Optimized Solar Simulator Structure for Uniform Irradiance Distribution

This paper presents the development and optimization of a solar simulator designed to irradiate uniform light on the target plane. A luminaire covering 3.6 m
²
was developed to simulate solar radiation on the device under test in a closed chamber free from the influence of external radiance. The apparatus uses metal halide lamps to match solar spectrum and performs electrical performance analysis in photovoltaic panels. The final shape of the luminaire structure was obtained running genetic algorithm and results presented a Class C solar simulator with non-uniformity equal to 9.9%. Comparisons were made between simulated and practical photovoltaic panels electrical characteristics resulting in a error less than 10%.