Low-Cost Experimental Prototype of a Hybrid LED-Halogen Solar Simulator

This study presents a proposal for the design and construction of a solar simulation system using a hybrid light source. This design serves as a first and scaled-down version consisting of an array of 14 LEDs of different wavelengths combined with a halogen bulb. Results are discussed in terms of spectral matching, spatial non-uniformity, and temporal instability, within a limited wavelength range of 400-900 nm. A uniform and stable radiant flux density of 50 W/m2 has been achieved on the test plane (100 cm2), referenced to the AM1.5G spectrum. The prototype proved a spectral match close to 85%, spatial uniformity 2.6%, and temporal stability of less than 2%, earning a class AAA classification at the specified irradiance level. The primary aim of this research is to investigate solar simulation using a hybrid illumination system, initially on a smaller scale, with a view towards scaling up and implementing it for the analysis of photovoltaic devices. The results involve conducting tests for characterizing and classifying solar simulation using elements of hyperspectral imaging.