Integration of Systems and Instruments (ISI)

The group's activities are directed at developing equipment, instruments and methods for measuring and profiling solar cells, collectors, modules, and photovoltaic systems and plants in the laboratory and also in open air operation. It also deals with developing prototypes, new concentrator systems and concepts, and even large plants arising from these. The group's research work is placed at the service of national and international industry and other research bodies. This is done with collaboration agreements and projects in national and international consortia, as well as technology transfer and provision of technology services with a high added value.

Amongst the most recent projects, highlights are our work on the European projects Ecosole and NGCPV for developing new instrumentation for the manufacturing line, our commitment to technology transfer with the creation of the Solar Added Value spin off, and our collaboration with leading companies in the sector, Abengoa and Semprius.

The impact of our most recent activity (2010-2014) is backed up by 18 articles in JRC journals (mostly in Q1), several chapters in photovoltaic technology reference manuals, more than 40 contributions to international conferences, 6 doctoral theses, 14 public tender projects and many other contracts with leading companies in the sector at international level.

To summarise our skills and recent activity:

• Development of high efficiency concentrator photovoltaic modules: design, simulation, prototypes and profiling.
• Design, analysis and simulation of optical devices and systems for photovoltaic and hybrid applications.
• Development of methods and equipment to profile cells, receivers, optics and concentrator photovoltaic modules.
• Analysis of receiver function with photovoltaic cells with different technologies (multi-band, silicon, etc.) under different levels of concentration, uniformity and light spectra.
• Advanced profiling of concentrator photovoltaic modules under real and laboratory conditions (solar simulator with collimated light and controlled spectrum).
• Monitoring and profiling photovoltaic plants: power rating, thermal and spectral effects, dirt and degradation, and energy generated.
• Integration of solar technology into buildings: light, heat, electricity and air conditioning.
• Feasibility studies on materials for concentrator optics.
• Development of robust receivers for low concentration systems.
• Cost analysis (materials and processes) of concentrator photovoltaic systems.
• Definition of international regulations for CPV systems and parts.