Multi-dimensional modeling of solar cells with electromagnetic and carrier transport calculations

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A review of solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in hybrid PV-T collectors and the wider systems within which they can be implemented, and assess the worldwide energy and carbon mitigation potential of these systems. We cover both experimental and computational studies, identify opportunities for performance enhancement, pathways for collector innovation, and implications of their wider deployment at the solar-generation system level. First, we classify and review the main types of PV-T collectors, including air-based, liquid-based, dual air–water, heat-pipe, building integrated and concentrated PV-T collectors. This is followed by a presentation of performance enhancement opportunities and pathways for collector innovation. Here, we address state-of-the-art design modifications, next-generation PV cell technologies, selective coatings, spectral splitting and nanofluids. Beyond this, we address wider PV-T systems and their applications, comprising a thorough review of solar combined heat and power (S–CHP), solar cooling, solar combined cooling, heat and power (S–CCHP), solar desalination, solar drying and solar for hydrogen production systems. This includes a specific review of potential performance and cost improvements and opportunities at the solar-generation system level in thermal energy storage, control and demand-side management. Subsequently, a set of the most promising PV-T systems is assessed to analyse their carbon mitigation potential and how this technology might fit within pathways for global decarbonization. It is estimated that the REmap baseline emission curve can be reduced by more than 16% in 2030 if the uptake of solar PV-T technologies can be promoted. Finally, the review turns to a critical examination of key challenges for the adoption of PV-T technology and recommendations

NGCPV: A new generation of concentrator photovoltaic cells, modules and systems

This work introduces the lines of research that the NGCPV project is pursuing and some of the first results obtained. Sponsored by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Program and NEDO (Japan) within the first collaborative call launched by both Bodies in the field of energy, NGCPV project aims at approaching the cost of the photovoltaic kWh to competitive prices in the framework of high concentration photovoltaics (CPV) by exploring the development and assessment of concentrator photovoltaic solar cells and modules, novel materials and new solar cell structures as well as methods and procedures to standardize measurement technology for concentrator photovoltaic cells and modules. More specific objectives we are facing are: (1) to manufacture a cell prototype with an efficiency of at least 45% and to undertake an experimental activity, (2) to manufacture a 35% module prototype and elaborate the roadmap towards the achievement of 40%, (3) to develop reliable characterization techniques for III-V materials and quantum structures, (4) to achieve and agreement within 5% in the characterization of CPV cells and modules in a round robin scheme, and (5) to evaluate the potential of new materials, devices technologies and quantum nanostructures to improve the efficiency of solar cells for CPV

NGCPV: a new generation of concentrator photovoltaic cells, modules and systems

Starting on June 2011, NGCPV is the first project funded jointly between the European Commission (EC) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan to research on new generation concentration photovoltaics (CPV). The Project, through a collaborative research between seven European and nine Japanese leading research centers in the field of CPV, aims at lowering the cost of the CPVproduced photovoltaic kWh down to 5 ?cents. The main objective of the project is to improve the present concentrator cell, module and system efficiency, as well as developing advanced characterization tools for CPV components and systems. As particular targets, the project aims at achieving a cell efficiency of at least 45% and a CPV module with an efficiency greater than 35%. This paper describes the R&D activities that are being carried out within the NGCPV project and summarizes some of the most relevant results that have already been attained, for instance: the manufacturing of a 44.4% world record efficiency triple junction solar cell (by Sharp Corp.) and the installation of a 50 kWp experimental CPV plant in Spain, which will be used to obtain accurate forecasts of the energy produced at system level

Simulation of a novel configuration for luminescent solar concentrator photovoltaic devices using bifacial silicon solar cells

\u3cp\u3eIn this study, a novel configuration for luminescent solar concentrator photovoltaic (LSC PV) devices is presented, with vertically placed bifacial PV solar cells made of mono-crystalline silicon (mono c-Si). This LSC PV device comprises multiple rectangular cuboid lightguides, made of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), containing Lumogen dyes, in particular, either Lumogen red 305 or orange 240. The bifacial solar cells are located in between these lightguide cubes and can, therefore, receive irradiance at both of their surfaces. The main aim of this study is to theoretically determine the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of five differently configured LSC PV devices. For this purpose, Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations were executed to analyze the irradiance at receiving PV cell surfaces, as well as the optical performance of these LSC PV devices. Five different LSC PV devices, with different geometries and varying dye concentrations, were modeled. To maximize the device efficiency, the bifacial cells were also attached to the back side of the lightguides. The ray tracing simulations resulted in a maximum efficiency of 16.9% under standard test conditions (STC) for a 15 x 15 cm\u3csup\u3e2\u3c/sup\u3e LSC PV device, consisting of nine rectangular cuboid 5 x 5 x 1 cm\u3csup\u3e3\u3c/sup\u3e PMMA lightguides with 5 ppm orange 240 dye, with 12 vertically positioned 5 x 1 cm\u3csup\u3e2\u3c/sup\u3e bifacial cells in between the lightguides and nine 5 x 5 cm\u3csup\u3e2\u3c/sup\u3e PV cells attached to the back of the device. If the cells are not applied to the back of this LSC PV device configuration, the maximum PCE will be 2.9% (under STC), where the LSC PV device consists of 25 cubical 1 x 1 x 1 cm\u3csup\u3e3\u3c/sup\u3e PMMA lightguides with 110 ppm red 305 dye and 40 vertically oriented bifacial PV cells of 1 x 1 cm\u3csup\u3e2\u3c/sup\u3e in between the lightguides. These results show the vast future potential for LSC PV technologies, with a higher performance and efficiency than the common threshold PCE for LSC PV devices of 10%.\u3c/p\u3

