Modeling concentrating solar collectors

Abstract

This project encompasses various techniques, analysis and directions in modeling photovoltaic cells. Major types of photovoltaic (PV) materials, including silicon and non silicon, are described in terms of light absorption efficiency, energy conversion efficiency, manufacturing processes and cost of production. With the aid of Matlab as a powerful software tool to solve complex nonlinear equations, mathematical models for PV module have been tested to evaluate and predict their accuracy. The predicted data from the mathematical model is used to assess the characteristics and performance of the PV module, which is highly dependent on the environmental conditions. The predicted data is also validated against real-time experimental measurements. The approach for validation is focusing mainly on matching the three key parameters governing the cell characteristics, namely: short circuit current, open circuit voltage and maximum power point. Other important parameters such as fill factor and series resistance are also analyzed with respect to variation in the PV cell’s operating conditions.

Singapore’s yearly climate conditions are described in detail, as this affects the PV system performance. Despite of having a high degree of cloud and a high temperature throughout the year, the solar irradiance is sufficient to justify commercial development for PV systems. The project also covers the development of cost models for the local climate. The increase in recovered power, by using a V-trough concentrator is analyzed in terms of the cost-benefit.