Electrical characterization device for photovoltaic cells

Abstract

Electrical Characterization Device for Photovoltaic Cells This description relates to a device (100) for the electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell (104), comprising at least: - a support (102) configured to mechanically support at least one photovoltaic cell (104); - a first electronic board (110) having a first face (112) disposed opposite the support (102), comprising at least one first light source (114) disposed on its first face (112) and configured to emit light at least in the direction of the support (102), and comprising several first conductive measurement elements (116) disposed on its first face (112) and configured to be in contact with metallizations of the photovoltaic cell (104). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical characterization device for photovoltaic cells technical field

[0001] The present description relates in general to the field of electrical measurement, or characterization, of photovoltaic cells. Previous technique

[0002] A device for the electrical characterization of photovoltaic cells comprises a light source configured to illuminate the photovoltaic cell to be characterized, and a system of conductive probes or wires for making electrical contact on the metallizations, in particular the busbars, of the cell. The probe or wire system is connected to current and voltage measurement equipment which, based on the measurements taken, allows for the electrical characterization of the photovoltaic cell, notably by determining its current-voltage characteristic (CV), also known as the current-voltage curve.

[0003] During electrical measurements performed on the photovoltaic cell, the distance between the light source and the cell is generally at least 50 centimeters because the probe or wire system must be positioned in contact with the cell's metallization, between the light source and the cell. However, this configuration of the probe or wire system generates significant shadows on the side of the cell illuminated by the light source, which impacts the electrical measurements. These measurement errors must therefore be compensated for by a specific calibration performed prior to the electrical measurements, under measurement conditions that minimize shadowing on the cell. Furthermore, this significant distance between the light source and the photovoltaic cell necessitates a powerful light source, obtained, for example, by using a high density of light-emitting diodes. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need to propose a device for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cells which does not present at least some of the disadvantages described above.

[0005] One embodiment overcomes all or part of these drawbacks and provides a device for the electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell, comprising at least:

[0006] - a support configured to mechanically support at least one cell photovoltaics;

[0007] - a first electronic card having a first face arranged opposite of the support, comprising at least a first light source disposed on its first face and configured to emit light at least in the direction of the support, and comprising several first conductive measuring elements disposed on its first face and configured to be brought into contact with metallizations of the photovoltaic cell.

[0008] According to a particular embodiment, the support and the first electronic board are such that a distance between a front face of the photovoltaic cell and the first light source is between 2 mm and 30 mm.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the first light source comprises several light-emitting diodes.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the light-emitting diodes are configured to emit different wavelengths and / or to emit light according to light emission cones that partially overlap at least at the level of the support.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the first conductive measuring elements comprise tips of conductive material and / or bars of conductive material.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the first conductive measuring elements are configured to slide in openings through the first electronic card.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the electrical characterization device further comprises a first actuation device configured to move the first conductive measurement elements with respect to the first electronic board.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the dimensions of the first face of the first electronic card are greater than or equal to those of a first face of the photovoltaic cell arranged opposite the first electronic card.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, at least part of the support and / or the first electronic card are movable relative to each other.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the electrical characterization device further comprises at least one device for regulating the temperature of the support.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the support comprises a second electronic card having a first face arranged opposite the first face of the first electronic card, the second electronic card comprising at least one second light source arranged on its first face and configured to emit light in the direction of the first electronic card, and comprising several second conductive measuring elements arranged on its first face and configured to be brought into contact with a rear face of the photovoltaic cell and to mechanically support the photovoltaic cell.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the electrical characterization device further includes at least one pyrometer configured to measure a temperature of the photovoltaic cell.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the first electronic card further comprises photodiodes arranged on its first face.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the first electronic card comprises several parts that move relative to each other, and the electrical characterization device further comprises a second actuation device configured to move one or more of the moving parts.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the electrical characterization device further comprises at least one current and voltage measurement device coupled at least to the first conductive measurement elements. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] These features and advantages, as well as others, will be described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0023] - Fig. 1 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a first embodiment;

[0024] - [Fig.2] schematically represents a first example of implementation of an electronic circuit board of a photovoltaic cell electrical characterization device;

[0025] - [Fig.3] schematically represents a first example of implementation conductive measurement elements of a photovoltaic cell electrical characterization device;

[0026] - Figure 4 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a variant of the first embodiment;

