Solar Cell Characteristic Calculation Using Standard Test Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately calculating the characteristics of solar cell modules with high precision is challenging due to device variations and the difficulty in measuring parameters like series resistance, temperature coefficients, and curve correction factors, especially in large-scale solar power generation systems where data is limited to standard conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates solar cell characteristics by using input data from short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and operating current at standard conditions, determining temperature characteristics of open-circuit voltage and reverse saturation current, and then calculating these parameters at different temperatures without direct measurement of series resistance or temperature coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of series resistance, temperature coefficients, and curve correction factors is performed for each solar cell module, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard test data from manufacturing (obtained under controlled conditions) as a copy or proxy for the actual field conditions. Instead of measuring each module in the field, the invention uses pre-measured characteristics from the manufacturing stage, which can be stored and referenced. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all necessary measurements and characterizations during the manufacturing stage, before the modules are deployed in the field. By conducting measurements preliminarily under controlled manufacturing conditions, the system avoids the need for complex field measurement equipment and procedures, while still obtaining accurate baseline data for power generation calculations.
2Reliability
If comprehensive parameter measurements are conducted for each solar cell module, then reliability of power generation estimation is improved, but loss of time and measurement resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive parameter measurements during manufacturing before deployment. By completing all necessary characterizations preliminarily, the system eliminates time-consuming field measurements while maintaining reliable power generation estimates. The pre-measured parameters are stored and used for calculations in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses copies of measurement data from manufacturing conditions as proxies for field conditions. This allows the system to maintain high reliability in power generation estimation without repeating time-consuming measurements in the field, as the manufacturing data serves as a reliable reference.
3Ease of operation
If standard test data from manufacturing is used without correction, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unaccounted temperature and radiation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies correction factors to adjust the standard test data from manufacturing conditions to match actual field conditions. By changing the parameters (temperature, solar radiation intensity) in the calculations to reflect current environmental conditions, the system maintains ease of operation while improving measurement precision. The correction factors account for deviations from standard test conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from environmental sensors (temperature and irradiance sensors) to continuously adjust the power generation calculations. The measured environmental conditions are fed back into the calculation algorithm to correct the standard test data, ensuring precision is maintained despite variations from manufacturing conditions while keeping the operation simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If temperature correction using conventional formulas is applied, then adaptability to different temperatures is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of module-specific temperature characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using module-specific temperature characteristics obtained during manufacturing testing. Instead of using a generic temperature correction formula for all modules, the system determines and applies individual correction factors for each module based on its specific behavior under temperature variations. This localized approach improves precision while maintaining adaptability to different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter in calculations by applying correction factors that are specific to each module's temperature characteristics. Rather than using a fixed formula, the patent adjusts the temperature-related parameters based on module-specific data obtained during manufacturing, improving precision while maintaining adaptability across different operating temperatures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-accuracy calculation of solar cell module characteristics by reflecting device variations and temperature changes, reducing the need for costly and impractical measurements, and improving the accuracy of power generation estimates.
Implementation Method 1
current-voltage characteristics of a solar cell module
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a calculation method for reproducing solar cell characteristics with high accuracy by using data of a short-circuit current, an open-circuit voltage and the maximum power operation point of a solar cell in a temperature and a solar radiation intensity in a standard state, parameter values for determining characteristics in the standard state are calculated by using data of the short-circuit current, the open-circuit voltage and the maximum power operation point of the solar cell in the temperature and the solar radiation intensity in the standard state. Next, temperature coefficients of the open-circuit voltage and the reverse saturation current are calculated by using the calculated parameters, and a short-circuit current, an open-circuit voltage and the maximum power operation point at a given temperature are calculated.