0000000000222225
AUTHOR
Alfredo Sanchez Garcia
Improved Temperature Coefficient Modeling through the Recombination Parameter $\gamma$
This study presents an injection dependent numerical model relating Shocldey-Read-Hall defect parameters in crystalline silicon with the recombination parameter $\gamma$ . We demonstrate how the model can be used to predict $\gamma$ for various single level defects. Additionally, we show that $\gamma$ can be significantly influenced by the injection level, in contrast to what is commonly assumed. The injection dependence is found to correlate with the temperature sensitivity of the Shocldey-Read-Hall lifetime. Finally, we demonstrate that the model can be used to predict the temperature coefficient of the open circuit voltage without the use of a temperature dependent measurement, enabling …
Analytical Modeling of the Maximum Power Point with Series Resistance
This paper presents new analytical expressions for the maximum power point voltage, current, and power that have an explicit dependence on the series resistance. An explicit expression that relates the series resistance to well-known solar cell parameters was also derived. The range of the validity of the model, as well as the mathematical assumptions taken to derive it are explained and discussed. To test the accuracy of the derived model, a numerical single-diode model with solar cell parameters whose values can be found in the latest installment of the solar cell efficiency tables was used. The accuracy of the derived model was found to increase with increasing bandgap and to decrease wi…
Theoretical Studies in Solar Cell Physics
Paper VI is excluded from the dissertation until it will be published. In this thesis, we develop analytical models with the purpose of expanding knowledge and gaining understanding of some of the internal mechanisms that limit the efficiency of single-junction solar cells. We focus on three distinct topics: fundamental energy losses, the temperature sensitivity of single-junction solar cells and the effect of the series resistance on the maximum power point. The thesis is divided in two parts. The first part reviews basic solar cell physics topics and introduces some more advanced concepts to provide the reader with the necessary background to understand the attached papers. The latter con…
Analytical Expressions for Radiative Losses in Solar Cells
Analytical expressions for the fundamental losses in single junction solar cells are revised and improved. The losses are, as far as possible, described using parameters with clear physical interpretations. One important improvement compared to earlier work is the use of Lambert’s W function, which allows for analytical expressions for the voltage and current at the maximum power point. Other improvements include the use of Stefan Boltzmann’s law to describe the incoming energy flux as well as taking into account the fermionic nature of the electrons when calculating the thermalization loss. A new expression, which combines emission, Boltzmann and Carnot losses, is presented. Finally, an ex…
Assessment of a New Analytical Expression for the Maximum-Power Point Voltage with Series Resistance
This work compares a recently developed analytical expression for the maximum-power point voltage with experimental data, to test its usability for crystalline silicon solar cells. The experimental data covers measurements from 18 multicrystalline silicon solar cells with different bulk resistivities and cell architectures. We show that the expression is able to predict the maximum power obtainable by the measured cells with relative discrepancies below 1%. Additionally, we compare the accuracy of this new expression with two already existing models.
Temperature Coefficients of Solar Cell Parameters at Maximum Power Point
Analytical expressions for the temperature coefficients of the maximum power point voltage and current are presented. The temperature coefficients are calculated assuming the bandgap to be a linear function of the temperature and accounting for energy losses of non-radiative nature. The latter are introduced in the model through the External Radiative Efficiency. The so-called $\gamma$ parameter, which has been shown to account for the thermal sensitivity of all mechanisms determining the open-circuit voltage, appears to also play a role in the temperature coefficient of the maximum power point voltage and current. Numerical results and a comparison with experimental measurements are also p…
Analytical Modeling of the Temperature Sensitivity of the Maximum Power Point of Solar Cells
Author's accepted manuscript Abstract—This article presents new analytical expressions for the temperature coefficients of the voltage, current, and power of a solar cell at its maximum power point MPP). A new analytical expression of the temperature coefficient of the fill factor is also derived. The new expressions are written as functions of photovoltaic (PV) metrics that can be obtained from i-V measurements. Nonideal diode behavior is partially accounted for through a temperature dependent ideality factor. The recombination parameter γ, which has been shown to account for the thermal sensitivity of all mechanisms determining the open-circuit voltage, appears to play a role also for the…