Effects of DSSC configuration on power conversion efficiency

The purpose of this paper is to outline the effects of dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) configuration on useable output power provided through low-power, step-up DC-DC converters. It is shown that by connecting DSSCs in series rather than in parallel, higher power conversion efficiency is achieved due to increased cell voltage, and this in turn results in higher power delivery. Limitations to varying cell configuration are discussed and low input voltage DC-DC topologies are examined to demonstrate the range of solutions available for DSSC sources. It is shown that up to 6% improvement in system efficiency is achieved for a series vs. parallel cell connection.