A hypothetical PV solar cell in space can utilize solar radiation between 0.8 and 1.1 ?m in wavelength. Estimate the maximum theoretical efficiency for this solar cell facing the sun using the ideal blackbody curve of the sun as the source. Supposing that all the radiation outside the spectral range utilized by the solar cell for generating electricity is dissipated into heat, estimate the rate at which a module of solar cells of 1.0 m2 area would have to be cooled to maintain the temperature of the module below 90°F.
GIVEN
• PV solar cell utilizing radiation between 0.8 and 1.1 ?m.
• Surface area of solar cells (A)= 1.0 m2
FIND
• Maximum theoretical efficiency of solar cell facing the sun using ideal blackbody curve of the sun.
• Rate at which module of solar cells would have to be cooled to maintain temperature of module below 900F or 320C.
ASSUMPTIONS
• The sun’s radiation can be assumed as ideal black body curve.
• The variation in irradiation is linear for the interval of 0.8 to 1.1 ?m.
For Solar spectral irradiance at sea level for direct beam.
The average spectral irradiation for range of 0.8 to 1.1 ?m is 0.6 W/(m2 nm).
Thus, total radiation that can be utilized by PV solar cell
G= 0.6 W/(m2 nm) *(1100-800) nm= 180 W/m2
Total solar radiation incident S= 1368 W/m2
Thus maximum theoretical solar efficiency
The radiation which is converted to heat is
Total power dissipated as heat from the Solar cell is
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