Difference between revisions of "PV Characterization Lab"

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=== Overview ===
=== Overview ===
[[Image:Pvtest-computer.jpg|thumb|300px| ]]
[[Image:Pvtest-computer.jpg|thumb|300px| ]]
This is a good high school or introductory undergrad lab for physics or chemistry. It uses a simple technique with computer probeware to measure the current/voltage curve of a solar cell in order to determine its peak power. It allows you compare various types of cells and shows how difficult it is to get an accurate absolute measurement of performance.
Solar cells produce different voltages and currents depending on the light levels and resistance in the circuit. How can you tell what the peak power of solar cell is? This is the method that researcher use to measure and compare the power from various solar cells.  This is a good high school or introductory undergrad lab for physics or chemistry. It uses a simple technique with computer probeware to measure the current/voltage curve of a solar cell in order to determine its peak power. It allows you compare various types of cells and shows how difficult it is to get an accurate absolute measurement of performance.
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=== Procedure ===
=== Procedure ===
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[http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/mediawiki/images/a/a5/PV_Characterization_Lab.pdf Download the Lab PDF]
[http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/mediawiki/images/a/a5/PV_Characterization_Lab.pdf Download the Lab PDF]


[http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/media/jvcurve.ds  Download Datastudio file JVcurve]
[http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/media/jvcurve.ds  Datastudio file JVcurve- (right click and save as)]


{{#ev:youtube|MXUYgQHQ1h8}}
{{#ev:youtube|aVe4rRGq4p4}}


=== External Links ===
=== External Links ===
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*[[wikipedia:Solar_cell]]
*[[wikipedia:Solar_cell]]
*[http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/SchoolPowerNaturally/InTheClassroom/kitlessons.asp Other Solar Lesson plans]
*[http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/SchoolPowerNaturally/InTheClassroom/kitlessons.asp Other Solar Lesson plans]
*[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/7230 PV Characterization with LabView from National Instruments]


=== Sources for materials ===
=== Sources for materials ===


*[http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_3085037  $2.95 each CIS solar cell]
*[http://shop.pitsco.com/store/detail.aspx?CategoryID=69&by=9&ID=4426&c=1&t=0&l=0  $3.95 Pitsco amorphous silicon cell with clips.]
*[http://shop.pitsco.com/store/detail.aspx?CategoryID=69&by=9&ID=4426&c=1&t=0&l=0  $2.95 Pitsco amorphous silicon cell with clips.]
*[http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=3590S-2-103L-ND 10K Ohm- 10 turn variable resistor]
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/products.asp?dept=1174  Electronics Goldmine- A good source for solar cells.]
*[http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/products.asp?dept=1174  Electronics Goldmine- A good source for solar cells.]
*[http://store.pasco.com/pascostore/showdetl.cfm?did=9&partnumber=PS-2100A&detail=1 Pasco  PASPort  USB link  $59]
*[http://www.pasco.com/prodCatalog/PS/PS-2100_usb-link/ Pasco  PASPort  USB link  $59]
*[http://store.pasco.com/pascostore/showdetl.cfm?&DID=9&PartNumber=PS-2115&groupID=192&Detail=1 voltage/current probe  $99]
*[http://www.pasco.com/prodCatalog/PS/PS-2115_pasport-voltage-current-sensor/index.cfm  voltage/current probe  $99]
*[http://k8.vernier.com/products/interfaces/  Vernier Go!Link USB interface (alternative to Pasco version)]
*[http://www.vernier.com/products/interfaces/lq-mini/  Vernier Lab Quest Mini (alternative to Pasco version) $149]
*[http://www.vernier.com/products/sensors/ves-bta/  Energy sensor probe $69]

Latest revision as of 08:58, 19 August 2014

K-12 Outreach Kits and Labs

Overview

Pvtest-computer.jpg

Solar cells produce different voltages and currents depending on the light levels and resistance in the circuit. How can you tell what the peak power of solar cell is? This is the method that researcher use to measure and compare the power from various solar cells. This is a good high school or introductory undergrad lab for physics or chemistry. It uses a simple technique with computer probeware to measure the current/voltage curve of a solar cell in order to determine its peak power. It allows you compare various types of cells and shows how difficult it is to get an accurate absolute measurement of performance.

Procedure

<embed_document width="100%" height="600">http://depts.washington.edu/cmditr/mediawiki/images/a/a5/PV_Characterization_Lab.pdf</embed_document>

Download the Lab PDF

Datastudio file JVcurve- (right click and save as)

External Links

Sources for materials