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Modeling and analysis of flexible curved PV cells under uneven irradiation considering varied parameters

Author

Listed:
  • Tian, Xinyi
  • Lu, Yashun
  • Wang, Jun
  • Lu, Guodong
  • Jiang, Mingjun
  • Khan, Shoaib Ahmed
  • Ji, Jie
  • Luo, Chenglong

Abstract

Flexible photovoltaic cells have superior flexibility, indicating the huge potential to integrate with complex surfaces. The varied application scenarios and complicated system design lead to the non-uniform solar irradiation distributed among the flexible solar cell, which requires refined model establishment. To analyze the performance of flexible PV cells under bending conditions and evaluate the influence of various design parameters, a coupled optical-electrical model is developed, which is based on the single-diode model of the solar cell and the current continuity equation. The finite element method is employed to investigate the voltage and current density distributions in the emitter and finger regions, respectively. Experimental study was conducted in a laboratory environment to research on the photoelectric performance by flexible cells under specific working conditions. To address diverse application scenarios, the study examines and quantifies the effects of different arched shapes, finger spacings, and the scale of the curved surface on photoelectric performance. The results show that electrical output varies with the arch shape; the power conversion efficiency (PCE) generally increases with finger spacing (from 14.953 % to 15.042 %); and expanding the scale of curved installation enhances the total power output from 0.410 W to 0.413 W, and PCE from 14.946 % to 15.055 %.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian, Xinyi & Lu, Yashun & Wang, Jun & Lu, Guodong & Jiang, Mingjun & Khan, Shoaib Ahmed & Ji, Jie & Luo, Chenglong, 2025. "Modeling and analysis of flexible curved PV cells under uneven irradiation considering varied parameters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:328:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225022972
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Guiqiang & Lu, Yashun & Shittu, Samson & Zhao, Xudong, 2020. "Scale effect on electrical characteristics of CPC-PV," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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