Improving Sun Energy Harvesting, A Novel Approach for the Design and Optimization of Advanced High Efficiency Solar Cells, Part II [video]
Authors
Michael, Sherif
Subjects
Advisors
Date of Issue
2017-05-05
Date
2017-05-05
Publisher
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California
Language
en_US
Abstract
Photovoltaic Devices commonly known as Solar Cells, are the key components of any solar power systems. This presentation addresses our research efforts at NPS for the design, modeling and optimization of state-of-the-art space and terrestrial based solar cells. A new method for developing a realistic model of any type of solar cell using the SILVACO/ ATLAS Virtual Wafer Fabrication (VWF) software was developed at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). Taking into account the high cost of research and experimentation involved with the development of advanced cells, this novel methodology was developed. In our opinion, the introduction of this modeling technique to the photovoltaic community will prove to be of great importance for aiding in the design and development of improved advanced solar cells. A multi-junction InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cell was successfully modeled and was fully simulated. The model performance was in close agreement with the experimental results of the manufactured cell. Novel optimization techniques, using genetic search algorithm were first introduced and utilized to maximize the new device efficiencies, which resulted in designs that exceeded the performance of most of the best known available cell. The major goal of this research is also to bridge the gap between current state of the art manufactured cells at 30% efficiency, and the theoretical limit of more than 40%. Further research in the design and optimization of low-cost flexible thin film solar cells is currently underway. The availability of such high efficiency cell would be of great value in reducing the energy cost for most solar energy system applications. This Seminar is the second of a two part series that Dr. Michael will present.
Type
Video
Description
NPS Defense Energy Seminar
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Duration: 0:00:00. Filesize: 00.0 MB
Citation
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.