Tandem Calculations

Source: YouTube

Understanding TandemCalc: A Tool for Calculating Tandem Solar Cell Efficiency

TandemCalc is a specialized Windows application designed for calculating the maximum efficiency of tandem solar cells. Developed using MatLab as the code base, this standalone program requires the installation of a ‘MatLab Compiler Runtime’ to function properly. The MatLab Compiler Runtime (MCR) installation file is included in the downloadable package.

Application Overview

When using TandemCalc, users can input various parameters to customize their calculations:

• Spectrum Type: Users can choose between ‘Blackbody’ and ‘AM 1.5’. Selecting ‘AM 1.5’ prompts a further choice between AM1.5G and AM1.5D based on the concentration value.
• Concentration: Input the desired concentration value.
• Connection Type: Choose between ‘Independent’ and ‘Series’ connection types.
• Output Type: The application currently supports downloading results as a text file and displaying them on the screen.
• # of Bandgap Stacks: Enter the number of bandgap stacks as an integer.
• Bandgap Sweep: Input bandgap sweeps for each stack, starting from the lowest bandgap (Stack # 1) to the highest bandgap (Stack # n).

After setting the parameters, users can initiate the calculation by clicking ‘Calculate Efficiencies’. The program will display a progress bar indicating the estimated time remaining for the calculation. For Independent connections, multiple progress bars may appear, with the last bar possibly showing a percentage above 100% – this is normal and indicates the program is nearing completion.

Upon completion, users will see calculated values displayed at the bottom of the window, including:

• Main Data File: Contains efficiency percentages for each unique bandgap set calculated.
• Help Data File: Includes user-entered parameters, maximum efficiency percentage, and corresponding bandgaps.
• Max Efficiency %: The maximum efficiency percentage based on the entered parameters.
• Max Efficiency Bandgaps: Bandgap values associated with the maximum calculated efficiency percentage.

Overall, TandemCalc provides a user-friendly interface for conducting complex efficiency calculations for tandem solar cells, making it a valuable tool for researchers and professionals in the field of photovoltaics.

Source: Physics Stack Exchange