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Showing papers on "Photovoltaic system published in 1984"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a point-contact photovoltaic cell for high-concentration applications is presented. But the cell is not suitable for use in high-power applications, as it requires a large number of n and p regions to form a polkadot array.
Abstract: A new type of silicon photovoltaic cell designed for high-concentration applications is presented. The device is called the point-contact-cell and shows potential for achieving energy conversion efficiencies in the neighborhood of 28 percent at the design operating point of 500× geometric concentration and 60°C cell temperature. This cell has alternating n and p regions that form a polkadot array on the bottom surface. A two-layermetallization on the bottom provides contact. Initial experimental results have yielded a cell with 20-percent efficiency at a concentration of 88.

153 citations


Book
01 Jan 1984
TL;DR: In this article, a non-mathematical explanation of the theory and design of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and systems is presented, including possible constructions for putting cells together and the equipment needed for a practical producer of electrical energy.
Abstract: This book presents a nonmathematical explanation of the theory and design of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and systems. The basic elements of PV are introduced: the photovoltaic effect, physical aspects of solar cell efficiency, the typical single-crystal silicon solar cell, advances in single-crystal silicon solar cells. This is followed by the designs of systems constructed from individual cells, including possible constructions for putting cells together and the equipment needed for a practical producer of electrical energy. The future of PV is then discussed. (LEW)

137 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a sufficiently good fit for the measured I-V curve of a PV module and array using only three easily measurable parameters: the open-circuit voltage (Voc), the short-Circuit current (Isc), and the maximum power (Pm).

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a simplified method for the optimal sizing of a photovoltaic system is presented for Italian meteorological data, but the methodology can be applied to any geographical area.

94 citations


Patent
06 Apr 1984
TL;DR: A water-borne tracking solar energy collecting and converting system employing multiple lens collectors for redirecting sunlight for concentration on photovoltaic cells was proposed in this paper, where the authors used a waterborne tracking system to collect and convert solar energy.
Abstract: A water-borne tracking solar energy collecting and converting system employing multiple lens collectors for redirecting sunlight for concentration on photovoltaic cells.

87 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a direct coupling between a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel and a water pumping system driven by a permanent magnet dc motor is analyzed theoretically based on the simulated performance of a pumping system which consists of a Jacuzzi general purpose pump and a DC motor with selected characteristics.

84 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a new solar cell power supply system is presented, in which the boost type bidirectional dc-dc converter and the simple control circuit with a small monitor solar cell are employed to track the maximum power point of the solar array.
Abstract: A new solar cell power supply system is presented, in which the boost type bidirectional dc-dc converter and the simple control circuit with a small monitor solar cell are employed to track the maximum power point of the solar array. It is confirmed by the experiment that the new system has sufficiently precise tracking operation performance and satisfactorily high power efficiency. Also, a comparison of the power efficiencies is made theoretically, as well as experimentally, on the new and the conventional solar cell power supply systems. As a result, it is revealed that the new system is superior to the conventional one in the power efficiency.

81 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple analytical method which allows one to predict the fraction of the load covered by a photovoltaic plant as a function of the dimensions of its components is presented.

75 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a cost analysis of three types of solar energy systems, viz., solar dryers, solar water heating systems and solar distillation units, has been described and a uniform cost analysis procedure has been adopted.

71 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a method is presented for predicting the long-term average performance of photovoltaic systems having storage batteries and subject to any diurnal load profile, where the monthly average fraction of the load met by the system is estimated from array parameters and monthly-average meteorological data.

Patent
19 Oct 1984
TL;DR: In this paper, a controlled switching system for converting the output of several photovoltaic solar arrays into a polyphase alternating electric current was proposed, where each array is utilized 100% of the time, and at any particular instant only one or no array is feeding a particular phase.
Abstract: A controlled switching system for converting the output of several photovoltaic solar arrays into a polyphase alternating electric current. Each array is utilized 100% of the time, and at any particular instant only one array or no array is feeding a particular phase. The specific line to which an array is connected is altered in a cyclic manner by the switching system to synthesize the polyphase current. Energy is not stored in the switching system, but instead is made available as polyphase electric current as soon as it is generated by the photovoltaic arrays. Each phase approximates a sine wave to an extent that is limited by the number of arrays. For the closest approximation, the arrays must be configured to have prescribed voltages and currents. Alternatively, a single array may be partitioned electrically in such a way that the desired voltages and currents are attained.

