Effects of cell sorting and module matching on array output
Abstract
As a result of differences between the individual cells of a photovoltaic (PV) array with respect to the obtainable short circuit current, the power output provided by such an array is reduced in comparison to the output obtained in the ideal case of cells with uniform characteristics. The sorting of cells into bins according to the value of the cell short circuit current and the use of cells from only one bin within a given module can improve the power output of the modules. However, module matching within a series string may be required to preserve this improvement. The present investigation is concerned with an assessment of the effectiveness of this sorting and matching technique. Attention is given to the best possible output obtainable in the case of cells with identical characteristics, and the improvements achieved for assemblies of cells with nonuniform properties by means of bin sorting.
- Publication:
-
15th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981pvsp.conf..841L
- Keywords:
-
- Computer Aided Manufacturing;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Photovoltaic Cells;
- Solar Arrays;
- Electric Current;
- Energy Technology;
- Matching;
- Mathematical Models;
- Modules;
- Normal Density Functions;
- Selection;
- Short Circuits;
- Solar Cells;
- Solar Energy Conversion;
- Volt-Ampere Characteristics;
- Energy Production and Conversion