IEC 60891:2009

Overview

IEC 60891:2009 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that defines procedures for temperature and irradiance corrections to the measured current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) devices. This standard is essential for ensuring accurate and consistent evaluation of PV device performance under variable environmental conditions.

The standard extends beyond simple measurement techniques and includes methodologies for determining correction factors such as temperature coefficients, internal series resistance, and curve correction factors. It complements IEC 60904-1, which outlines requirements for I-V measurement of photovoltaic devices.

Key Topics

• Temperature and Irradiance Corrections: The core focus is on procedures to correct measured I-V characteristics to standardized conditions-such as Standard Test Conditions (STC)-accounting for changes in temperature and irradiance.

• Correction Procedures:

  • Procedure 1: An updated version of the original translation method used previously, rewritten for clarity.
  • Procedure 2: An algebraic correction method that offers improved accuracy for significant irradiance changes over 20%.
  • Procedure 3: A parameter-independent interpolation technique applicable when at least three I-V curves exist across varying temperature and irradiance.

• Determination of Correction Factors:

  • Temperature Coefficients: Revised procedures now include PV modules and sub-assemblies, not just single cells.
  • Internal Series Resistance: Newly defined method to evaluate this key parameter impacting PV device performance.
  • Curve Correction Factor: A novel procedure introduced to enhance correction precision.

• Measurement Requirements: All I-V characteristics must be collected according to IEC 60904-1. Reference devices and spectral mismatch corrections are detailed alongside linearity requirements outlined in IEC 60904-10 and IEC 61853-1.

Applications

IEC 60891:2009 is highly applicable in fields involving:

• Photovoltaic Module Testing: Laboratories and manufacturers utilize these procedures to standardize I-V characterization of solar cells, modules, and sub-assemblies ensuring performance comparisons are accurate despite variable environmental testing conditions.

• Performance Evaluation: Enables determination of accurate performance parameters such as short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and maximum power output corrected to standard conditions.

• Quality Control and Certification: The standard supports conformity assessments and certifications by providing internationally recognized procedures for measurement corrections.

• Research and Development: Facilitates consistent data collection and analysis for new photovoltaic technologies under diverse climatic conditions.

• System Design and Simulation: Corrected I-V characteristics form the basis for precise system modeling, helping optimize solar power generation.

Related Standards

• IEC 60904-1: Photovoltaic devices-Part 1: Measurements of photovoltaic current-voltage characteristics (guides measurement protocols).
• IEC 60904-2: Requirements for reference solar devices utilized in irradiance measurement.
• IEC 60904-7: Computation of spectral mismatch correction for PV device testing.
• IEC 60904-9: Solar simulator performance requirements ensuring consistent artificial sunlight conditions.
• IEC 60904-10: Methods for assessing linearity of PV devices over irradiance ranges.
• IEC 61853-1: Defines performance testing under varying environmental conditions including linearity.

Practical Value

IEC 60891:2009 provides standardized, precise methods to adjust measured I-V characteristics, enabling stakeholders to:

• Achieve consistent, comparable data regardless of test conditions.
• Minimize measurement uncertainty caused by temperature and irradiance fluctuations.
• Accurately determine performance metrics at Standard Test Conditions, a critical factor in PV product rating and validation.
• Improve reliability in PV device characterization methodologies.
• Support rigorous research and quality assurance activities within the photovoltaic industry.

By adhering to the procedures and correction methods defined in IEC 60891, manufacturers, testing labs, and researchers can ensure internationally comparable results that foster innovation and market confidence in photovoltaic technologies.