The Power of Design: Product Innovation in Sustainable Energy Technologies

C.6 Test Results

C.6.1 H Cell versus Flower Cell

The flower cells were prototyped by University of Stuttgart and tested in the Sunsimulator. Standard H cells and flower cells are tested to provide data. The Sunsimulator used standard test conditions (STCs): 25̊C, an irradiance of 1000 W/m², with an air mass 1.5 spectrum (AM1.5). During the simulation, the temperature was 25.2̊C.

The calibration cell of the H cell and flower cell was the same, providing the possibility to compare the cells with each other.

In PV technology, the performance of solar cells is illustrated in current–voltage (I–V) curves. The best performing H cell and best performing flower cell were selected for the I–V curves. From these curves it was apparent that both cells were performing well. The curve that compares the two cells is illustrated in Figure C.6.1.

Figure C.6.1 Measured current–voltage (I–V) curves of an H cell and flower cell

The flower cell had an average output of 0.6 V, 7.9 A, and a power output of 4.8 W. In reference to the demands and specifications, the data showed that the demand was fulfilled (Table C.6.1). This result gave a positive outlook for the development of new contact patterns.

Table C.6.1 Demands and specifications.

Function	Requirement	Technical specification
The solar cell has to convert light into electricity.	The solar cell produces enough electrical output.	The new ...