[chapter] Influence of cell-level EQE variation on PV performance

website/source/chapter/cell-eqe-influence.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+
+.. map-header::
+
+
+Impact of cell-to-cell EQE variation on power output
+====================================================
+
+Introduction
+------------
+Cells in a PV module are typically connected in series, hence module
+performance is limited by the cell generating the lowest current.  Reduced cell
+performance can arise from manufacturing inconsistencies between cells, or
+in-operando events such as localised temperature hotspots and non-uniform
+module degradation.
+
+Previous studies have investigated how external envrionmental factors
+such as non-uniform shading can lead to reduced individual cell or module
+performance resulting in mismatch losses.  While manufacturing inconsistencies
+between cells are often cited as a cause of intramodule mismatch losses, they
+are typically overlooked in the existing body of research.
+
+One way to study the inherent differences between cells is through analyzing
+their external quantum efficiency (EQE).  A cell's EQE curve represents the
+efficiency with which incident photons of different wavelengths generate a
+photocurrent.  Although this spectral effect on PV performance has been studied
+at the module level, no studies have analysed the spectral effect at the cell
+level and its potential role as a driver of mismatch losses at the module
+level.  
+
+To investigate the role of cell-to-cell variation on module performance, the
+following questions are proposed:
+
+#. Does the EQE vary between cells and if so what is the scale of variation?
+#. What is the impact of EQE variation, if present, on module performance?
+#. Do the performance variation exhibit vary with geography and/or seasons? 
+
+XXX should these line up exactly with the chapter headings OR could the
+phrasing vary? XXX
+
+XXX alternative:XXX
+
+#. How does the EQE vary between cells?
+#. What is the impact on PV performance?
+#. Does the performance impact vary seasonally or geographically?
+
+
+Methodology
+----------
+
+How does the EQE vary between cells?
+-----------------------------------
+
+What is the impact on PV performance?
+-------------------------------------
+
+Is the performance impact seasonal?
+-----------------------------------
+XX OR XX
+Does the performance impact vary seasonally or geographically?
+--------------------------------------------------------------
+
+References
+----------
+
+Data files
+----------

website/source/index.rst

@@ -58,3 +58,4 @@ This project uses many open-source software packages, including:
    :caption: Chapters
 
    chapter/climatic-influence-plr
+   chapter/cell-eqe-influence