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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2016) | Viewed by 68398

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Dr. Narottam Das

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School of Engineering and Technology, CQUniversity Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Interests: photovoltaic (PV) cells; nano-structured solar cells; plasmonics solar cells; thin film solar cells; nanotechnology; semiconductor devices; solar cells and PV systems; renewable energy technology; smart grid systems; IEC 61850 for substation automation system
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Dear Colleagues,

Nano-structured solar cells are an exciting and promising approach for photovoltaic energy generation, and it offers variety of choices in terms of the device design, modelling, fabrication, and analysis for the improvement of conversion efficiency. Thin-film technologies have the potential to reduce this cost by eliminating wafer slicing and reducing material consumption by a factor of more than ten. Current progress of the solar or photovoltaic system is causing demand for silicon wafers to outstrip the capacity to supply, creating a market entry opportunity for a number of competing thin-film technologies. The absorber layer can be deposited at the required thickness, greatly reducing wastage provided source material utilisation is good. There are variety of substrates, such as insulators or metals, are used for deposition of different layers using different deposition techniques. This versatility allows tailoring and engineering of the layers in order to improve device performance to improve the conversion efficiency. For large-area devices required for realistic applications, thin-film device fabrication becomes complex and requires proper control over the entire process sequence. Proper understanding of thin-film deposition processes can assist in achieving high conversion efficiency for different cells. Research and development in new, exotic, and simple materials and devices, are innovative, but simple manufacturing processes need to be pursued in a focussed manner. Therefore, we welcome research and review papers (both theoretical and experimental) for the development of high efficiency thin film solar cells and related areas. The Special Issue will encompass:

Nano-structured solar cells for high conversion efficiency
Design and modeling of plasmonics solar cells
Thin film solar cells
Solar cells and photovoltaic systems
Nanotechnology for improvement of solar cell conversion efficiency
Semiconductor devices for the development of thin film solar cells
Renewable energy technologies for the development of high effocienvcy solar cells.

We welcome papers on nano-structred solar cells, thin-film solar cells, semiconductor devices, photovoltaic systems, as well as cutting-edge examples or models from industrial practice that can be used to encourage sustainable development and performance of thin film solar cells for the improvement of conversion efficiency.

Dr. Narottam Das, SMIEEE
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nano-structured solar cells
design and modeling of solar cells
thin film solar cells
development of thin film solar technology
materials sturucture and layers for solar cells
light trapping in solar cells
plasmonic nanostructured for solar cells
photovoltaic (PV) systems
nanotechnology for the development of solar cells
semiconductors for thin film solar cells
renewable energy technologies
high effocienvcy solar cells

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

4025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Electrochemically Deposited Highly Doped ZnO Bilayers on Ga-Rich Chalcopyrite Selenide for Cost-Effective Photovoltaic Device Technology

by Dimitra N. Papadimitriou, Georgios Roupakas, Georgios G. Roumeliotis, Patrick Vogt and Tristan Köhler

Energies 2016, 9(11), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9110951 - 15 Nov 2016

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5527

Abstract

High quality polycrystalline bilayers of aluminium doped ZnO (Al:ZnO) were successively electrodeposited in the form of columnar structures preferentially oriented along the

(10 \bar{1} 1)

crystallographic direction from aqueous solution of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂) at negative [...] Read more.

High quality polycrystalline bilayers of aluminium doped ZnO (Al:ZnO) were successively electrodeposited in the form of columnar structures preferentially oriented along the

(10 \bar{1} 1)

