Metodologia para análise, caracterização e simulação de células fotovoltaicas

Abstract

This work aimed to build a methodological platform for the analysis of solar cells and photovoltaic panels, that can be used both in research environment and in practical applications. At the same time, it must be presented in a straightforward fashion, thus performing a guiding function for photovoltaic professionals. The methodology begins with the study of cells from the theoretical point of view, primarily checking their characteristics and environmental conditions of operation. After this step, a real cell is considered under the standard condition of operation to obtain a reference for the analysis; then, the I-V curve of this cell is used to build its analytical model by extracting important parameters, such as the maximum-power current and voltage, short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, parasitic resistances, among others. These items are important when it is necessary to compare the performance of different cells. Further- more, we can use these parameters to build a numerical model on a circuit simulator, allowing an operational analysis in a simulation environment, and validation of the analytical model pre- viously created. The numerical model can be further enhanced to represent the operation of the cell under different environmental conditions, by using a more detailed description of cell com- ponents, thus expanding the scope of this model. This analysys sequence can also be employed to evaluate solar panels, not only from the point of view of operation, but also considering the impact of cells association on the compound parameters. Therefore, analytical and numerical models can also be implemented for panels, and hence, for larger PV systems.