Modeling of coupled spectral radiation, thermal and carrier transport in a silicon photovoltaic cell

Photovoltaic conversion efficiency of a crystalline silicon cell is investigated as a function of its temperature and taking into account complete thermal and irradiation operating conditions. The spectral radiative transfer problem is solved through a gray per band approach and a separated treatment of the collimated and diffuse components of radiation fluxes. The heat transfer modeling includes local heat sources due to radiation absorption and thermal emission, non-radiative recombinations and excess power release of photo-generated carriers. Continuity equations for minority carriers are solved to provide the current-voltage characteristic. A detailed analysis of the electrical and thermal behaviors demonstrates that proper adjustment and control of both thermal and surroundings radiative operating conditions are likely to provide guidelines for the improvement of photovoltaic cell performances. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.