A more accurate Co-Content function calculation, using alternative integration methods, for Current–Voltage curves measured in the zero volt to open-circuit voltage range

Abstract

Abstract In this article, the application of the Newton–Cotes quadrature formula, the 3/8 rule, the Boole’s rule, and order 5 and 6 integration techniques, are explored to more accurately calculate the Co-Content function, of Current–Voltage (IV) measurements done between 0 V and the open circuit voltage, which include a percentage noise of the short circuit current. Their impact on the extraction of the five photovoltaic devices’ parameters (within the one-diode model) is investigated and reported. The shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor, and photocurrent can be obtained with less than 10% error, using these integration techniques and 101 measured points per volt, when the percentage noise is 0.05% or less, of the short circuit current. It is not possible to obtain the saturation current with less than 10% error. These integration techniques are implemented in photovoltaic devices, such as solar cells and single-crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, and heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer solar panels IV curves, to extract the five solar cell parameters.

Keywords

• Parameter deduction
• Solar cell
• Solar panel
• Co-Content function
• Saturation current
• Light current