[0027] - [Fig. 5] schematically represents a second example of embodiment conductive measurement elements of a photovoltaic cell electrical characterization device;

[0028] - Figure 6 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a second embodiment;

[0029] - [Fig.7] schematically represents a second example of embodiment of an electronic circuit board of a photovoltaic cell electrical characterization device;

[0030] - Figure 8 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a first variant of the second embodiment;

[0031] - Figure 9 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a second variant of the second embodiment;

[0032] - Figure 10 schematically represents an example of a characterization device photovoltaic cell electrical according to a third variant of the second embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0033] The same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals in the different figures. In particular, structural and / or functional elements common to the different modes and variants of embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties. In the figures, to facilitate their reading, the different elements and the different material layers are not represented at the same scale relative to each other.

[0034] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements necessary for understanding the described embodiments have been shown and are detailed. In particular, various components (electronic boards, photovoltaic cells, support, actuation devices, temperature control device, calculation circuits, etc.) are not detailed. A person skilled in the art will be able to produce these components in detail from the functional description given here.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected together, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements linked or coupled together, this means that these two elements can be connected or linked through one or more other elements.

[0036] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "superior", "inferior", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures in a normal position of use.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "roughly", and "in the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0038] A device 100 for electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell according to a first embodiment is described below in relation to [Fig.1].

[0039] The device 100 includes a support 102 configured to mechanically support at least one photovoltaic cell 104. In the described embodiment, the support 102 corresponds to a base, also called a "chuck". At least one face 106 of the support 102 on which the cell 104 rests may include at least one electrically conductive material so that a rear face 105 of the cell 104, positioned against the face 106 of the support 102, is in electrical contact with this face 106. According to one embodiment, the face 106 of the support 102 may be optically reflective.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the device 100 may include a temperature control device 107 for the support 102. This device 107 may, for example, regulate the temperature of the support 102, for example by cooling it, in order to maintain the cell 104 at a certain temperature, for example approximately 25°C, during the electrical characterization of the cell 104. Such temperature control may prevent unwanted and uncontrolled electronic drift in the electrical characteristics of the cell 104. The device 107 may also serve as a temperature measurement device for the cell 104.

[0041] The cell 104 has a front face 108 opposite its rear face 105 and intended to be illuminated during the electrical characterization measurements of the cell 104 by the device 100. The cell 104 has metallizations (busbars and fingers), not visible in [Fig. 1], arranged at least on the side of its front face 108. Depending on the type of cell 104, it is possible that such metallizations are also present on its rear face 105.

[0042] The device 100 also includes an electronic card 110. A first face 112 of the card 110 is positioned opposite the support 102. The shape of the card 110 may correspond to that of the cell 104 to be characterized, and is, for example, rectangular or square. Other shapes are, however, possible. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first face 112 of the card 110 may be greater than or equal to those of the cell 104.

[0043] The card 110 includes a light source disposed on the side of its first face 112 and configured to emit light at least in the direction of the support 102, i.e. to illuminate the front face 108 of the cell 104. According to one embodiment, this light source includes several light-emitting diodes 114.

[0044] In a particular configuration of the device 100, the light-emitting diodes 114 can be configured to emit different wavelengths. For example, The light-emitting diodes 114 can together emit light whose light spectrum is identical or close to that emitted by the sun (for example, class A according to the IEC 60904 standard). According to one embodiment, light-emitting diodes emitting different wavelengths can be grouped and optically coupled to the same lens for shaping their light beam so that the spectrum of the light emitted at the output of the lens towards the cell 104 is homogeneous, and for example close to that emitted by the sun.

[0045] In a particular configuration, the support 102 and the card 110 can be such that the distance between the light source (corresponding to the light-emitting diodes 114) and the front face 108 of the cell 104, denoted "d" in [Fig. 1], can be between 2 mm and 30 mm, or between 2 mm and 20 mm. The value of this distance d, as well as the emission power of the light source located on the first face 112 of the card 110, can be chosen such that the cell 102 can be illuminated, during its electrical characterization, with a power equivalent to 1 sun, i.e., approximately 1000 W / m². For example, the light emission power of the light-emitting diodes 114 can be adjusted by choosing the value of the current flowing through them, and the distance d can be adjusted by moving the card 110 and / or the support 102 relative to each other, parallel to the Z axis on the [Fig.1].In a particular configuration, the support 102 and / or the electronic board 110 can be movable relative to each other by means of a motorization (not visible in [Fig.1]) of the support 102 and / or the electronic board 110.

