photovoltaic effect, photovoltaic process
The phenomenon that occurs when photons (the "particles" in a beam of light) strike electrons and free them from their bound position.
When this property of light is combined with the properties of semiconductors, electrons flow in one direction across a junction, setting up a voltage.
With the addition of circuitry, current flows and electric power is available.
photovoltaic efficiency
The ratio of the electric power produced by a photovoltaic device to the power of the sunlight incident on the device.
photovoltaic energy
Energy emanating from the sun as electromagnetic radiation that is converted into electricity by means of solar (photovoltaic) cells or concentrating (focusing) collectors.
photovoltaic generator
The total of all interconnected strings of a photovoltaic power supply system.
photovoltaic hybrid (system)
A photovoltaic system combined with some other complementary energy system; such as, wind turbines or diesel generators.
photovoltaic module
A panel assembled from a number of individual photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in a series and parallel so as to provide a specific useful voltage and current.
photovoltaic panel
1. A physically connected collection of modules.
2. A panel assembled from a number of individual photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in a series and parallel.
photovoltaic system
A complete set of components for converting solar energy into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, including the array and balance of system constituents.
photovoltaics
The technology or activity of employing solar radiation as a direct energy source for electrical power.
photovoltaic-thermal
Describing a photovoltaic system that, in addition to converting sunlight into electricity, collects the residual heat energy and delivers both heat and electricity in usable form.
primary cell, voltaic cell, galvanic cell
(s) (nouns); primary cells, voltaic cells, galvanic cells
(pl)
1. An electrical cell that uses an irreversible chemical reaction to generate electricity and, as a result, cannot be recharged: When buying new batteries for her flash light, Linda debated whether to buy primary cell batteries or to invest in rechargeable batteries.
2. A cell consisting of two dissimilar metal electrodes in a solution that acts chemically on one or both of them to produce a voltage: Jack, the auto mechanic, stated that the battery or primary cell in the car was dead and could not be recharged; so, it would need to be replaced.
pulsating voltage
As electrical potential which is unidirectional but varies in magnitude at a periodic frequency.
ripple voltage
The time-varying part of a voltage that is ideally time-invariant.
Most electronic systems require a direct-current voltage for at least part of their operation.
An ideal direct-current voltage is available from a battery, but batteries are impractical for many applications.
To obtain a direct-current voltage from the alternating-current power mains requires using some type of power supply.
The voltage regulator is usually an electronic circuit that is specifically designed to provide a very stable direct current output voltage even if large variations occur in the input.
Nonlinear power supplies, which are often termed switching power supplies or switched-mode power supplies, are becoming increasingly popular as a practical alternative for producing a low-ripple direct current output.
sparking voltage
The minimum voltage at which a spark discharge occurs between electrodes of a given shape at a given distance away from each one and under certain conditions.
sphere gap voltmeter
An instrument designed to measure high voltages by determining the distance between two metal spheres at which a spark will jump.
A cross reference of word units that are related, directly and/or indirectly, with "electricity":
electro-;
galvano-;
hodo-;
ion-;
piezo-;
-tron;
biomechatronics, info;
mechatronics, info.
