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Title: Photovoltaic transient analysis program: user's guide. Volume IV. Supporting data

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6170124

The following appendices are presented: additional examples, reprint of Solarex Task I Report, and reprint of Solarex Task II Report. The examples include some of the runs used to validate the PV cell and PV aggregate models. The data and parameters for the runs were obtained from I-V curves taken by Solarex Corporation on 3-inch diameter silicon flat-plate solar cells and panels constructed from these same cells. The measured I-V curves have been included for comparison. Illuminated curves are standard half sun and one sun curves. Dark forward curves are plotted in similar coordinates with positive currents rather than negative current as would be expected from PV cell current conventions. The Task I Report summarizes empirical data on solar cells, solar cell packaging and peripheral devices, all required in the simulation of large solar cell arrays. The information is grouped according to solar cells electrical characteristics, packaging dependent electrical characteristics, peripheral interconnections characteristics, and finally into concentrator cells and polycrystalline silicon characteristics. The results of an effort of Solarex Corporation to verify the accuracy of the BDM solar model simulation with actual measurements are summarized. A three pronged approach was used to verify simulated photovoltaic cell, panel and array models. First, quantities of solar cells were individually evaluated for both dark and light characteristics. Second, six solar modules were constructed from these cells and subjected to both illumination and load transients. The third aspect of the model verification effort was to perform transient and dc measurements on photovoltaic arrays. A representative sample of the data collected is included.

Research Organization:
BDM Corp., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0789
OSTI ID:
6170124
Report Number(s):
SAND-78-7038(Vol.4)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English