Investigation on the I-V characteristics of a high concentration, photovoltaic array

The aim of this study was to highlight the effects on the I-V characteristics of concentrator arrays due to mismatch between series-connected high concentration PV modules and between single junction cells within a module. The mismatch between cells was caused by a number of factors including: misal...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vorster, F.J., van Dyk, E.E., Leitch, A.W.R.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Africa
Applied sciences
Current measurement
Degradation
Diodes
Energy
Equipments, installations and applications
Exact sciences and technology
Lenses
Natural energy
Optical materials
Photovoltaic conversion
Photovoltaic systems
Solar energy
Solar power generation
Stimulated emission
Voltage
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Summary:The aim of this study was to highlight the effects on the I-V characteristics of concentrator arrays due to mismatch between series-connected high concentration PV modules and between single junction cells within a module. The mismatch between cells was caused by a number of factors including: misalignment of optical elements and cells, uneven shading due to dust or delamination of the cell-secondary lens interface, degradation of the main Fresnel lens and non-uniform cell material parameters. Small amounts of mismatch that would go unnoticed at one-Sun insolation levels are vastly amplified at high concentration ratios. This paper reports on, and interprets the regular I-V measurements that were recorded over a period of two years under various conditions. The effect of bypass diodes on the module I-V curves is also investigated. The general characteristics of the measured resultant I-V curves are explained. The degradation of the PV concentrator modules over a period of two years is also confirmed from the I-V measurements.
ISSN:1060-8371
DOI:10.1109/PVSC.2002.1190922