Generalized Optoelectronic Model of Series-Connected Multijunction Solar Cells
The emission of light from each junction in a series-connected multijunction solar cell, we found, both complicates and elucidates the understanding of its performance under arbitrary conditions. Bringing together many recent advances in this understanding, we present a general 1-D model to describe luminescent coupling that arises from both voltage-driven electroluminescence and voltage-independent photoluminescence in nonideal junctions that include effects such as Sah-Noyce-Shockley (SNS) recombination with n ≠ 2, Auger recombination, shunt resistance, reverse-bias breakdown, series resistance, and significant dark area losses. The individual junction voltages and currents are experimentally determined from measured optical and electrical inputs and outputs of the device within the context of the model to fit parameters that describe the devices performance under arbitrary input conditions. Furthermore, our techniques to experimentally fit the model are demonstrated for a four-junction inverted metamorphic solar cell, and the predictions of the model are compared with concentrator flash measurements.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308; 299878
- OSTI ID:
- 1825172
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1233693
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/JA-5J00-64135; 7287740
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, Journal Name: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics Vol. 5 Journal Issue: 6; ISSN 2156-3381
- Publisher:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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