Parameter identification and real-time J-V curve reconstruction of polymer PV and dye-sensitized cells using non-iterative algorithms

This paper aims at assessing the suitability of simplified (4-parameter) single-diode models, already used for wafer-based silicon PV cells, to be applied to organic-based PV cells, e.g., dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and polymer PV. According to a method previously proposed by the same authors, the Series/Parallel Ratio (SPR) is computed which allows to decide whether it is more correct to neglect the shunt or the series resistance of the single-diode model. Then the 4-parameter identification is performed using a non-iterative algorithm; hence it is suitable to be executed on-line when implemented even on commercial low-cost, low-performance processing platforms, e.g. to support a MPPT circuit providing a good real-time reconstruction of the cell's J-V characteristic. This is crucial to achieve an optimal electrical exploitation of these unconventional cells and to foster their penetration in the market. An experimental validation is given for both a DSSC and a polymer PV. The accuracy of the curve reconstruction is comparable to that obtained using the complete (5-parameter) single-diode model.