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instruments:pvm:pvm

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PVM - Photovoltaic Modules

Mentor: Christopher Frank

Two photovoltaic modules are installed to measure their energy production characteristics.

Module I:

  • Module type: SolarWorld SW 235-poly, polycrystalline

Moduel II:

  • Module type: Solarmodul Fist solar FS-380, thin-film

Principle - Photovoltaic

Photovoltaic modules convert light energy in electrical energy based on the so called photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect is the excitation of an electron to a higher energy state caused by absorbed light. Photovoltaic modules are based on semiconductors since their valence- and conduction band are completely separated. Thus, the photovoltaic effect might cause electrons migrate from the individual molecule structure to the conduction band. These electrons are so called free electrons. They are able to move randomly inside the crystal structure of the semiconductor. In order to produce electricity, which means to collect the excited electrons on the one hand side and “holes” on the other hand side, the semiconductors are p- and n-doped. In the region of contact electrons of the n-doped layer fill the holes of the p-doped layer and induce an electric field. After a very short time this electric field reaches an equilibrium state since no more electrons can migrate to the p-doped layer. The associated area is called depletion area. If in this situation the photovoltaic effect takes place in the n-doped area and an electron migrates to the conduction band the electron is not able to cross the depletion area. At the same time the remaining hole is refilled by valence electrons reinforced by the electric field. Now there is an electron in the conduction band of the n-doped layer. If the photovoltaic effect takes place in the p-doped area the free electron mitigates to the n-doped area induced by the electric field. The remaining hole can not be refilled that easy due to repulsion of the depletion area. Thus, the negative charge is trapped in the conduction band in the n-doped layer and the positive charge is trapped in the p-doped layer. This induces an electric potential difference, which can be tapped from the solar module.

Principle - Yield measurements

In work

Instrument

Photovoltaic modules at Forschungszentrum Jülich on the roof of the IEK-8

Data

  • Yield measurements with 1 minute temporal resolution
  • If you are interested in receiving data data please contact: Christopher Frank

History

Period Place Project
5. October 2016 - today Forschungszentrum Jülich JOYCE
instruments/pvm/pvm.1476439293.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/10/14 12:01 by cfrank