crystallographic direction from aqueous solution of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂) at negative electrochemical potential of E_C = (−0.8)–(−1.2) V and moderate temperature of 80 °C on gallium rich (30% Ga) chalcopyrite selenide Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) with chemically deposited ZnSe buffer (ZnSe/Cu(In,Ga)Se₂/Mo/glass). The aluminium doped ZnO layer properties have initially been probed by deposition of Al:ZnO/i-ZnO bilayers directly on Mo/glass substrates. The band-gap energy of the Al:ZnO/i-ZnO reference layers was found to vary from 3.2 to 3.7 eV by varying the AlCl₃ solute dopant concentration from 1 to 20 mM. The electrical resistivity of indium-pellet contacted highly doped Al:ZnO sheet of In/Al:ZnO/i-ZnO/Mo/glass reference samples was of the order ρ ~10⁻⁵ Ω·cm; the respective carrier concentration of the order 10²² cm⁻³ is commensurate with that of sputtered Al:ZnO layers. For crystal quality optimization of the bilayers by maintenance of the volatile selenium content of the chalcopyrite, they were subjected to 2-step annealing under successive temperature raise and N₂ flux regulation. The hydrostatic compressive strain due to Al³⁺ incorporation in the ZnO lattice of bilayers processed successively with 5 and 12 mM AlCl₃ dopant was ε_h = −0.046 and the respective stress σ_h = −20 GPa. The surface reflectivity of maximum 5% over the scanned region of 180–900 nm and the (optical) band gap of E_g = 3.67 eV were indicative of the high optical quality of the electrochemically deposited (ECD) Al:ZnO bilayers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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3235 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nano-Structured Gratings for Improved Light Absorption Efficiency in Solar Cells

by Farzaneh Fadakar Masouleh, Narottam Das and Seyed Mohammad Rozati

Energies 2016, 9(9), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9090756 - 19 Sep 2016

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7286

Abstract

Due to the rising power demand and substantial interest in acquiring green energy from sunlight, there has been rapid development in the science and technology of photovoltaics (PV) in the last few decades. Furthermore, the synergy of the fields of metrology and fabrication has paved the way to acquire improved light collecting ability for solar cells. Based on recent studies, the performance of solar cell can improve due to the application of subwavelength nano-structures which results in smaller reflection losses and better light manipulation and/or trapping at subwavelength scale. In this paper, we propose a numerical optimization technique to analyze the reflection losses on an optimized GaAs-based solar cell which is covered with nano-structured features from the same material. Using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, we have designed, modelled, and analyzed the performance of three different arrangements of periodic nano-structures with different pitches and heights. The simulated results confirmed that different geometries of nano-structures behave uniquely towards the impinging light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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3834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Analysis of Nano-Structured Gratings for Conversion Efficiency Improvement in GaAs Solar Cells

by Narottam Das and Syed Islam

Energies 2016, 9(9), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9090690 - 29 Aug 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6066

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of nano-structured gratings to improve the conversion efficiency in GaAs solar cells by reducing the light reflection losses. A finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulation tool is used to design and simulate the light reflection losses of the subwavelength grating (SWG) structure in GaAs solar cells. The SWG structures perform as an excellent alternative antireflective (AR) coating due to their capacity to reduce the reflection losses in GaAs solar cells. It allows the gradual change in the refractive index that confirms an excellent AR and the light trapping properties, when compared with the planar thin film structures. The nano-rod structure performs as a single layer AR coating, whereas the triangular (i.e., conical or perfect cone) and parabolic (i.e., trapezoidal/truncated cone) shaped nano-grating structures perform as a multilayer AR coating. The simulation results confirm that the reflection loss of triangular-shaped nano-grating structures having a 300-nm grating height and a 830-nm period is about 2%, which is about 28% less than the flat type substrates. It also found that the intermediate (i.e., trapezoidal and parabolic)-shaped structures, the light reflection loss is lower than the rectangular shaped nano-grating structure, but higher than the triangular shaped nano-grating structure. This analysis confirmed that the triangular shaped nano-gratings are an excellent alternative AR coating for conversion efficiency improvement in GaAs solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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11831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Vacuum Processed Polymer Composite Antireflection Coating Films for Silicon Solar Cells

by Abdullah Uzum, Masashi Kuriyama, Hiroyuki Kanda, Yutaka Kimura, Kenji Tanimoto and Seigo Ito

Energies 2016, 9(8), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9080633 - 15 Aug 2016

