Photovoltaic Sub-Module With Optical Sensor for Angular Measurements of Incident Light

A Review of Optical Sensors in CMOS

“…It is straightforward to obtain experimentally the responsivity and the quantum efficiency [12,22]. These kinds of experiments require setups with an optical source.…”

“…These kinds of experiments require setups with an optical source. Figure 4 shows an example of an experimental setup used by Costa et al to obtain the responsivity and the quantum efficiency of photodiodes [12]. A 250 W quartz tungsten halogen lamp from Oriel is widely used as an optical source.…”

“…The need for new applications resulted in the development of compact wireless sensors of very small sizes and with minimal power consumption [5,6], object tagging and components for chain fabrication facilities [7,8], and micropowering with silicon-compatible microbatteries [9] and photonic applications [10,11]. However, and despite fascinating microsystem applications, among the most challenging applications are those targeted to detect [12] and/or manipulate [13] light. Light is, without any shadow of doubt, the most fascinating phenomenon in nature because it affects all aspects of physics of the universe and of living creatures [14] and, paradoxically, even when it is not present [15].…”

A low-cost system for real-time measuring of the sunlight incident angle using IoT

“…Such a device is intended for supporting the design of PV arrays and PV concentrators depending on the vehicle geometry; however, it is not evident the device applicability to classical PV systems. Another solution, presented in [12] , concerns a device based on a CMOS sensor to measure the effect of the irradiance incidence angle on the power production. This device uses an electrical motor to rotate the sensor depending on the sun translation, but the electrical power required by the device, and the maintenance required by the mechanical parts, make difficult the autonomous operation of the device.…”

“…This is the case of the people detection system reported in [17] , where the embedded device enable to introduce higher robustness to light changes, and makes possible the connection with facial recognition systems. Such an approach can also be adopted to improve the analysis of the irradiance incident angle in PV panels: the works reported in [11] , [12] were designed for mobile applications, and those solutions consume a high amount of power, which limit the use of those devices for autonomous measurements, in remote places, and during long periods of time. Moreover, commercial devices for irradiance and shade characterization, such as [18] , [19] , do not take into account the changes on the irradiance incidence angle, and in some cases, data from meteorological stations is required to supply the lack of sensors.…”