[0046] In a particular configuration, the light-emitting diodes 114 can be configured to emit light according to light emission cones which partially overlap at least at the level of the face 106 of the support 102. For example, the light-emitting diodes 114 can each emit light with a diffusion angle greater than or equal to 90°, and for example of the order of 120°. Thus, when the dimensions of the first face 112 of the card 110 are greater than or equal to those of the cell 104, the entire front face 108 of the cell 104 can be illuminated by the light source of the device 100. For this, it is possible to judiciously choose the value of the distance d according to the power of the light source used as well as the value of its diffusion angle, that is to say the value of the diffusion angle of the light-emitting diodes 114 used in the example described.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment, the device 100 can be made and used with the following characteristics:

[0048] - power of each light-emitting diode 114: 1 W;

[0049] - distance between the light-emitting diodes 114 and the cell 104 to be characterized: 10 cm;

[0050] - diffusion angle of the light cone emitted by each light-emitting diode 114: 120°;

[0051] - radius of the area illuminated by each of the light-emitting diodes 114: 17.3 mm;

[0052] - surface illuminated by each of the light-emitting diodes 114: 942 mm2;

[0053] - luminous density obtained: 1062 W / m2.

[0054] The card 110 also includes several conductive measuring elements 116 arranged at its first face 112 and configured to be in contact with the metallizations of the cell 104, in particular the busbars of the cell 104, and thus allow electrical measurements of current and voltage of the cell 104 to be made.

[0055] The device 100 may include at least one current and voltage measuring device 117 electrically coupled to the measuring conductive elements 116 and configured to perform current and voltage measurements on the cell 104.

[0056] In the device 100, it is proposed to combine, on the same electronic board 110, a light source (formed by the light-emitting diodes 114 in the example described above) and conductive measuring elements 116 forming an electrical contact system with the metallizations of the cell 104 and used for current and voltage measurements. Such a configuration allows the light source of the device 100 to be positioned as close as possible to the photovoltaic cell to be electrically characterized, which limits the shadows cast on the cell 104 during the electrical measurements, as well as the required light power.

[0057] A first example of the embodiment of the electronic board 110 is shown in [Fig.2],

[0058] In this example of an electronic card 110, the light-emitting diodes 114 are arranged on the first face 112 of the card 110 in the form of a matrix, in rows and columns. Furthermore, the measuring conductive elements 116 are arranged in several rows (as columns in the example of [Fig. 2], but which could also be arranged as lines, diagonals, etc.) of parallel measuring conductive elements 116, between which are arranged rows of light-emitting diodes 114. The rows of measuring conductive elements are, for example, intended to be each made in contact with one of the busbars of the cell 104. In the example of [Fig. 2], the electronic board 110 has six rows of measuring conductive elements 116 arranged parallel to each other and with, between two adjacent rows of measuring conductive elements 116, three rows of light-emitting diodes. 114 parallel to the rows of measuring conductive elements 116. Alternatively, a different number of rows of light-emitting diodes 114 may be arranged between two adjacent rows of measuring conductive elements 116, and / or the device 100 may have a different number of rows of measuring conductive elements 116.

[0059] In general, the arrangement of the measuring conductive elements 116 is a function of the arrangement of the metallizations of the cell 104 with which the measuring conductive elements 116 are intended to be in contact.

[0060] A first example of conductive measuring elements 116 is shown in [Fig. 3]. In this example, the conductive measuring elements 116 correspond to tips made of conductive material, for example, gold-plated brass. Furthermore, in this example, the tips are arranged in several groups of three. For example, in each group of three, the central tip can be used for voltage measurement, and the two other tips between which the central tip is positioned can be used for current measurement. [Fig. 3] shows part of a row of tips, the groups of tips being arranged side by side in the same direction parallel to a principal direction of the row of tips. Alternatively, the tips can be arranged in several groups of n tips, with n > 1.

[0061] In a particular configuration corresponding to that shown in [Fig. 3], the tips forming the measuring conductive elements 116 have retractable, or movable, ends relative to the card 110, preventing damage to the metallizations of the cell 104 when the tips come into contact with the metallizations. In the example of [Fig. 3], each tip has a movable end portion 118 intended to come into contact with a metallization of the cell 104 and sliding within another static, or fixed, portion 120. The end portion 118 can, for example, be held under pressure against a metallization of the cell 104 without damaging the cell 104 by means of a spring disposed in the static portion 120.

