate some of the potential of the model. Due to its mathematical simplicity, it is suggested that the model will be suitable for analy…
Extracting parameters from semi-log plots of polycrystalline silicon PV modules outdoor I–V data: Double-exponential model revisited
This paper presents a method for extracting physically meaningful parameters from measured I–V curves of PV modules. The 7-parameter double-exponential model is applied in the modeling. The method is based on linear fitting of semi-logarithmic plots. The paper demonstrates a new technique to estimate the series resistance of a module with high accuracy from such plots. As a result, also the reverse saturation current and the quality factor of the diffusion diode can be determined. The method is applied to outdoor I–V data from a test station with three similar, but not identical, polycrystalline-Si modules. The values of the series resistances found with this method deviate somewhat from th…
Design and characterization of bi-functional electrocatalytic layers for application in PEM unitized regenerative fuel cells
Abstract Results concerning the development and characterization of bi-functional electrocatalytic layers for application in unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs) based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology are reported. Carbon-supported hydrophobic (10 wt.% of PTFE) Pt catalysts (40 wt.% of Pt), and Pt and Ir black powders of large specific areas have been synthesized. Their structure, morphology and electrochemical properties have been investigated using SEM, TEM, XRD analysis, and by measurements of polarization curves and cyclic voltammograms. Current–voltage curves have been recorded during water electrolysis and H 2 /O 2 fuel cell experiments to evaluate their performances a…
Power loss analysis for single phase grid-connected PV inverters
This paper presents a method for power loss analysis applied on single-phase grid-connected PV inverter. The often neglected current ripple effects are included in power device switching and conduction losses. The relationships amongst component losses, output inductance, switching frequency and dc-link voltage are investigated. It is shown that current ripple effect is important to power loss analysis due to varying irradiation. The closed form solutions of component losses are proposed and verified with SPICE simulation results.
A Simple Monte Carlo Model of a Hot Carrier Cell
In the present work, a simplified model of a hot carrier cell is examined at different energy levels of carrier collection. Incident photons, Monte Carlo generated by employing the ASTM G173–03 data set, are accounted for individually as they interact with the cell. The hot carrier cells are examined in a transient state caused by a flash of photons with AM1.5 spectrum. Excess photon energy is recycled giving a form of thermalization of hot carriers. The sensitivity of contact variables and the device band gap on cell efficiency, has been studied.
Influence of spectral composition on the temperature coefficients of solar cells from Elkem Solar
The temperature coefficients of solar cells from two different feedstocks — a compensated silicon, the Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS®), and polysilicon - under full and selective parts of the light spectrum are presented based on results obtained using a AAA sun simulator. These results are of particular interest in understanding the possible causes behind the better temperature coefficients usually observed for ESS® compared to polysilicon solar cells when measured with a full AM1.5 spectrum. The optical filtered lights from four different regions of the spectrum have been used to examine the influence of temperature coefficients on the spectral composition. ESS® solar cells showed considerable…
Overirradiance (Cloud Enhancement) Events at High Latitudes
Contrary to intuition, solar irradiance peaks at partially cloudy conditions. Clouds can boost sunlight by over 1.5 times, even at high latitudes. Depending on cloud velocity, the bursts last from seconds to minutes. Measuring irradiance on a tilted surface with 10-ms resolution allows for a detailed study of such events in Southern Norway, almost at sea level. All monthly maxima from April through September 2011 exceeded 1300 W/m2. The slow sensor registered an annual maximum of 1413 W/m2, while the fast sensor's range was found insufficient. A burst reaching 1528 W/m2 was registered in June 2012. Near the Equator, bursts exceeding 1800 W/m2 have been observed. These numbers are striking s…
A comparative evaluation of palladium and platinum nanoparticles as catalysts in proton exchange membrane electrochemical cells
The goal of the present study is the development and comparative characterisation of carbon-supported and nanostructured Pd- and Pt-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen oxidation in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) H2/O2(air) fuel cells and proton reduction in PEM water electrolysers. Catalysts have been synthesised in a solution using a combined impregnation/reduction polyol method. They have been characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and cyclic voltammetry. NanoPt, nanoPd and nanoPt-Pd catalysts deposited onto a carbon carrier have been used to prepare Membrane-Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) which, in turn,…
Contributions to the knowledge base on PV performance: Evaluation of the operation of PV systems using different technologies installed in southern Norway
To assist in establishing an accepted knowledge base on PV-modules and systems performance using a representative range of technologies, devices have to be installed at diverse locations, covering a broad range of environmental conditions. For the example of a high latitude location, modules and systems are installed and under investigation in southern Norway (Kristiansand region) by the University of Agder in cooperation with industrial partners. This paper presents first results of the analysis of module performance. The operational behavior of the modules is used to derive a modeling scheme applicable for performance prediction. This use is demonstrated by giving the expected annual perf…
Outdoor Performance of 10 year Old a-Si and Poly-Si Modules in southern Norway conditions
The outdoor performance of 10 years modules has been measured in southern Norway conditions. For this study, Poly-Si and a-Si modules are selected and the measurements are carried out using a portable electronic load. The I–V characteristics and maximum power have been recorded for several modules of each technology. It is found that Poly-Si modules perform very well even after 10 years of span whereas some of a-Si modules have visual degradation which causes significant power losses. The experimentally outdoor monitored values of P mp , V mp , short circuit current (I sc ), Open circuit voltage (V oc ) and efficiency for different modules are compared with manufacturer's values.
