In this paper, we present a new method of extracting the model physical parameters of an illuminated solar cell, composed of series and shunt resistance. The method is based on analytical solution of the equation derived from the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The equation obtained is expressed in terms of I, V, and the derivative (dI/dV). The model parameters can then be easily determined by numerical fitting. The obtained results show a good agreement with those obtained by the method proposed by Ortiz-Conde et al., and by the five-point method.

In this work, we study the influence of various technological factors on silicon solar cells efficiency. We use simulation by personal computer one dimension software package (PC1D) solving equations describing the transport of electrons and holes in devices based on semiconductor materials. We highlight the most critical steps and the technological factors to be improved to increase solar cells efficiency. We also discuss the influence of cell front face reflection, impurity concentration of the emitter and the base as well as the introduction of a p⁺ layer known as BSF, to reduce recombination losses in the cell rear face.

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules is affected by the increase in their operating temperature. Accurate and reliable prediction of the PV module operating temperature (T_M) is useful for evaluating their electrical performance and productivity and predicting the maximum power point under changing weather conditions. Based on experimental measurements collected during 1 year by a station placed in a semi-arid coastal region, in Morocco, several models are investigated to predict T_M of polycrystalline PV modules. Starting from existing models in the literature, models have been developed to improve the accuracy of their prediction in the studied climate. The results show that irradiance (G) and ambient temperature are the most influential parameters for estimating the T_M of the studied PV module. The accuracy of the prediction can be improved by introducing the effects of V_w and RH in the proposed models. In addition, using the physical parameter extraction results of the studied modules, equations are established to approximately predict their behavior as a function of T_M and G. Taking into account the proposed T_M models, these equations describing the physical parameter evolution can constitute an important basis for predicting PV module performance under real operating conditions.

Today, hydrogen has become one of the most promising clean energy. Several processes allow obtaining hydrogen, among them there is the Water Gas Shift (WGS) reaction. On an industrial scale, WGS reaction takes place at high pressure [25–35 bar]. At high pressure, the cost of the process rises due to the energy consumed by compression, and the reduction in the lifetime of the equipment and the catalyst. At low pressures, catalyst lifetime can reach many years and the energy cost is reduced. It is for this reason that we are interested in modelling and simulation of a WGS converter operating at low pressures close to atmospheric pressure. In this work, a numerical study was conducted in order to determine the conditions allowing good rector operating at low pressure. A number of drawbacks of the process were identified. These drawbacks are essentially the non-negligible pressure drops and the strong intraparticle diffusion resistances. The prediction of the concentrations and the reaction rate within the pellet showed that the active zone of the pellet is located near the particle surface. It has also been shown that the resistances to interfacial mass and heat transfer are insignificant. The study of pressure effect showed that the pressure increase reduces the required catalyst mass to achieve equilibrium. Finally, this work revealed that the decrease in temperature and the increase in the concentrations of the reactants by increasing their fluxes, make it possible to increase the effectiveness factor of the catalyst and the conversion of carbon monoxide. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

In this paper we present the study of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal panel (PV/T). It consists of a sheet form with several inputs-outputs opening (I/O) of coolant fluid, confined between the rear face of the panel and a Plexiglas support plate. The system is designed to maintain the temperature of the PV panel near ambient temperature. Heat transfer through the components of PV/T collector, taking into account energy losses by conduction, convection and radiation, are implemented by numerical simulation. The knowledge and control of the temperature in each point of the PV panel are important and permit to limit at best the temperature gradients across its surface. We present the thermal balance depending on the number of opening inputs/outputs of the coolant plate, the geometry of the collector and the cooling fluid flow rate. For specific configuration and operational conditions, we propose a law giving optimal cooling conditions of the PV module.