A comparison of different module configurations for multibandgap solar cells

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5594446

Gee, J M

The use of different module configurations with multijunction (MJ) solar cells was investigated. Module configuration refers to the electrical circuit in which the subcells of the MJ cell are connected. The simplest configuration has the subcells connected in series. The subcells may also be connected in parallel or operated independently. These circuits require MJ cells with more than two terminals. The performance of two-junction tandem cells with the different module configurations was analyzed by means of computer modelling. Roughly the same performance was found for an optimized MJ cell with the different module configurations. However, several advantages for MJ cells with the subcells wired in parallel as opposed to series were identified, including wider selection of bandgaps for optimal performance, less sensitivity to spectral variations, and possibly less sensitivity to radiation damage.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5594446
• Report Number(s): SAND-87-2035C; CONF-871114-1; ON: DE88002718
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990220 -- Computers
Computerized Models
& Computer Programs-- (1987-1989)
CASCADE SOLAR CELLS
COMPUTER CODES
DATA
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
INFORMATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUMERICAL DATA
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
S CODES
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
THEORETICAL DATA