Distributed Simulation of Real Tunnel Junction Effects in Multi-Junction Solar Cells

Abstract

In this paper, we present an improved 3D distributed model that considers real operation regimes in a tunnel junction. This advanced method is able to accurately simulate the high concentrations at which the current in the solar cell surpasses the peak current of the tunnel junction. Simulations of dual-junction solar cells were carried out with different light profiles and including chromatic aberration to show the capabilities of the model. Such simulations show that, under some circumstances, the solar cell short circuit current may be slightly higher than the tunnel junction peak current without showing the characteristic dip in the J-V curve. This behavior is caused by the lateral current spreading towards the dark regions, which occurs through the anode region of the tunnel junction