[0062] By way of example, the tips may have a cylindrical cross-section, and the diameter of each tip is, for example, between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, this value being able to be chosen according to the characteristics of the metallizations of the cell 104 and / or the design characteristics of the cell 104. In general, the shape, dimensions and number of conductive measuring elements 116 can be chosen according to the shape, dimensions and number of metallizations of the cell 104 to be characterized electrically.

[0063] A device 100 for electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell according to a variant of the first embodiment is described below in relation to [Fig.4].

[0064] Compared to the embodiment described previously in connection with [Fig. 1], the tips forming the measuring conductive elements 116 are configured to pass through the electronic board 110 via openings 121, for example holes, made in the board 110. Such a configuration of the measuring conductive elements 116 can help minimize shadowing caused by the elements 116 on the cell 104. In addition, these measuring conductive elements 116 can be coupled to a spring system to ensure contact between these elements 116 and the metallizations of the cell 104 without damaging the cell 104.

[0065] The other features, variants and examples previously described in connection with device 100 of [Fig.1] can be applied to this variant embodiment.

[0066] A second example of conductive measuring elements 116 is shown in [Fig. 5]. In this second example, the conductive measuring elements 116 comprise bars of conductive material, or conductive lines, intended to be brought into contact with the metallizations of the cell 104. Such bars of conductive material can serve as conductive measuring elements 116 in the devices 100 described previously. As previously described for the example of conductive measuring elements 116 comprising points, the bars of material can be arranged in several groups of n bars, with n > 1, each group of bars being, for example, intended to be brought into contact with a busbar of the cell 104. For example, the conductive bars can be arranged in several groups of three conductive bars, one serving for voltage measurement and the other two serving for current measurements.In each group of three conductive bars, one conductive bar used for voltage measurement is, for example, placed between two others used for current measurements.

[0067] Furthermore, the conductive bars forming the measuring conductive elements 116 can be coupled to a mechanical compensation system allowing, as previously described for the points passing through the card 110, the bars to pass through trenches made through the card 110 in the event of pressure applied to the bars, and thus avoid damaging the cell 104 to be characterized. Such a system can be integrated into the card 110.

[0068] When the measuring conductive elements 116 correspond to conductive bars, the row or rows of light-emitting diodes 114 arranged between two conductive bars can be electrically dissociated from the other rows of light-emitting diodes 114 and electrically powered independently of the other rows of light-emitting diodes 114. Each group of rows of light-emitting diodes 114 thus delimited by the conductive bars can be fixed on a rail allowing good mechanical support of these rows of light-emitting diodes 114.

[0069] The examples and variants previously described where the measuring conductive elements 116 have conductive tips can be applied to measuring conductive elements 116 having conductive bars.

[0070] A device 100 for electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell according to a second embodiment is described below in relation to [Fig.6].

[0071] Unlike the first embodiment in which the support 102 of the device 100 corresponds to a base having an electrically conductive face 106, the support 102 of the device 100 according to the second embodiment comprises a second electronic card 122 for example similar to the electronic card 110. The second electronic card 122 may have a first face 124 arranged opposite the first face 112 of the electronic card 110.

[0072] Furthermore, the second electronic card 122 may include at least one second light source disposed on its first face 124 and configured to emit light in the direction of the electronic card 110. This second light source may include second light-emitting diodes 126, for example, similar to the light-emitting diodes 114.

[0073] Furthermore, the second electronic board 122 may include several second conductive measuring elements 128 arranged on its first face 124 and configured to be in contact with the photovoltaic cell 104 and to mechanically support the photovoltaic cell 104. As shown in [Fig. 6], the cell 104 rests on the ends of the second conductive measuring elements 128. The second conductive measuring elements 128 may correspond to conductive tips or conductive bars similar to those previously described for the first conductive measuring elements 116.

[0074] In a particular configuration, the support 102 (formed by the second card 122 and the second measuring conductive elements 128) and the card 110 can be configured such that the distance between the light source of the card 110 and the front face 108 of the cell 104 is between 2 mm and 30 mm, or between 2 mm and 20 mm. Similarly, the support 102 can be configured such that the distance between the light source of the second card 122 (i.e., the second light-emitting diodes 126) and the rear face 105 of the cell 104 is between 2 mm and 30 mm, or between 2 mm and 20 mm.

