Analytical Modelling, Simulation and Comparative Study of Multi-Junction Solar Cells Efficiency

Currently, solar energy is promising the primary source of renewable energy that has a great potential to generate power for an extremely low operating cost when compared to already existing power generation technologies. Increasing the efficiency of solar cells is a major goal and the prominent factor in photovoltaic system research. Current triple junction solar cells reach 30% and the next generation will bring 35% in 5 years to peak at 40%. These cells are used in space environment and in terrestrial systems. Nowadays, high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells are employed in many applications. In regard to terrestrial industrial applications, induction motor is being fed from the multi-junction photovoltaic systems using a boost converter and three phase inverter for variable-speed applications. Another application for multi-junction solar cells is the use in space vehicles and satellites. Indeed, solar PV array are the only non-nuclear means that enable space systems to be fed continuously. In this research work, we had simulated, investigated and correlated the performance of multi-junctions solar cells in terns of efficiency, fill factor, and other electrical parameters. Subsequently, the influence of temperature and irradiation on the electrical parameters of solar cells was investigated for terrestrial and extraterrestrial condition AM1.5G/D or AMO to guarantee a certain level of reliability and performance of these. Then, we had made an efficiency comparison between various solar cells at constant atmospheric condition Air Mass AMO of 0.1353 W/cm(2) to improve their performance and determine the best choice of solar cells that will be used in the design of solar array of our multi junctions photovoltaic systems. Finally, an experimental test bench of low-cost electrical characterization system for photovoltaic solar cells array was designed using Arduino MEGA2560 board to automate the characterization performance