Max power of a photovoltaic cell -- where did I go wrong?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical derivation related to finding the maximum power output of a photovoltaic (PV) cell. The original poster presents an equation that relates the maximum power condition to the short circuit current and reverse saturation current, while attempting to derive the necessary conditions for maximum power.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive an equation for maximum power output but questions their own steps, particularly regarding the signs and constants involved. Other participants raise concerns about the conditions under which maximum current and voltage can occur simultaneously, suggesting a need for clarification on definitions used in the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the original poster's assumptions and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to express power in terms of specific variables and to differentiate with respect to voltage. The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their rearrangement of equations, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the definitions of maximum current and voltage versus those at maximum power, which may affect the interpretation of the problem. Additionally, the role of the light current (IL) is questioned, suggesting it may be a constant in the context of the discussion.

whatisreality
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1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known da
Show that for a PV cell finding a maximum of power leads to the following equation:
##(1 +\frac{qV_{max}}{kT})\exp\left(\frac{qV_{max}}{kT}\right) = 1 + \frac{I_{sc}}{I_{rs}}##
##I_{sc}## is short circuit current and ##I_{rs}## is reverse saturation current.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I get pretty close, but I've missed something out. The current is given by:
##I = I_{rs}(\exp(V/V_t)-1)-I_L = I_{rs}(e^{qV/kT}-1)-I_L##
For maximum power ##P_{max} = I_{max}V_{max}## and ##I_{max}## is the short circuit current, which occurs at ##V=0##. Subbing ##V=0## into the current equation gives ##I_{sc} = -I_L##, so

##I = I_{rs}(e^{qV/kT}-1)+I_{sc}##

Max power is at ##\frac{dP}{dV}=0## so given ##P=IV##:

##\frac{dP}{dV} = I_{rs}(e^{\frac{qV_m}{kT}}-1)+\frac{qI_{rs}V_m}{kT}(e^{\frac{qV_m}{kT}})+I_{sc}##

##\left(1+\frac{qV_m}{kT}\right)e^{\frac{qV_m}{kT}} = -\frac{I_{sc}}{I_{rs}}##

That's very close to what I'm looking for, I'm missing a ##1## on the RHS and the sign of the fraction is wrong, have I gone wrong somewhere? I've looked and really can't spot it, thanks for any help!
 
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whatisreality said:
For maximum power ##P_{max} = I_{max}V_{max}##
Only if Vmax and Imax can occur together, which does seem impossible.
 
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haruspex said:
Only if Vmax and Imax can occur together, which does seem impossible.
Yes, that's wrong too, I saw ##I_m## and ##V_m## in my notes and assumed they meant maximum current and voltage rather than current and voltage at max power, I should have thought that through.
 
whatisreality said:
Yes, that's wrong too, I saw ##I_m## and ##V_m## in my notes and assumed they meant maximum current and voltage rather than current and voltage at max power, I should have thought that through.
Write out P in terms of V and Irs and do dP/dV.
Is IL a constant?
 
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haruspex said:
Write out P in terms of V and Irs and do dP/dV.
Is IL a constant?
Thanks for your help, spotted my mistake, I just rearranged wrong. My last two lines don't follow from each other. Silly mistake!
 
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