A two-dimensional finite element model of front surface current flow in cells under non-uniform, concentrated illumination

• Published in: Solar energy Vol. 83; no. 9; pp. 1459 - 1465
• Main Authors: Mellor, A., Domenech-Garret, J.L., Chemisana, D., Rosell, J.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2009; Elsevier; Pergamon Press Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Electric currents; Energy; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Experiments; Fill factor efficiency; Finite element analysis; Finite elements model; Natural energy; Non-uniform concentrated illumination; Open circuit voltage; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Short circuit current; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Solar cells; Non-uniform concentrated illumination; Finite elements model; Fill factor efficiency; Short circuit current; Open circuit voltage; Experimental test; Short circuit currents; Photovoltaic system; Metallizing; Two dimensional model; Fill factor efhciency; Solar cell; Finite element method; Linear system; Model test; Uniformity
• ISSN: 0038-092X; 1471-1257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2009.03.016

A two-dimensional finite element model of current flow in the front surface of a PV cell is presented. In order to validate this model we perform an experimental test. Later, particular attention is paid to the effects of non-uniform illumination in the finger direction which is typical in a linear concentrator system. Fill factor, open circuit voltage and efficiency are shown to decrease with increasing degree of non-uniform illumination. It is shown that these detrimental effects can be mitigated significantly by reoptimization of the number of front surface metallization fingers to suit the degree of non-uniformity. The behavior of current flow in the front surface of a cell operating at open circuit voltage under non-uniform illumination is discussed in detail.