On the Nature of the One-Diode Solar Cell Model Parameters

The one-diode model is probably the most common equivalent electrical circuit of a real crystalline solar cell. Extensive research has focused on extracting model parameters from measurements performed in standard test conditions (STC), aiming to replicate the current-voltage characteristics (I-V)....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Andreea Sabadus, Marius Paulescu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/13/3974
Description
Summary:The one-diode model is probably the most common equivalent electrical circuit of a real crystalline solar cell. Extensive research has focused on extracting model parameters from measurements performed in standard test conditions (STC), aiming to replicate the current-voltage characteristics (I-V). This study started from finding that, for the same solar cell, different scientific reports yield significantly different sets of parameters, all allowing for highly accurate replication of the measured I-V characteristics. This observation raises a big question: What is the true physical set of parameters? The present study attempts to address this question. For this purpose, a numerical experiment was conducted. The results show that there is an infinity of distinct sets of parameters that can replicate the I-V characteristics at STC via the one-diode model equation. The diode saturation current <i>I<sub>S</sub></i> and the diode ideality factor compensate each other to preserve the open-circuit voltage <i>V<sub>OC</sub></i>, always an input data point. Some possible approaches (e.g., the link between <i>V<sub>OC</sub></i> and <i>I<sub>S</sub></i>) that can lead to the physical set of parameters are discussed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. There is enough room for future research on finding a universal approach able to guarantee the accurate extraction of the one-diode model physical parameters.
ISSN:1996-1073