Publications:
Title: |
Design Study of a Double-Side Illumination Solar Simulator for Bifacial Silicon PV Modules Characterisation Based on Low-Cost LED Bias Light |
|---|---|
| Author(s): | , , , and |
| Journal: | Proceedings of EUPVSEC 2018 |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Pages: | 1001 - 1005 |
| Event name: | 35th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition |
| Event place: | Brussels, BE |
| Event date: | 24-09-2018 to 27-09-2018 |
| DOI: | 10.4229/35thEUPVSEC20182018-5BO.9.2 |
| ISBN: | 3-936338-50-7 |
| Web URL: | https://www.eupvsec-proceedings.com/proceedings?fulltext=Design+study+of+a+double-side+illumination+solar+simulator+for+bifacial+silicon+PV+modules+characterisation+based+on+low-cost+LED+bias+light&paper=46494 |
| Abstract: | Bifacial crystalline Si photovoltaic modules have attracted considerable interest in the last years, since they can enhance the performance in comparison to traditional PV modules because both sides of the cell can absorb solar radiation. To assess their performance and quality, PV modules are measured and characterized under standard test conditions (STC) as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Since there is currently no standard for bifacial PV modules, one of the main issues that need to be addressed is the standardisation of bifacial measurements for PV devices. The IEC TC82 is currently working on the development of a draft technical specification. Three different approaches are considered in the draft for the electrical performance of bifacial PV modules, that is, natural sunlight, a solar simulator with adjustable irradiance level for single-side illumination and a solar simulator with double-sided illumination. In order to reproduce the real conditions with both front and rear illumination, the latter approach has been used to characterise bifacial solar cells. However, at a module scale, this approach represents a technical and logistical challenge for many due to the associated cost of using two controlled light sources instead of one and it is considered that the current equipment is not suitable for this setup and requires significant and potentially expensive modifications. However, recent advances in high-power Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology have resulted in a number of LED-based sun simulators coming to market. The aim of this work is the design, development and validation of a double-sided solar simulator based on an existing large-area single long pulse flash solar simulator and a low-cost LED-based rear bias light that can fulfil the standard requirements of rear illumination (up to 200 W/m2) and non-uniformity. |