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An improved circuit model for polymer solar cells
Author(s) -
Gaur Ankita,
Kumar Pankaj
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.2345
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , equivalent circuit , short circuit , polymer solar cell , materials science , polymer , solar cell , butyric acid , optoelectronics , biological system , chemistry , electrical engineering , engineering , composite material , organic chemistry , biology , voltage
Authenticity of conventional circuit model, to interpret the characteristics of polymer solar cells (PSCs) is examined. Conventional circuit model is found to be quite limited, and various assumptions used there are not valid for PSCs. By understanding the nature of photovoltaic characteristics, through detailed investigations, we developed an improved circuit model, which explains correctly the behavior of PSCs under different environmental conditions. Investigations are carried out on the solar cells, made of the blend of regioregular poly(3‐hexylethiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl [6,6] C 61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The model is developed by treating both the dark and illuminated characteristics separately, even the characteristics were dealt with separately in reverse and forward biases. The formulated equivalent circuit model helps us in explaining many other important features, observed in the characteristics of PSCs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.