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5989

Abstract

A non-vacuum processing method for preparing polymer-based ZrO₂/TiO₂ multilayer structure antireflection coating (ARC) films for crystalline silicon solar cells by spin coating is introduced. Initially, ZrO₂, TiO₂ and surface deactivated-TiO₂ (SD-TiO₂) based films were examined separately and the effect of photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ film on the reflectivity on silicon surface was investigated. Degradation of the reflectance performance with increasing reflectivity of up to 2% in the ultraviolet region was confirmed. No significant change of the reflectance was observed when utilizing SD-TiO₂ and ZrO₂ films. Average reflectance (between 300 nm–1100 nm) of the silicon surface coated with optimized polymer-based ZrO₂ single or ZrO₂/SD-TiO₂ multilayer composite films was decreased down to 6.5% and 5.5%, respectively. Improvement of photocurrent density (Jsc) and conversion efficiency (η) of fabricated silicon solar cells owing to the ZrO₂/SD-TiO₂ multilayer ARC could be confirmed. The photovoltaic properties of Jsc, the open-circuit photo voltage (V_OC), the fill factor (FF), and the η were 31.42 mA cm⁻², 575 mV, 71.5% and 12.91%. Efficiency of the solar cells was improved by the ZrO₂-polymer/SD-TiO₂ polymer ARC composite layer by a factor of 0.8% with an increase of Jsc (2.07 mA cm⁻²) compared to those of fabricated without the ARC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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5525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artist Photovoltaic Modules

by Shui-Yang Lien

Energies 2016, 9(7), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9070551 - 15 Jul 2016

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4907

Abstract

In this paper, a full-color photovoltaic (PV) module, called the artist PV module, is developed by laser processes. A full-color image source is printed on the back of a protective glass using an inkjet printer, and a brightened grayscale mask is used to precisely define regions on the module where colors need to be revealed. Artist PV modules with 1.1 × 1.4 m² area have high a retaining power output of 139 W and an aesthetic appearance making them more competitive than other building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products. Furthermore, the installation of artist PV modules as curtain walls without metal frames is also demonstrated. This type of installation offers an aesthetic advantage by introducing supporting fittings, originating from the field of glass technology. Hence, this paper is expected to elevate BIPV modules to an art form and generate research interests in developing more functional PV modules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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6136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NMOS-Based Integrated Modular Bypass for Use in Solar Systems (NIMBUS): Intelligent Bypass for Reducing Partial Shading Power Loss in Solar Panel Applications

by Pieter Bauwens and Jan Doutreloigne

Energies 2016, 9(6), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9060450 - 11 Jun 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5195

Abstract

NMOS-based Integrated Modular Bypass for Use in Solar systems (NIMBUS) is designed as a replacement for the traditional bypass diode, used in common solar panels. Because of the series connection between the individual solar cells, the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) panel will drop disproportionally under partial shading. Currently, this is solved by dividing the PV panel into substrings, each with a diode bypass placed in parallel. This allows an alternative current path. However, the diodes still have a significant voltage drop (about 350 mV), and due to the fairly large currents in a panel, the diodes are dissipating power that we would rather see at the output of the panel. The NIMBUS chip, being a low-voltage-drop switch, aims to replace these diodes and, thus, reduce that power loss. NIMBUS is a smart bypass: a completely stand-alone system that detects the failing of one or more cells and activates when necessary. It is designed for a 100-mV voltage drop under a 5-A load current. When two or more NIMBUS chips are placed in parallel, an internal synchronization circuit ensures proper operation to provide for larger load currents. This paper will elaborate on the operation, design and implementation of the NIMBUS chip, as well as on the first measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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2994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Stable, Transparent and Conductive ZnO/Ag/ZnO Nanofilm Electrodes on Rigid/Flexible Substrates

by Qiaoxia Zhang, Yanghua Zhao, Zhenhong Jia, Zhengfei Qin, Liang Chu, Jianping Yang, Jian Zhang, Wei Huang and Xing’ao Li

Energies 2016, 9(6), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9060443 - 8 Jun 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6711