[0075] In a particular configuration as shown in [Fig. 6], the device 100 may include a pyrometer 130 configured to measure the temperature of the photovoltaic cell 104, which is mechanically supported by the second measuring conductive elements 128. The use of such a pyrometer 130 in the device 100 according to the second embodiment may be advantageous because, unlike the first embodiment, the support 102 of the device 100 according to the second embodiment the implementation is not equipped with a temperature measurement device for cell 104 that is integrated into the support 102.

[0076] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, since the support 102 is not equipped with a device to regulate the temperature of the cell 104, the values ​​of the electrical measurements taken can be compensated with a correction factor whose value depends in particular on the temperature measured by the pyrometer 130.

[0077] In this second embodiment, the two electronic boards 110, 122 can enable bifacial electrical measurements of the cell 104, that is, electrical measurements from the front 108 and rear 105 faces of the cell 104, without having to turn the cell 104 over. For example, the following steps can be implemented:

[0078] - installation of cell 104 in device 100, with contact electrical between the metallizations of cell 104 and the measuring conductive elements 116, 128;

[0079] - first electrical measurements carried out on the front face 108 of cell 104 with the measuring conductive elements 116 and illuminating the front face 108 of the cell 104 with the light-emitting diodes 114;

[0080] - second electrical measurements carried out on the rear face 105 of cell 104 with the second measuring conductive elements 128 and illuminating the rear face 105 of the cell 104 with the second light-emitting diodes 126;

[0081] - calculation of at least one ratio of the first and second electrical measurements previously carried out to obtain a bifaciality coefficient of cell 104.

[0082] In a particular configuration, the bifaciality coefficient of cell 104 can be calculated by a calculation circuit of device 100, not shown in the figures.

[0083] The calculation of such a bifaciality coefficient of the cell 104 is possible with the device 100 according to the first embodiment, by turning the cell 104 over between the first and second electrical measurements carried out so that the metallizations present on the rear face 105 of the cell 104 can be electrically contacted by the measuring conductive elements 116.

[0084] A second example of an embodiment of the electronic card 110 is shown in [Fig.7].

[0085] In this second example, and compared to the first example described above, the electronic card 110 further comprises, on the side of its first face 112, photodiodes 132. Such photodiodes 132 can, for example, be used to detect the position of the cell 104 and, when the dimensions of the electronic card 110 are greater than those of the cell 104 (or for half-cell type formats), power only the light-emitting diodes 114 located in rows opposite cell 104.

[0086] For example, such an electronic board 110 can be used in the device 100 according to the second embodiment. In this case, when the cell 104 is positioned on the second measuring conductive elements 128 of the second electronic board 122, the cell 104 can be illuminated on its rear face 105 by the second light-emitting diodes 126. A light intensity measurement can then be carried out using the photodiodes 132. The photodiodes 132 that receive little or no light correspond to those positioned opposite the cell 104, unlike those that directly receive the light emitted by the second light-emitting diodes 126. From this information, the device 100 can determine the position of the cell 104, for example by using a processing circuit that receives the measurement signals from the photodiodes 132.

[0087] The number of photodiodes 132 arranged on the electronic card 110 depends in particular on their arrangement, the dimensions of the electronic card 110 and also on the desired detection accuracy.

[0088] In the example of [Fig.7], the photodiodes 132 are aligned on the diagonals of the face 112 of the electronic board 110. This arrangement of the photodiodes 132 is advantageous because it allows, with a small number of photodiodes 132, the precise determination of the position and dimensions of the cell 104 with respect to the electronic board 110. Furthermore, it is possible that no photodiode is positioned in a central area of ​​the face 112 of the board 110, particularly when considering that the cell 104 is positioned at least opposite the center of the face 112 of the board 110.

[0089] As in [Fig. 7], the columns of LEDs 114 are electrically powered independently of one another. The power supply lines for the LED columns 114 are designated by reference numeral 134. Thus, after detecting the position and dimensions of the cell 104, only the LED columns 114 located at least partially opposite the cell 104 can be electrically powered to illuminate the cell 104. The control of the power supply lines for the LEDs 114 can be achieved by at least one relay interface card allowing selection of the lines 134 to be electrically powered.

