Portable and wireless IV-curve tracer for >5kV organic photovoltaic modules

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 151; pp. 60 - 65
• Main Authors: García-Valverde, Rafael, Chaouki-Almagro, Samir, Corazza, Michael, Espinosa, Nieves, Hösel, Markus, Søndergaard, Roar R., Jørgensen, Mikkel, Villarejo, José A., Krebs, Frederik C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2016
• Subjects: Fast recording; High voltage; IV-tracer; Organic/polymer solar cells; Wireless control; Wireless control; Fast recording; IV-tracer; High voltage; Organic/polymer solar cells
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2016.02.012

The practical design of a wirelessly controlled portable IV-curve tracer based on a capacitive load is described. The design is optimized for the measurement of solar cell modules presenting a high open circuit voltage of up to 6kV and a low short circuit current below 100mA. The portable IV-tracer allows for on-site/in-situ characterization of large modules under real operating conditions and enables fast detection of potential failure of anomalies in electrical behavior. Currently available electronic loads only handle voltages up to around 1kV. To overcome cost and safety issues related to high voltage applications, the design is based on low cost components, battery-based isolated supply and wireless communication. A prototype has been implemented and field tested for characterization of different organic photovoltaic modules (OPV) made according to the infinity concept with a large number of serially connected single junctions (~7.450 single junctions) presenting open circuit voltages up to 5.6kV. [Display omitted] •Portable in-situ IV-curve tracer for high voltage/low current PV modules/arrays.•Simple and low cost design based on association of low voltage components.•Wireless Bluetooth link control for safe user interaction.•Field tested prototype for characterization of up to 5.6kV organic PV modules.