A novel thermoelectrical model for dye-sensitized solar cells for consideration of the effects of solar irradiation, wavelength, and surface temperature

Abstract

The present study aims to provide an innovative model to simulate the behavior of dye-sensitized solar cells, considering their advantages and the emerging technology of cells. The new model uses carrier particle continuity equations and the Butler-Volmer equation to examine the effects of solar radiation, wavelength, and temperature on cell performance. Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) is studied for sunny and cloudy days (7 am to 6 pm) based on input and output power. Parametric changes, including fill factor, open circuit voltage, and short circuit, are calculated in this regard. The good agreement observed between the outcomes of previous studies and the results obtained here emphasizes the reliability of the proposed model. As a striking novelty, the impact of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) recombination current on cell performance parameters is also examined using the Butler-Volmer equation under normal and diffuse radiation (low light). The results reveal that the effect of recombination current is more significant for diffuse radiation conditions than the clear sky (sunny day). For example, the efficiency and voltage drop are higher for the cloudy mode. The sunny weather has a reduction of about 0.2 % in efficiency, while the same state for the cloudy weather is about 1.8 %.