Performance of Photovoltaic Cells at High Radiation Levels

Abstract

The performance of p-n gridded, water-cooled silicon photovoltaic cells was measured at radiation levels of up to 250 Langley per min. Outputs exceeded 1/4 watt per sq cm. An analysis of cell operation at high fluxes permits computation of the performance over a wide range of radiation intensities from a single high-radiation voltage-current curve. An array of eight p-n cells and an optical system used with the array is described. Characteristics of n-p cells were measured, and their peculiar V-I curves are noted. Methods of improving cell performance at high fluxes are discussed.