TY - JOUR

T1 - The Effect of OPV Module Size on Stability and Diurnal Performance: Outdoor Tests and Application of a Computer Model.

AU - David, Tudur

AU - Bristow, Noel

AU - Stoichkov, Vasil

AU - Huang, Han

AU - Todeschini, Grazia

AU - Kettle, Jeff

PY - 2021/10/3

Y1 - 2021/10/3

N2 - The outdoor performance of large area Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) is investigated in this work. Initially, the diurnal performance of the three modules is determined and found to be similar. Subsequently module degradation is monitored, and it is found that the larger area module displays a significantly greater stability as compared to the smallest area module; in fact the larger module displays a T50% (time to fall to 50% of its original value) of 191 days whilst the smallest module displays a T50% of 57 days. This is attributed to an increased level of water infiltration due to a larger perimeter-to-area ratio. These findings are then used to verify a computer simulation model which allows the model parameters, series and shunt resistances, to be calculated. It is determined that the series resistance is not an obvious obstruction at these module sizes. The findings of this work provide great promise for the application of OPV technology on a larger scale.

AB - The outdoor performance of large area Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) is investigated in this work. Initially, the diurnal performance of the three modules is determined and found to be similar. Subsequently module degradation is monitored, and it is found that the larger area module displays a significantly greater stability as compared to the smallest area module; in fact the larger module displays a T50% (time to fall to 50% of its original value) of 191 days whilst the smallest module displays a T50% of 57 days. This is attributed to an increased level of water infiltration due to a larger perimeter-to-area ratio. These findings are then used to verify a computer simulation model which allows the model parameters, series and shunt resistances, to be calculated. It is determined that the series resistance is not an obvious obstruction at these module sizes. The findings of this work provide great promise for the application of OPV technology on a larger scale.

U2 - 10.3390/en14196324

DO - 10.3390/en14196324

M3 - Article

VL - 14

JO - Energies

JF - Energies

SN - 1996-1073

IS - 19

M1 - 6324

ER -