UV-induced Degradation Study of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Made from Different Silicon Materials
Abstract The effect of ultraviolet-induced degradation (UV-ID) on solar cells made from two different solar grade materials has been compared. By using identical wafer and cell production units, effects originating in the two materials; solar grade produced by the Elkem Solar method (ESS™) was compared to standard polysilicon solar cells. Silicon wafers were selected precisely from similar positions from respective silicon bricks to process identical standard solar cells. The quantum efficiency maps at particular laser wavelengths and IV parameters of all solar cells were measured before and after UV-ID to visualize defects sites in the solar cells and to observe the extent of degradation. …
Irradiance Dependent Temperature Coefficients for MC Solar Cells from Elkem Solar Grade Silicon in Comparison with Reference Polysilicon
Abstract An increase in sun intensity enhances the output power of the solar cells, but at the same time the rise of cell temperature affects its electrical performance negatively. The present authors have made a comparative study on temperature coefficients at various irradiances of multicrystalline solar cells made from the standard Siemens process and from material produced by a metallurgical route – the Elkem Solar Silicon (ESS®) process. Such temperature coefficients measured while exposed to various irradiance levels are essential to build a better understanding and prediction of field performance of solar cells manufactured from various feedstock types. In the current experiment, the…
A qualitative examination of performance and energy yield of photovoltaic modules in southern Norway
Three different, commercially available photovoltaic modules have been monitored outdoors in the town of Grimstad, Norway. The present paper describes the experimental setup that was implemented, in particular details of the low-cost electronic loads. Results compare measured performance with manufacturer's data, and temperature measurements enable a comparison with performance at standard test condition temperature. Overall, the monocrystalline module performed best both regarding maximum efficiency and overall energy production, whereas the module based on triple junction amorphous silicon technology had the worst performance considering these criteria. The gross numbers of energy yield c…
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of defect clusters in multicrystalline solar grade silicon solar cells
Solar cells from an identical commercial manufacturing unit have been investigated by electroluminescence to first detect the defect clusters. A further analysis has been done by scanning electron microscopy in secondary electron imaging mode to understand the propagation mechanism of defects. It appears that defect cluster boundaries can be very sharp or spread in the bulk with little apparent effect on the overall cell efficiency. And it is shown that grain boundaries act clearly as arrests to further propagation of these defects.
Modeling of the hydrogen sorption kinetics in an AB2 laves type metal hydride alloy
Abstract Hydrides of the AB2 Laves type alloys (A=Zr, Ti; B = transition metal – Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, V) have been extensively studied as materials for the storage of gaseous hydrogen. They contain up to 4 H atoms/formula unit AB2, thus achieving reversible H storage capacities in the range between 1.5 and 2.0 wt% H and offering high rates of hydrogen charge and discharge, thus making them suitable for designing efficient hydrogen stores operating at ambient conditions. In the present study, we performed an experimental study and modeling of the thermodynamics and the kinetics of interaction in the AB2-hydrogen system. The experimental data was collected by studying a model alloy with a comp…
Outdoor performance of north-facing multicrystalline modules in Southern Norway
The present paper deals with reports on an outdoor performance evaluation of multicrystalline modules facing north in Southern Norway. The relevance of this study is mainly for building integrated systems where some of the facades are in a far from optimum position. The impact of shading on the photovoltaic modules' performance is also evaluated. A dedicated experimental set up has been created to study the PV modules performance under the above mentioned conditions. The results indicate significant power extraction from the PV modules even in the north facing direction. Effects of shadowing are also considered.
Reduced temperature sensitivity of multicrystalline silicon solar cells with low ingot resistivity
This study presents experimental data on the reduction of temperature sensitivity of multicrystalline silicon solar cells made from low resistivity ingot. The temperature coefficients of solar cells produced from different ingot resistivities are compared, and the advantages of increasing the net doping are explained.