Modeling of the degradation of III–V triple-junction cells due to particle irradiation on the basis of component cells
The paper reports about the possibility of predicting the degradation of III–V multi-junction solar cells due to particle irradiation in space solely based on the radiation response of the respective sub cells. State-of-the art triple-junction solar cells of the 3G28 class manufactured by AZUR Space GmbH are used as an example to demonstrate how to model the degradation behavior of multi-junction cell from the degradation behavior of the respective component cells, as investigated in this study. The advantages of component cells for understanding and modeling the behavior of multi-junction cells under different conditions are discussed.
Matlab PV solar concentrator performance prediction based on triple junction solar cell model
Abstract This paper deals with a generalized triple-junction solar cell model developed by using Matlab in order to predict the performances of a Photo Voltaic Thermal (PVT) solar concentrator. The triple-junction solar cell model represents each single junction included in the entire triple-junction solar cell. The model has been developed considering not only parameters related to the environmental conditions, but also considering the concentration factor. The proposed model allows all single junctions to be considered one by one, and therefore, it is suitable for modeling not only a specific triple junction solar cell, but also two junction solar cells and triple-junction solar cells made by different material. Moreover, the proposed model implementation allows for a thorough analysis under different environmental conditions. The proposed model is general and useful not only to estimate the system loss and solar cell degradation during operation, but also to evaluate the overall performance when solar cells are connected to MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) electronic converters. The theoretical analysis is validated by experimental verification included in the paper.
Damage initiation and propagation in composite shells subjected to impact
Abstract The paper investigates the impact-induced damage initiation and propagation for laminated composite shells under low-velocity impact. A three-dimensional eight-node non-conforming element is described to analyze interlaminar stress distribution, and progressive failure. The damage analysis is performed by using Tsai–Wu quadratic failure criterion, Tsai’s damage modes and an additional delamination formula at all Gaussian points. The damage modes considered are matrix cracking, fiber breakage and delamination. The progressive failure is expressed by reducing stiffness of the material at all failed Gaussian points. Special attention is centered on curved laminates. Impact energy threshold for the onset of damage and transient damage size are predicted for composite shells. The analyses of the flat and curved laminates are compared for discussing their different damage mechanism. In addition, the influence of the stacking sequence, the thickness and the radius of curvature on damage behavior of composite shells are studied.