Determination of the current–voltage characteristics of concentrator systems by using different adapted conventional techniques

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 101; pp. 146 - 160
• Main Authors: Almonacid, Florencia, Rodrigo, Pedro, Fernández, Eduardo F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15-04-2016
• Subjects: Concentrator photovoltaics; Concentrators; Current–voltage modelling; Errors; Irradiance; Mathematical models; Modelling; Modules; Outdoor working conditions; Photovoltaic cells; Solar cells; Current–voltage modelling; Outdoor working conditions; Concentrator photovoltaics
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.01.082

The modelling of the current–voltage characteristics of HCPV (high concentrator photovoltaic) modules is fundamental for the design, monitoring and energy prediction of HCPV systems and power plants. However, the modelling of these devices is inherently different and more complex than that of conventional PV (photovoltaic) modules. Because of this, considerable efforts have been done to develop models tailored to the specific features of this technology. However, there is still a lack of studies and techniques concerning the modelling of the whole I–V curve of HCPV modules. In the present work, the possibility of obtaining the I–V curve of a HCPV module by applying common methods exploited in conventional PV technology by using the effective irradiance and cell temperature is analysed. In particular, the studied methods are: the single exponential model, the Blasser's method and the bilinear interpolation method. Every method has been adapted to be entirely function of the effective irradiance and cell temperature of the concentrator. Results show that all the methods present a good performance in the estimation of the I–V curve of a concentrator, with an average RMSE (root mean square error) ranging from 1.15% to 5.23%, and an average MBE (mean bias error) close to 0%.
•The prediction of the I–V curve of a HCPV module or generator is a key issue.•The modelling of the I–V characteristics of HCPV modules is still challenging.•Four conventional methods adapted to HCPV are analysed and compared.•They are modified to quantify the temperature, irradiance and spectral effects.•The results prove a good quality in the estimation of the I–V characteristics.