TWO-DIMENSIONAL MODELING OF SILICON SOLAR CELLS
Abstract
There has been considerable effort of late directed toward the development of high efficiency solar cells for terrestrial use. Significant progress has been made for their use as an alternative to more conventional energy sources. Silicon solar cells in particular, are rapidly approaching theoretical limitations in efficiency. As an aid to the development of more efficient solar cells, a mathematical model would be invaluable. Solar cell geometries could be compared and optimized before actual fabrication. This would eliminate problems caused by the uncertainties associated with device processing. Because analytic models require too many simplifying assumptions, numerical models must be used. Further, a two-dimensional model is needed because most solar cell geometries cannot be handled adequately in one dimension. A computer program, SCAP2D (Solar Cell Analysis Program in 2 Dimensions), has been developed which is capable of modeling a variety of solar cell structures under various operating conditions. The potential of this program for use as a design and analysis tool has been demonstrated by modeling the conventional, IBC, and EMVJ solar cells.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Electrical engineering|Energy
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