Short circuit current and Open circuit voltage -- Illumination

In summary, the short-circuit current of a solar cell is linearly dependent on illumination, meaning that the more illuminated the cell is, the higher its short-circuit current will be. On the other hand, the open-circuit voltage, which is the maximum voltage available from a solar cell, does not change significantly with illumination, but it does increase slightly. However, there is a side effect where in bright sunlight, the panel is more likely to heat up, causing the open circuit voltage to decrease. Therefore, while open-circuit voltage is not directly dependent on illumination, it can be indirectly affected by it through temperature changes.
  • #1
says
594
12

Homework Statement


I'm trying to understand the dependence of short circuit current and open circuit voltage on illumination.

Short-circuit current is due to the generation and collection of light-generated carriers -- so does that mean the short circuit current is linearly dependent on illumination? i.e. The more illuminated a solar cell, the higher it's short circuit current will be? and vice versa.

Open-circuit voltage is the maximum voltage available from a solar cell, and occurs at at zero current -- so does that mean open-circuit current is negatively dependent on illumination? i.e. The less illuminated a solar cell, the higher it's open circuit voltage.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Have a look here...
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-information/solar-panel-efficiency
In particular the dotted lines on this graph..
solar-panels-irradiance.jpg


It shows how the short circuit current increases with illumination. The open circuit voltage doesn't change much.
 
  • #3
says said:
Open-circuit voltage is the maximum voltage available from a solar cell, and occurs at at zero current -- so does that mean open-circuit current voltage is negatively dependent on illumination? i.e. The less illuminated a solar cell, the higher it's open circuit voltage.

No. As mentioned above the open circuit voltage doesn't change much with illumination but it does increase slightly.

However there is a side effect... In bright sun a panel is more likely to heat up and open circuit voltage is inversely proportional to temperature (open circuit voltage falls when they get hot). See the solid lines on the graph.
 
  • #4
Can we say that 'bright sun' is more illuminated than a 'not bright sun' though? Therefore meaning that open circuit voltage is inversely proportional to illumination? Sort of by association...

Bright sunlight = increased illumination = higher temperature of the panel = reduces open circuit voltage ?
 
  • #5
I don't know which effect is stronger...

Increased illumination = higher voltage
or
Increased illumination = hotter = lower voltage
 

What is short circuit current and open circuit voltage in relation to illumination?

Short circuit current and open circuit voltage are electrical terms used to describe the behavior of a solar cell or photovoltaic (PV) module when exposed to light. Short circuit current is the maximum current that can flow through a solar cell or module when its terminals are connected with a wire without any external load. Open circuit voltage is the maximum voltage that a solar cell or module can produce when there is no external load connected to its terminals.

What factors affect the short circuit current and open circuit voltage of a solar cell or module?

The short circuit current and open circuit voltage of a solar cell or module are affected by several factors, including the intensity and spectrum of the incident light, the temperature of the cell or module, and the materials used in the construction of the cell or module.

How are short circuit current and open circuit voltage measured?

Short circuit current and open circuit voltage are typically measured using a device called a solar simulator, which produces a light source with a specific intensity and spectrum. The solar cell or module is then connected to a multimeter or other measuring device to record the current and voltage values.

What is the significance of short circuit current and open circuit voltage in solar cell and module design?

The values of short circuit current and open circuit voltage are important factors in determining the overall performance of a solar cell or module. These values can be used to calculate the maximum power that the cell or module can produce, as well as its efficiency and other important parameters.

How can short circuit current and open circuit voltage be optimized in solar cell and module design?

To optimize the short circuit current and open circuit voltage of a solar cell or module, designers may use different materials, such as different types of silicon or other semiconductors, to maximize the amount of light that can be converted into electrical energy. They may also use different designs and configurations to improve the overall efficiency of the cell or module.

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