Objective
. Provide pre-normative research and development on advanced photovoltaic conversion devices.
. Contribute scientifically to the harmonization of European norms and standards for the Internal market.
. Offer calibration and qualification expertise to industrial and standards bodies taking advantage of JRC's neutrality and independence.
The year 1992 will be essential for the launch and implementation of new test methodologies, both for conventional crystalline and advanced thin-film semiconductors.
Prenormative research and development of advanced photovoltaic conversion devices included a calibration round robin for solar cells within the G7 (Summit) group. Focus was on the calibration of amorphous 7 silicon thin film devices. A new test was developed to measure under defined and stable conditions the light soaking effect of amorphous modules (amorphous silicon initially degrades). Solar spectra, taken with the IRIS spectroradiometer, were analysed with regard to the calibration precison of silicon cells. The study was essential for assessing the measurement errors of outdoor calibration of primary reference cells.
New high efficiency devices appear on the market which exhibit anomalous behaviour when measured with flash simulators commonly in use. A test set up allowed the measurement and interpretation of the errors introduced by these speed related effects.
A numerical model was developed to describe efficiency limits of crystalline silicon cells. The program was applied to an industry proposal of an inverted cell.
Progress to end 1991 1) Calibration Round-Robin for Solar cells within the G7 (Summit) Group. The second time ESTI contributed (the first time ESTI was operating agent) to the Solar Cell Calibration Round-Robin with the Technology, Growth and Employment Group of the Summit. Focus was this time the calibration of a-Si thin film devices. Participation in this exclusive "Club" of laboratories for high precision calibration not only increases esti's measurement performance but is an invaluable advertisement of calibration services.
2) Light Soaking test for Amorphous Devices. A new test was developed to measure under defined and stable conditions the light soaking effect of amorphous modules (amorphous silicon initially degrades); it was proposed to the IEC as international standards. In 1991, ESTI is selling this test to two manufactures.
3) Analysis of Solar Spectra. Sun Spectra, taken with the IRIS Spectroradiometer, were analysed with regard to the calibration precision of silicon celles. The study was essential for assessing the measurement errors of outdoor calibration of Primary Reference cells. Such calibrations are now performed as TPW.
4) Investigations of measurement Errors due to Speed Effects of Flash Simulators. New high-efficiency devices appear on the market which exhibit anomalous behaviour when measured with flash simulators commonly in use. A test set-up allowed to measure and interpret presicely the errors introduced by these speed-related effects. An eventual spinoff could be a revolutionary new semiconductor capacitor. As a result of the study, ESTI defined requirements for a flash simulator and finally purchased a system.
5) Cells Modelling Program. A numerical model was developed to describe efficiency limits of crystalline silicon cells. The program was applied to an industry-proposal of an "inverted cell". A future application of the program will be the interpretation of the effect of (4).
Norms and Standards
1) Specification 503. ETSI is since 1983 contributing actively to the Standards work of the international technical commission (IEC), Technical Committee 82. Based on IEC draft proposals to be issued end of 1992, the new Specification 503 is a description of the implementation of the IEC test sequence at ESTI as TPW and serves as an intermediate de-facto standard. The success is overwhelming, both in the number of distributed copies as well as in request for tests.
2) Specification 701. As new thin film technologies evolve, measurement and test procedures must be refined. ESTI called industry and laboratories to the "thin Film Qualification Task Force" to define a proposal and a work-plan to solve the specific issues. The intermediate result is the Specification 701, which implements very innovative test procedures to handle problems of these advanced technologies such as light-degradation and insulation resistance under wet conditions.
Detailed description of work foreseen in 1992
This period will be essential for ESTI to strenghten its focal position in pre-normative research and service to industry. The workplan is dedicated to projects with high marketing potential.
The work foreseen in the 1992 period is:
1) Performance Measurement Techniques for Advanced Devices
- Development on a fast, sampling flash radiometer
- Calibration Procedures for the European Radiation Sensor
2) Thin-film Reliability test Procedure Development:
- Wet high Voltage Test
- Annealing of light Induced Degradation
3) Integration of 2nd Generation Devices in Facades:
- Set-Up for Experimental Performance Assessment of large Area Transparent Modules
4) Contribution to Standards Organisations:
- International Electrotechnical Commission TC 82 (Calibration/Qualification)
- Result of Thin-Film Test Procedure 701 to CENELEC
5) Product Development for high-value applications
- Battery Replacement of Appliances
Expected Results: Maintaining Leadership in Measurement and Testing of Photovoltaic Devices, Licenses for Development of Measurement Instruments and Products.
Short description of evolution of work in 1993
Continuation of Projects initiated in the new, pluriannual programme 92-94
Topic(s)
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21020 Ispra
Italy