A standard solar cell is cut into four parts i.e. cut perpendicular to the busbar. The cells are then placed around 2mm apart and connected in series. I need a software that can help me achieve this before a start building a prototype. Suggestions please.
Dear Shreenath,
welcome,
As you want to cut a solar cells to 4 parts to connect them in series therefore, you have to cut them into 4 equal area parts. This is based on the concept to connect solar cells in series and get the highest output power they have to be totally matched. Which means that they have to have their illuminated I-V curves coincide or almost coincide.
Hence you have to cut the cell into symmetrical quarters.
So cut the cell with a line along the middle of the buss bar and a line perpendicular to it cutting the cell into two symmetrical halves.
So, i do not know why do you need a software?
Best wishes
i wish to simulate the cell layout before i start building a prototype. I have a three different layouts for cut cells. I want to simulate and see which ones are the best. This is a a part of my master thesis project.
What are the concepts that you use to divide the cell into parts. What is the division criteria? This is which i introduced in the my first comment.
I think you have your self develop your methodology for dividing the complete cells. What simulator you need? device simulator then you use Sivaco Tcad. If you need circuit simulator you can use Spice simulator.
I developed a distributed spice model for solar cells long time ago: Article A distributed SPICE-model of a solar cell
Best wishes
So, I;m dividing the cells in four equal parts as you mentioned earlier, but i'm also considering cutting parallel to the busbar, and connecting them in series. And a possibility of cutting the cell futher also exists.
But for now im looking for a software that can mimic a cut solar cell connected in series and analyse its parameters.
Thanks you for the article and help.
Dear Shreenath,
welcome again!
Irrespective of the cutting direction, you have to divide the cell such that the area subjected to the radiation must be equal for all subcells. This will make the shortcircuit current for the subcells equal.
You CAN your self calculate accordingly the dimensions of the subcells to satisfy this condition since the metallization pattern of the initial cell is known. Then you can measure each sub cell separately and then simulate the series string and also measure their performance.
In this case you use circuit simulator SPICE. If you need any help to measure the cells please tell me.
Best wishes
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