An approach for modeling and optimizing multi-receiver photovoltaic systems with optical filters

Abstract

Modeling of photovoltaic systems before implementing them is very important for predicting their response under the real conditions; and thus, optimizing them. Many commercial packages are available for modeling and optimizing single-junction and multi-junction solar cells. These packages have been used for modeling and optimizing tandem solar cells, which consist of many cells stacked on each other. However, their features do not enable modeling and optimizing photovoltaic systems with several not-stacked receivers. A literature review showed no sign for the existence of a package that models multi-receiver photovoltaic systems with beam-splitting features. In this paper, we are suggesting an approach for modeling and optimizing photovoltaic systems that involve optical filters and several not-stacked solar cells. The approach is demonstrated for a system that involves two single-junction solar cells and one optical filter; however, it could be used for modeling more complex systems.