Fast Energy Rating for Photovoltaic Devices and Modules (FENRA)
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Electronic, Electrical & Systems Enginee
Abstract
A major problem for photovoltaics is the lack of a fast and accurate energy rating for new devices and modules. Currently, methods for predicting the energy yield for a given device are either too simplistic, especially with regard to emerging technologies, or long-measurement campaigns are required. This problem will be solved by developing an energy rating based on direct laboratory measurements and thus not be based on simplifications, reducing the time needed for realistic measurement campaigns from months to hours. At the heart of this method is a novel measurement apparatus, which will allow among other things the generation of variable irradiance spectra, closely matched to those experienced in real outdoor operation. A novel methodology will be developed to evaluate technologies currently at the development stage and an extensive validation of the approach will be carried out. Theoretical work will be undertaken to underpin the development of this new approach to energy rating of solar modules.
Organisations
- Loughborough University (Lead Research Organisation)
- SCHOTT Solar Concentrated Solar Power (Collaboration)
- New & Renewable Energy Centre Ltd (Collaboration)
- meteocontrol GmbH (Project Partner)
- Research Centre Juelich GmbH (Project Partner)
- New & Renewable Energy Ctr NaREC (Project Partner)
- Schott (Germany) (Project Partner)
- ICP Solar (Project Partner)
Publications
Hibberd C
(2011)
Voltage-dependent quantum efficiency measurements of amorphous silicon multi-junction mini-modules
in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Matthias Strobel (Author)
(2009)
Uncertainty in Photovoltaic Performance Parameters - Dependence onLocation and Material
in Solar EnergyMaterials and SolarCells
Zhu J
(2011)
Optimised inverter sizing for photovoltaic systems in high-latitude maritime climates
in IET Renewable Power Generation
Thomas Huld (Author)
(2010)
Mapping the performance of PV modules, effects of module typeand data averaging
in Solar Energy
Bliss M
(2010)
Indoor measurement of photovoltaic device characteristics at varying irradiance, temperature and spectrum for energy rating
in Measurement Science and Technology
Christos Monokroussos (Author)
(2011)
Effects of spectrum on the power rating of amorphous silicon photovoltaic devices
in Progress in Photovoltaics
Bliss M
(2009)
An LED-based photovoltaic measurement system with variable spectrum and flash speed
in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
| Description | The energy rating of photovoltaics is an issue inhibiting new technologies entering the market place. These devices are often sensitive to spectral changes and that could to date not be measured. The project thus developed a novel measurement device which can measure devices with variable spectrum, which is based on LEDs. This was the world's first qualified LED based solar simulator, promoting a large number of devices entering the market place today. Simultaneously an analysis of the resource available for a PV system was established, which includes sensor uncertainties as well as spectral changes. |
| Exploitation Route | - industrial follow on project on Energy Rating Simulator development - industrial follow on project on energy determination of solar modules - further research into energy yield of PV - future measurement applications - reduced measurement uncertainty in PV characterisation - move of the market from power to energy - international measurement and prediction standards |
| Sectors | Energy |
| Description | The project provided a new measurement system (LED based solar simulator) as well as a method to integrate irradiance looking at spectral effects. The LED based solar simulator was followed up in an industrially funded research project, helping them to develop such a kit. The method for 3-dimensional analysis of operating environments is an input to the development of the international energy rating standards and is used in defining operating environments. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
| Sector | Electronics,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic |
| Description | New & Renewable Energy Centre Ltd |
| Organisation | New & Renewable Energy Centre Ltd |
| Country | Ireland |
| Sector | Private |
| Start Year | 2007 |
| Description | Schott Solar GmbH |
| Organisation | SCHOTT Solar Concentrated Solar Power |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| Start Year | 2007 |