Apparatus and method for measuring the impact of pollution on photovoltaic devices

摘要

The apparatus and method for measuring the impact of pollution on a photovoltaic (PV) device includes an apparatus in which a photovoltaic device (solar cell, PV module, etc.) is moved between partially or fully enclosed compartments in rapid succession for measurements of the same device can become (1) when exposed to direct light or solar radiation; (2) when placed under glass or a transparent cover that is kept stripped of dirt or kept clean; and (3) when placed under glass or a transparent cover that is exposed to natural exterior pollution or is toned down using simulated dirt that is not regularly cleaned. The measurements may relate to short circuit current (Isc), maximum power (Pmax), or other electrical parameters conventionally used to evaluate the performance of the photovoltaic device. A pollution ratio calculated as: SRPmax = 1-Pmax2-Pmax3Pmax1 or calculated as: SRIsc = 1-Isc2-Isc3Isc1 can be used to compare or monitor the performance of the photovoltaic device between measurement cycles.