Cell behaviour under different non-uniform temperature and radiation combined profiles using a two dimensional finite element model

The aim of this work is to show the effects in a PV cell of the combined profiles of non-uniform temperature and radiation. Particular attention is paid to the modelling of cell operation at open circuit voltage with those profiles, as long as they serve as a general model in different circumstances: combined direct Gaussian temperature and radiation profiles, with several temperature amplitudes and movement of these profiles across the cell; analysis under Gaussian concentrated illumination and inverse Gaussian temperature profile simulating a general cell cooling device. In addition, we will study the cell behaviour under truncated radiation and temperature profiles. Irregular radiation and temperature distributions will also be studied. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.