Abstract

Here, highly transparent, conductive, and stable ZnO/Ag/ZnO electrodes on transparent rigid glass and flexible substrates were prepared by facile, room-temperature magnetron sputtering, in which the continuous Ag layers were obtained by means of oxidization-induced effect under an Ar atmosphere with tiny amounts of O₂. The results showed an appropriate amount of O₂ was beneficial to form continuous Ag films because of the adsorption of oxygen between the ZnO and Ag layers. When the concentration of O₂ in the Ar atmosphere was 2.0%–3.0%, ZnO (40 nm)/Ag (10 nm)/ZnO (40 nm) films on rigid glass showed visible-range transmittance of 94.8% and sheet resistance of 8.58 Ω·sq⁻¹, while the corresponding data on flexible PET substrates were 95.9% and 8.11 Ω·sq⁻¹, respectively. In addition, the outstanding electrodes remained stable for more than six months under air conditioned conditions. The electrodes are fully functional as universal rigid/flexible electrodes for high-performance electronic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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4067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Model for Voltage-Dependent Photo and Dark Currents in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells

by Mesbahus Saleheen, Salman M. Arnab and M. Z. Kabir

Energies 2016, 9(6), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9060412 - 26 May 2016

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6713

Abstract

A physics-based explicit mathematical model for the external voltage-dependent forward dark current in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells is developed by considering Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination and solving the continuity equations for both electrons and holes. An analytical model for the external voltage-dependent photocurrent in BHJ organic solar cells is also proposed by incorporating exponential photon absorption, dissociation efficiency of bound electron-hole pairs (EHPs), carrier trapping, and carrier drift and diffusion in the photon absorption layer. Modified Braun’s model is used to compute the electric field-dependent dissociation efficiency of the bound EHPs. The overall net current is calculated considering the actual solar spectrum. The mathematical models are verified by comparing the model calculations with various published experimental results. We analyze the effects of the contact properties, blend compositions, charge carrier transport properties (carrier mobility and lifetime), and cell design on the current-voltage characteristics. The power conversion efficiency of BHJ organic solar cells mostly depends on electron transport properties of the acceptor layer. The results of this paper indicate that improvement of charge carrier transport (both mobility and lifetime) and dissociation of bound EHPs in organic blend are critically important to increase the power conversion efficiency of the BHJ solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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3019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Characterization of CH₃NH₃PbI_3−x−yBr_xCl_y Perovskite Solar Cells

by Atsushi Suzuki, Hiroshi Okada and Takeo Oku

Energies 2016, 9(5), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9050376 - 17 May 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 11954

Abstract

Fabrication and characterization of CH₃NH₃PbI_3−x−yBr_xCl_y perovskite solar cells using mesoporous TiO₂ as electron transporting layer and 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene as a hole-transporting layer (HTL) were performed. The purpose of the present study is to investigate role of halogen doping using iodine (I), bromine (Br) and chlorine (Cl) compounds as dopant on the photovoltaic performance and microstructures of CH₃NH₃PbI_3−x−yBr_xCl_y perovskite solar cells. The X-ray diffraction identified a slight decrease of crystal spacing in the perovskite crystal structure doped with a small amount of I, Br, and Cl in the perovskite compounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed the perovskite crystal behavior depended on molar ratio of halogen of Pb, I, Br and Cl. Incorporation of the halogen doping into the perovskite crystal structure improved photo generation, carrier diffusion without carrier recombination in the perovskite layer and optimization of electronic structure related with the photovoltaic parameters of open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density and conversion efficiency. The energy diagram and photovoltaic mechanisms of the perovskite solar cells were discussed in the context of the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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3302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reconfiguration of Urban Photovoltaic Arrays Using Commercial Devices

by Sergio Ignacio Serna-Garcés, Juan David Bastidas-Rodríguez and Carlos Andrés Ramos-Paja

Energies 2016, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9010002 - 22 Dec 2015

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6948

Abstract

A recent approach to mitigate the adverse effects of photovoltaic (PV) arrays operating under mismatching conditions is the dynamic electrical reconfiguration of the PV panels. This paper introduces a procedure to determine the best configuration of a PV array connected in a series-parallel structure without using complex mathematical models. Such a procedure uses the experimental current vs. voltage curves of the PV panels, which are composed of multiple PV modules, to construct the power vs. voltage curves of all of the possible configurations to identify the optimal one. The main advantage of this method is the low computational effort required to reconstruct the power vs. voltage curves of the array. This characteristic enables one to implement the proposed solution using inexpensive embedded devices, which are widely adopted in industrial applications. The proposed method, and its embedded implementation, were tested using a hardware-in-the-loop simulation of the PV system. Finally, the real-time operation and benefits of the proposed solution are illustrated using a practical example based on commercial devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Structured Solar Cells)

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