[0090] A device 100 according to this variant of the second embodiment and illuminating the rear face of the cell 104 is schematically represented in [Fig. 8]. Furthermore, in this figure, relays 136 are connected to the power supply lines 134 and symbolically represented in the closed or open position depending on whether the diode columns electroluminescent 114 to which these relays are coupled must be electrically powered or not.

[0091] Such an electronic card 110 comprising photodiodes 132 can be used in the device 100 according to either the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, when the device 100 includes the second electronic card 122, this second electronic card 122 may include photodiodes similar to the photodiodes 132, while the other card 110 may or may not include the photodiodes 132.

[0092] A device 100 according to a second variant of the second embodiment is described below in relation to [Fig.9].

[0093] In this second embodiment, the measuring conductive elements 116 (tips in the example of [Fig. 9]) are configured to pass through the electronic board 110 via openings 121 (holes in the example of [Fig. 9]) made in the board 110, as in the example of [Fig. 4] described previously. However, unlike the example of [Fig. 4] in which the electronic board 110 and the measuring conductive elements 116 are moved together so that the elements 116 come into contact with the metallizations of the cell 104, the device 100 according to this second embodiment includes an actuation device configured to move the elements 116 through the openings formed in the electronic board 110.This actuation device is, for example, pneumatic and includes, for example, cylinders that can be individually controlled by a multi-channel control card with relays and powered by a multi-channel pneumatic valve. Each element 116 can be connected to one pneumatic channel and one electrical channel. The actuation is symbolized by arrows in the example in [Fig. 9]. Furthermore, in the example in [Fig. 9], the mobility of the elements 116 relative to the card 110 corresponds to a translational movement along an axis perpendicular to the face 112 of the card 110.

[0094] In a particular configuration, the selection of the elements 116 to be brought into contact with the metallizations of the cell 104 can be carried out using information provided by the photodiodes 132. For example, when one of the photodiodes 132 does not receive light while the light source on the second electronic board 122 emits light, this means that the part of the electronic board 110 comprising this photodiode 132 is arranged opposite the cell 104 to be characterized and that the element(s) 116 located in this part of the electronic board 110 can be moved so that this or these first conductive elements 116 are brought into contact with one or more metallizations of the cell 104.On the other hand, when one of the photodiodes 132 receives light while the light source on the second electronic board 122 emits light, this means that the part of the electronic board 110 comprising this. photodiode 132 is not positioned opposite cell 104 and therefore the element(s) 116 located in this part of the electronic board 110 do not need to be moved.

[0095] In the example of [Fig.9], the second measuring conductive elements 128 pass through the second electronic board 122 through second openings 129, for example in a similar manner to the first measuring conductive elements 116 which pass through the electronic board 110 through the openings 121.

[0096] This second variant can for example be used to bring the first conductive elements 116 located opposite the cell 104 into contact with the cell 104 via an actuation of the elements 116 located opposite the cell 104. Thus, this can avoid the risk of having a short circuit between first and second conductive elements 116, 128 arranged opposite each other and between which the cell 104 is not present.

[0097] A device 100 according to a third variant of the second embodiment is described below in relation to [Fig. 10].

[0098] In this third variant, the electronic board 110 comprises several parts that move relative to one another. Furthermore, the device 100 includes an actuation device configured to move one or more of the moving parts of the board 110. This actuation device is, for example, pneumatic and comprises, for example, cylinders that can be individually controlled by control relays and supplied by a multi-way pneumatic valve. This actuation is symbolized by arrows in the example in [Fig. 10]. Moreover, in the example in [Fig. 10], the mobility of the different parts of layer 110 corresponds to translational movements along an axis perpendicular to the face 112 of the board 110.

[0099] Each of the moving parts of the card 110 can be electrically powered independently of the others. In addition, each actuator can be supplied with compressed air independently of the others.

[0100] In a particular configuration, the selection of the part(s) of the board 110 to be moved can be carried out using information provided by the photodiodes 132. For example, when one of the photodiodes 132 does not receive light emitted from the second electronic board 122, this means that the part of the electronic board 110 comprising this photodiode 132 is positioned opposite the cell 104 to be characterized and that it can be moved so that the first conductive element(s) 116 associated with this part of the electronic board 110 are brought into contact with one or more metallizations of the cell 104. Conversely, when one of the photodiodes 132 receives light emitted from the second electronic board 122, this means that the part of the electronic board 110 comprising this photodiode 132 is not positioned opposite cell 104 and it is not necessary to move it.

