Publication Date

12-2013

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Farhad Ashrafzadeh (Director), Keith Andrew, Hemali Rathnayake, Vladimir Dobrokhotov

Degree Program

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Degree Type

Master Science

Abstract

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are advanced, newly emerging technologies that are lightweight, mechanically flexible devices with highthroughput processes from low cost material in a variety of colors. Rathnayake et al. of Western Kentucky University have developed a nanostructure-based OPV cell. Presented in this thesis is a model and simulation of a generalized PV powered system that can predict the performance of solar arrays in various environmental conditions. The simulation has been carried out in Matlab/Simulink, and upon entering the cell’s parameters, it provides key electrical characteristics such as the cell’s I-V curve and efficiency information. The total system that is simulated consists of three elements: a universal two-cell solar array that can account for partial shading and manufacturing variation, a current-controlled power converter, and an energy storage device with charging and discharging capabilities.

Disciplines

Environmental Chemistry | Physical Chemistry | Physical Processes | Physics | Quantum Physics

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