Simulation of a novel configuration for luminescent solar concentrator photovoltaic devices using bifacial silicon solar cells

In this study, a novel configuration for luminescent solar concentrator photovoltaic (LSC PV) devices is presented, with vertically placed bifacial PV solar cells made of mono-crystalline silicon (mono c-Si). This LSC PV device comprises multiple rectangular cuboid lightguides, made of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), containing Lumogen dyes, in particular, either Lumogen red 305 or orange 240. The bifacial solar cells are located in between these lightguide cubes and can, therefore, receive irradiance at both of their surfaces. The main aim of this study is to theoretically determine the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of five differently configured LSC PV devices. For this purpose, Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations were executed to analyze the irradiance at receiving PV cell surfaces, as well as the optical performance of these LSC PV devices. Five different LSC PV devices, with different geometries and varying dye concentrations, were modeled. To maximize the device efficiency, the bifacial cells were also attached to the back side of the lightguides. The ray tracing simulations resulted in a maximum efficiency of 16.9% under standard test conditions (STC) for a 15 x 15 cm2 LSC PV device, consisting of nine rectangular cuboid 5 x 5 x 1 cm3 PMMA lightguides with 5 ppm orange 240 dye, with 12 vertically positioned 5 x 1 cm2 bifacial cells in between the lightguides and nine 5 x 5 cm2 PV cells attached to the back of the device. If the cells are not applied to the back of this LSC PV device configuration, the maximum PCE will be 2.9% (under STC), where the LSC PV device consists of 25 cubical 1 x 1 x 1 cm3 PMMA lightguides with 110 ppm red 305 dye and 40 vertically oriented bifacial PV cells of 1 x 1 cm2 in between the lightguides. These results show the vast future potential for LSC PV technologies, with a higher performance and efficiency than the common threshold PCE for LSC PV devices of 10%

Automated analysis of internal quantum efficiency measurements of GaAs solar cells using machine learning

Investigating the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of solar cells is essential for identifying performance limitations and improving their efficiency. However, fitting IQE measurements of gallium arsenide solar cells using numerical simulation programs can be a laborious and tedious process, often limiting the depth of the analysis to only qualitative levels. In this study, we propose the use of machine learning to automate the fitting process and enable the extraction of key electrical quantities that represent the performance-limiting mechanisms of the cells. This novel method can help unlock the full potential of IQE measurements as a powerful characterization tool for further research and development of gallium arsenide solar cells

A feasibility study of solar PV powered electric cars using an interdisciplinary modeling approach for the electricity balance, CO2 emissions and economic Aspects:The cases of the Netherlands, Norway and Brazil and Australia

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity as a viable option to reduce global fossil fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions associated with road transportation. Because little information and experiences exist with solar PV powered EVs, this paper explores how well PV systems – with the possible combination of battery energy storage systems (BESS) – can contribute to charging of EVs in four different countries: The Netherlands, Norway, Brazil and Australia. To this end a model has been developed which calculates the interactions between PV-BESS systems, EVs and the grid to determine the electricity balance, the financial consequences and avoided CO2 emissions by PV powered EVs, as compared to EVs which are solely charged by the grid and to conventional passenger cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE-V). It is found that if the charging system’s PV share is increased from 0 to 50%, the number of required grid charging events per year can be reduced from 104 to 34 in the Netherlands and from 123 to 55 in Norway. PV charging can also reduce an EV’s CO2 emissions by 18% to 93% as compared to ICE-Vs depending on the location. In general it can be concluded that in contrast to driving an ICE-V, the further PV powered EVs are driven the more affordable they become, even generating financial revenues in some cases. Solar PV powered EVs are thus a feasible option in most countries when compared to regular grid charging of EVs and certainly as compared to ICE-Vs