Patent
06 Sep 1984
TL;DR: In this article, a solar lighting apparatus is disclosed for illuminating the interior of a building while simultaneously generating electrical power from one or more photovoltaic panels secured to the reflector apparatus for rotation therewith to track daily movements of the sun.
Abstract: A solar lighting apparatus is disclosed for illuminating the interior of roofed building while simultaneously generating electrical power from one or more photovoltaic panels secured to the reflector apparatus for rotation therewith to track daily movements of the sun. The photovoltaic panels may be pivotally supported by the hinged reflector of the reflector apparatus and may be slidingly secured to a track for allowing the photovoltaic panels to fold to a horizontal position when the reflector apparatus is closed. Alternatively, arrays of photovoltaic panels may be supported on opposite sides of the reflector apparatus by brackets secured to a lower frame member of the reflector apparatus. A wind detection apparatus is also disclosed for simulating the onset of darkness during the existence of dangerously high winds.

Patent
01 Aug 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the Stirling engine is configured such that the base pedestal attachment point is located on the beam connecting the curved solar reflector and the heat energy receiver power conversion unit.
Abstract: This solar concentrator system is configured such that the base pedestal attachment point is located on the beam connecting the curved solar reflector and the heat energy receiver power conversion unit, herein envisioned as a Stirling engine. This attachment point is located near the balance point CG (Center of Gravity) of the power conversion unit-supporting beam-curved reflector subsystem such that the loads on the base pedestal and the attached solar tracking drive systems are minimized.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a model calculation for a thin film solar cell is presented to describe its photovoltaic behavior under the conditions that the photogenerated space charge causes significant distortion of the internal electric field.
Abstract: A model calculation for a thin film solar cell is presented to describe its photovoltaic behavior under the conditions that the photogenerated space charge causes significant distortion of the internal electric field. Expressions for the photocurrent, photocapacitance, and ambipolar‐diffusion length are given.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of shading from panel rows in solar cell systems was studied using weather data from Sweden and a model was developed which took into account shading as well as concealing effects.


Journal ArticleDOI
20 Apr 1984-Science
TL;DR: The challenge for the next decade is to push photovoltaic technology to its physical limits while expanding markets and user confidence with currently available systems.
Abstract: Solar photovoltaic technology is receiving increasing attention as a prospective source of bulk, electric utility power within the next 10 to 20 years. Successful development will require solar energy conversion efficiencies of about 15 percent for photovoltaic flat-plate modules, or about 25 percent for photovoltaic cells using highly concentrated sunlight. Three different cell technologies have a better than even chance of achieving these target efficiencies with costs and operating lifetimes that would allow significant use by electric utilities. The challenge for the next decade is to push photovoltaic technology to its physical limits while expanding markets and user confidence with currently available systems.

Proceedings Article
01 Sep 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the damage coefficients for GaAs solar cells for short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power relative to 10 MeV were derived for both cases of omni-directional and normal incidence.
Abstract: Several types of silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells were irradiated with protons with energies between 50 keV and 10 MeV at both normal and isotropic incidence. Damage coefficients for maximum power relative to 10 MeV were derived for these cells for both cases of omni-directional and normal incidence. The damage coefficients for the silicon cells were found to be somewhat lower than those quoted in the Solar Cell Radiation Handbook. These values were used to compute omni-directional damage coefficients suitable for solar cells protected by coverglasses of practical thickness, which in turn were used to compute solar cell degradation in two proton-dominated orbits. In spite of the difference in the low energy proton damage coefficients, the difference between the handbook prediction and the prediction using the newly derived values was negligible. Damage coefficients for GaAs solar cells for short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power were also computed relative to 10 MeV protons. They were used to predict cell degradation in the same two orbits and in a 5600 nmi orbit. Results show the performance of the GaAs solar cells in these orbits to be superior to that of the Si cells.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An analysis of the concentration achieved by white backed photovoltaic panels is presented and a detailed model is formulated that converges to the thermodynamic limit and is found to be consistent with experimental results for a wide range of cell sizes.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an analysis of the concentration achieved by white backed photovoltaic panels. Concentration is due to the trapping by light scattered in the refractive plate to which the solar cell is bonded. Using the reciprocity relation and assuming the ideal case of a Lambertian distribution, a detailed model is formulated that includes the effects of the thickness and walls of the concentrator. This model converges to the thermodynamic limit and is found to be consistent with experimental results for a wide range of cell sizes. Finally, the model is generalized to multiple-cell photovoltaic panels.

