Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of electric reverse stress currents on the performance of photovoltaic solar modules.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of a reverse introduced current as a function of time is studied on the I‐V and C‐V characteristics and parameters which were extracted and analyzed using numerical analysis based on a reliable double exponential model.
Findings
The effect of an introduced reverse current for different periods simulated the effect of accumulated extreme reverse currents which may arise in solar cells and modules due to different reasons, causing dramatic changes in the shunt resistance as well as other characteristics, mainly when the time of the current application exceeded a certain limit.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the research on the damaging effects of reverse currents on the normal operation of the solar cells and modules.
Details
Keywords
Mian-En Yeoh, Adrian Jaloman and Kah-Yoong Chan
The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) sealed with thermoplastic film and to compare it with unsealed DSSCs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the aging effect in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) sealed with thermoplastic film and to compare it with unsealed DSSCs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the steps of the fabrication of standard DSSC, as well as the DSSC-sealing processes, by using thermoplastic film. Current-voltage characterization was performed to observe the changes in efficiency, fill factor, short circuit current density and open circuit voltage for both unsealed and sealed DSSCs for aging time up to 336 h.
Findings
The unsealed DSSC showed significant drop in efficiency from 4.26 to 2.42 per cent within the first 5.5 h of aging time because of the leakage and volatilization of the solvent in the electrolyte. On the other hand, the sealed DSSC exhibited a gradual improvement of efficiency from 4.16 to 4.73 per cent after the first 216 h of aging time. The initial efficiency increment can be ascribed to the improved adsorption of electrolyte into the titanium dioxide film because of the gradual desorption of excess dye from TiO2 with increasing aging time.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates the importance of the proper sealing process for the long-term operation of DSSC.