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edit this page Silicon Solar Cell reproduced from "Rural Energy"
from "Rural Energy" 1989/2 FAO, Bangkok (summarised). [top] [end]The basic structure of a silicon solar cell  Fig 1 Structure & operation of solar cell |
Several solarcells when connected in series and encapsulated within framed glasses form a module as shown in Figure 2. The purpose of fanning modules and arrays is to increase the capability of providing higher current/voltage output for a single cell.  Fig 2 A Module |
[top] [end]Current-voltage Curve A current-voltage curve for a single cell is shown in Figure 3. The curve cuts the voltage axis at open-circuit voltage and this is about 0.45 volt. It cuts the current axis at short-circuit current the value of which depends on a few factors, namely, the incident light intensity, and the cell-area. At the bend or "knee" of the curve is the maximum-power point.
 Fig 3 - Characteristic of a Solar Cell |
Broadly photovoltaic solar systems can be divided into the following: This consists of an array and load with no control or a minimum of control. A minimal of control is desired in most cases to smooth or optimise the fluctuating output resulting from the solar radiation fluctuation. An example of this type is the Balik Palau protovoltaic system which operates two DC pumps in parallel. This simple control consists of two main parts, namely a cut-in or cutout of the second pump when the operating voltage is above or below 35 volt and to cut-out the pump operation when the water level falls to just above the pump inlet.
The electricity obtained by conversion of solar energy is a direct current supply and is changed into an alternating current by an inverter. Generally, for continuous operation, a battery back-up sub-system is incorporated. A control unit for such an operation is essential and may be complex depending upon the application type. A schematic of a DC/AC photovoltaic systems is shown in Figure 4.  Fig 4 |
Concentration of sunlight increases its intensity and thereby increases the output for a given application requirement. Also, it reduces the number of photovoltaic modules and thereby cuts the cost of solar cells to a certain extent. One needs to consider the trade-off in the cost of cells and the automatic control sub-system which can be quite sophisticated. Low concentration using booster mirrors is applicable in climatic regions where the ratio of diffusion to direct solar radiation is high. Whereas Fresnel lenses allow capability of much higher concentration, this operates only during direct beam radiation. The solar cells need to be specifically designed to optimise the input/output.
(Source: Chuah, D.G.S., "A General Introduction of Photovoltaic Solar System" A paper presented at US Asean Conference on Comparitive Technology Water Pumping June 14-17, 1988, Penang, Malaysia).
[top] [end]Contents: Boiling Point 24: Solar Energy  . |
BP24: The History of Photovoltaic Solar Cells - BP24: Everybody's Solar Water Heater - BP24: Silicon Solar Cell - BP24: Cost per KWh of Photovoltaic Solar Energy - BP24: Simple, Communal, Hot Water Stove - BP24: Should Charcoal Fuel Stoves be promoted - BP24: More Charcoal by traditional methods - BP24: Biomass Briquetting - BP24: Fuelwood Stoves in Zanzibar - BP24: The economic value of trees - BP24: More Maendeleo Stoves - BP24: Stove Profiles - Nada Chulha
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