Patent
22 Jun 1984
TL;DR: A diamond or diamond-like material containing a p-type semi-conducting layer, an n-type semidefinite layer and a n-n junction for use as a photovoltaic cell, particularly a solar cell, was proposed in this article.
Abstract: A diamond or diamond-like material containing a p-type semi-conducting layer, an n-type semi-conducting layer and a p-n junction for use as a photovoltaic cell, particularly a solar cell. The material may be included in a suitable unit for generating electric power when exposed to appropriate radiation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an analytical system-simulation model is used for photovoltaic-powered electrolysis by using real weather data recorded on an annual basis at two different locations.

Patent
23 Nov 1984
TL;DR: In this article, an improved platform transmitter terminal (PTT) was proposed for use in an ARGOS type satellite system, which has reduced size, weight and extended life due to a solar array/rechargeable battery power source operating under the supervision of a unique power supply control and protection means.
Abstract: An improved platform transmitter terminal (PTT) is disclosed for use in an ARGOS type satellite system. The PTT has reduced size, weight and extended life due to a solar array/rechargeable battery power source operating under the supervision of a unique power supply control and protection means. The invented PTT, when used in an ARGOS type system, opens the possibility of tracking, on a global basis, wild animals weighing as little as a few kilograms.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an analysis of truncated bifacial compound parabolic concentrators filled with dielectric is presented based on ray tracing, and a panel based on such concentrators has been measured.

Patent
30 Aug 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the output of a photovoltaic panel is detected by a sensor and circuitry is responsive to the sensor for applying the output to the load in pulses at a frequency which varies inversely with the maximum available power from the panel.
Abstract: A photovoltaic panel for converting solar energy into electrical energy output having a voltage and a current and a load requiring a starting current which is higher than a minimum running current. The output of the photovoltaic panel is detected by a sensor and circuitry is responsive to the sensor for applying the output to the load in pulses at a frequency which varies inversely with the maximum available power from the panel.

Patent
24 Dec 1984
TL;DR: In this article, a solar energy collector which includes a sun ray window adjacent an array of flat reflector panels each positioned to direct solar energy to a major collector unit on each side of the unit utilizing a secondary reflector plate is provided.
Abstract: A solar energy collector which includes a sun ray window adjacent an array of flat reflector panels each positioned to direct solar energy to a major collector unit on each side of the unit utilizing a secondary reflector plate. A heliotropic mount is provided for the reflector panels. A multiple blind assembly is optionally positioned in the solar window carrying photovoltaic units to convert solar energy and limit the energy selectively to the major collector unit when maximum storage capacity is reached.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new technique which utilizes a feedback control system to achieve maximum power transfer is introduced and described and has been designed, built, tested and applied to a 60 W photovoltaic array.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The material and energy requirements for the construction of a hypothetical photovoltaic solar hydrogen plant have been determined in this article, where the plant is located in northern Africa and produces electrolytic hydrogen with an energy content equal to 4% of today's final energy consumption.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the technical, economical, and political factors which have affected the use of solar energy technology in the United States and outline a strategy for the development of solar photovoltaic technology as an alternative to nuclear power plants.
Abstract: The United States decided to develop a nuclear power industry in part to justify the continued development of its nuclear weapons program. One result of this decision was the repression of solar energy technology. This paper examines the technical, economical, and political factors which have affected the use of solar energy technology in the United States. I look at how solar and nuclear technologies have developed in the light of competing theories about autonomous and dependent technology. I also outline a strategy for the development of solar photovoltaic technology as an alternative to nuclear power plants.