Applied photovoltaics

• Describe in detail the steps required to manufacture crystalline silicon PV modules
• Design and fabricate a PV module
• Explain the effect the irradiance have on the I-V curves of PV devices
• Explain the effect the temperature have on the I-V curves of PV devices
• Explain the effect that the incident angle of sunlight has on transmission and reflection
• Describe the principles behind thermography, electroluminescence and photoluminescence imaging and describe the unique advantages that each technique has when diagnosing PV failures
• Characterize and describe the efficiency parameters and test procedures of a PV power converter
• Analyze field performance of a PV system

The course will present the theory behind the most commonly used PV characterization and imaging methods. The course will also provide lectures that describe in detail how crystalline silicon modules are fabricated. These lectures will be followed by lab exercises where all students will perform various electrical, thermal and optical PV characterization techniques, and also build their own mini-module. The course will conclude with group work on laboratory assignments, and the students will present their results in an oral presentation, and participate in an informal “create the best module competition”.

34552, Photovoltaic systems

Lectures, exercises in the field and in the lab, and group project work.

Teachers:
Sergiu Spataru, Sune Thorsteinsson, Gisele Alves dos Reis Benatto, Markus Babin, Daniel Alvarez Mira, Rodrigo Del Prado Santamaria, Martin Bartholomäus

Minimum: 5, Maximum: 25.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.