[0101] In the example of [Fig. 10], each of the moving parts of the card 110 includes in particular one of the elements 116 as well as several rows of light-emitting diodes 114 (three rows in the example of [Fig. 10]) which are moved at the same time as the moving part of the card 110.

[0102] This third variant can, for example, be used, like the second variant, to bring the first conductive elements 116 located opposite the cell 104 into contact with the cell 104 via an actuation of the moving parts of the electronic board 110 located opposite the cell 104 and not of those which are not located opposite the cell 104. Thus, this can avoid the risk of having a short circuit between first and second conductive elements 116, 128 arranged opposite each other and between which the cell 104 is not present.

[0103] In the various configurations and variants of the second embodiment described above, the detection function of the cell 104 is fulfilled by a photo-detection device (corresponding to the photodiodes 132) present on the electronic board 110. Alternatively, this photo-detection device may be present on the second electronic board 122.

[0104] Although not shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the device 100 according to the variants described in connection with these figures may include the pyrometer 130 configured to measure a temperature of the photovoltaic cell 104, and the values ​​of the electrical measurements taken may be compensated with a correction factor whose value depends in particular on the temperature measured by the pyrometer 130.

[0105] The device 100, according to the various examples, embodiments, and variants, can be adapted to all production lines including a current-voltage measurement system for photovoltaic cells. Furthermore, the dimensions, number, and shape of the various elements of the device 100 (support 102, electronic board 110, conductive elements 116, etc.) can be chosen according to the dimensions of the photovoltaic cells 104 intended to be characterized by the device 100.

[0106] Various embodiments and variations have been described. A person skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variations could be combined, and other variations will become apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0107] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of a person skilled in the art, based on the functional indications given above.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104), comprising at least: - a support (102) configured to mechanically support at least one photovoltaic cell (104); - a first electronic card (110) having a first face (112) disposed opposite the support (102), comprising at least a first light source (114) disposed on its first face (112) and configured to emit at least some light in the direction of the support (102), and comprising several first conductive measurement elements (116) disposed on its first face (112) and configured to be in contact with metallizations of the photovoltaic cell (104).

2. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to claim 1, wherein the support (102) and the first electronic board (110) are such that a distance between a front face (108) of the photovoltaic cell (104) and the first light source (114) is between 2 mm and 30 mm.

3. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light source comprises several light-emitting diodes (114).

4. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to claim 3, wherein the light-emitting diodes (114) are configured to emit different wavelengths and / or to emit light according to light emission cones partially overlapping at least at the level of the support (102).

5. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conductive measuring elements (116) comprise tips of conductive material and / or bars of conductive material.

6. A device (100) for the electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conductive elements of measurement (116) are configured to slide into openings (121) through the first electronic card (110).

7. Electrical characterization device (100) for photovoltaic cell (104) according to claim 6, further comprising a first actuation device configured to move the first conductive measuring elements (116) relative to the first electronic board (110).

8. Electrical characterization device (100) for photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of the first face (112) of the first electronic board (110) are greater than or equal to those of a first face (108) of the photovoltaic cell (104) arranged opposite the first electronic board (110).

9. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the support (102) and / or the first electronic board (110) are movable with respect to each other.

10. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises at least one device (107) for regulating the temperature of the support (102).

11. Electrical characterization device (100) for photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support (102) comprises a second electronic board (122) having a first face (124) arranged opposite the first face (112) of the first electronic board (110), the second electronic board (122) comprising at least a second light source (126) arranged on its first face (124) and configured to emit light in the direction of the first electronic board (110), and comprising several second conductive measurement elements (128) arranged on its first face (124) and configured to be in contact with a rear face (105) of the photovoltaic cell (104) and to mechanically support the photovoltaic cell (104).

12. Device (100) for the electrical characterization of a photovoltaic cell (104) according to claim 10, comprising in in addition to at least one pyrometer (130) configured to measure a temperature of the photovoltaic cell (104).

13. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electronic board (110) further comprises photodiodes (132) arranged on its first face (112).

14. Electrical characterization device (100) for photovoltaic cell (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electronic board (110) has several parts movable relative to each other, and further comprising a second actuation device configured to move one or more of the movable parts.

15. Device (100) for electrical characterization of photovoltaic cell according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one current and voltage measurement device (117) coupled at least to the first measuring conductive elements (116).

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