Endeas presents innovative steady-state I-V curve measurement method for PV manufacturing
Endeas presents an innovative method for measuring steady-state I-V curves in photovoltaic cells and modules using a flash tester. The novel method enables accurate measurement of the maximum power and other I-V parameters in even the highest efficiency PV technologies using a short flash pulse. The method is included in the acclaimed QuickSun 600 all-in-one module testing station and other current solar simulator models from Endeas.
Many solar simulators currently in production have limited accuracy when measuring I-V curves and maximum power of high-efficiency PV modules, such as PERC, and especially HJT or IBC. This inaccuracy is caused by charging of the cells, which leads to a significant underestimation of the maximum power by typical flash testers. While the flash pulse length can be increased, this is expensive and comes with additional problems, such as heating of the module during measurement. The new method by Endeas, called Capacitance Compensation (CAC), reliably measures the steady-state I-V curve and maximum power of any PV cell or module based on a single flash pulse of only 40 ms.
The CAC method is based on measuring the capacitance – ability to store electric charge – of the tested device during the flash pulse. This capacitance is then taken into account in processing the measurement data, resulting in more accurate steady-state I-V curves and maximum power measurements.
“PV manufacturers are understandably requesting longer and longer flash pulses. They are aware that the maximum power of their high-efficiency products may be underestimated by their current solar simulators, leading them to sell their products at a lower price than necessary”, says Jaakko Hyvärinen, managing director of Endeas. “The new CAC method is perfectly suited for power measurements in PV manufacturing, as measurement results comparable to steady-state solar simulators can be provided for any PV technology with compact and proven flash testers that are straightforward to integrate into a manufacturing line.”
The Capacitance Compensation method will be presented at the EU PVSEC conference in Brussels on 24 September 2018 by Dr. Henri Vahlman, a scientist at Endeas. Endeas employees will also be available for discussion at their booth (number D4 in hall 2) throughout the conference.
For further inquiries, please contact Endeas Managing Director Mr Jaakko Hyvärinen, at +358 10 219 0912 or email jaakko.hyvarinen@endeas.fi
About Endeas:
Endeas Oy has been providing innovative testing technology to the PV industry since 2001. The company satisfies the needs of their customers with precise, dependable and easily operated equipment and expert support based on profound understanding of photovoltaic measurement technology. The reliability of their solutions is proven by more than 550 QuickSun systems delivered worldwide.
Source: Endeas
