Deck 10: Photovoltaic Cells and Applications

Question 1

Explain the use of a bypass diode.

Answer 1

Bypass diodes are installed in a series string of modules. When a module is shaded, the diode has a lower internal resistance than the shaded cells, and current flows through the path of least resistance.

Question 2

Photovoltaic cells supply (approximately) constant ___________ over the operating range.

Answer 2

current

Question 3

The amount of device current in a photovoltaic cell is directly proportional to cell size (surface area) and solar radiation intensity (watts per square meter).

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Some of the most common standard test conditions are:
Solar intensity (irradiance) = 1000 watts / square meter
Cell temperature = 25 degrees C

Question 5

_____________ is the process of adding impurities to the pure semiconductor crystal to improve current flow.

Question 6

When photons are absorbed by a photovoltaic cell, the energy decreases the mobility of electrons in the semiconductor material.

Question 7

When modules are connected in __________, the current rating between modules should be the same.

Question 8

Summarize photovoltaic action.

Question 9

Fill factor is the ratio of maximum _________ divided by the product of open circuit voltage and short circuit current.

Question 10

The ____________ produced by a solar cell is primarily determined by the material from which the cell is made and by the cell temperature.

Question 11

What is the temperature coefficient?

Question 12

List the different types of silicon manufactured for photovoltaic cells.

Question 13

Explain the current and voltage of modules connected in series.

Question 14

As temperature decreases (gets colder), device voltage increases, and as temperature increases (gets warmer), the voltage decreases.

Question 15

An assembly of photovoltaic cells mounted on a panel is called an array.