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Projects / Programmes source: ARIS

Advanced modeling and charcaterization of high efficiency solar cells and photovoltaic modules

Research activity

Code Science Field Subfield
2.03.03  Engineering sciences and technologies  Energy engineering  Renewable resources and technologies 

Code Science Field
T140  Technological sciences  Energy research 

Code Science Field
2.02  Engineering and Technology  Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering 
Keywords
optical modelling, coupled modelling approach, solar cell, photovoltaic module
Evaluation (rules)
source: COBISS
Researchers (9)
no. Code Name and surname Research area Role Period No. of publicationsNo. of publications
1.  39225  PhD Jošt Balent  Energy engineering  Junior researcher  2019 - 2021  12 
2.  25413  PhD Andrej Čampa  Energy engineering  Researcher  2019  100 
3.  36460  PhD Marko Jošt  Energy engineering  Researcher  2020 - 2022  98 
4.  51905  Miha Kikelj  Energy engineering  Junior researcher  2019 - 2022  17 
5.  36459  PhD Milan Kovačič  Energy engineering  Researcher  2019 - 2022  44 
6.  19221  PhD Janez Krč  Energy engineering  Researcher  2019 - 2022  410 
7.  29549  PhD Benjamin Lipovšek  Energy engineering  Researcher  2019 - 2022  187 
8.  03334  PhD Franc Smole  Energy engineering  Retired researcher  2019 - 2022  372 
9.  12609  PhD Marko Topič  Energy engineering  Head  2019 - 2022  1,082 
Organisations (1)
no. Code Research organisation City Registration number No. of publicationsNo. of publications
1.  1538  University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering  Ljubljana  1626965  27,758 
Abstract
The small basic research project »Advanced modeling and characterization of high efficiency solar cells and photovoltaic modules« is primarily focusing on investigation and development of advanced modelling concepts of single and multi-junction solar cells and PV modules in line with characterization that is needed for validation of the models and improved device concepts. The aim of the project is to develop advanced models and simulation tools with predictive power that will speed up the experimental R&D of high-efficiency silicon-based solar cells and modules in terms of improved performance as well as device stability and reliability. Advanced concepts will be applied (but not limited) to tandem perovskite/silicon solar cell and PV module technology, presenting promising solution to overcome 30 % of conversion efficiency. The main objectives of the project are: to couple the following methods/models in Coupled Modelling Approach (CMA) for accurate and efficient optical simulation of devices: Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA), Finite Element Method (FEM) with Huygens expansion, Ray-Tracing (RT), Transfer Matrix Method (TMM), semi-coherent semi-empirical model and possible others; to develop and apply multiscale modelling, in which optical (CMA), electrical and thermal models will be linked. Cell-to-module model integration will be pursued and validation with experiments carried out; to explore and use the power of the developed tools for thorough analysis of losses and optimization of high-efficiency solar cells, focusing on perovskite/Si tandem cells; to carry out stability testing of developed tandem concepts on the cell and PV module level. The objectives will be pursued by means of R&D through a continuous loop of design, modeling, experimental validation of device components and their implementation in complete high-efficiency solar cells and modules. In collaboration with experts from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin structures for model validation and for the proof of improved device concepts will be fabricated in all stages of the project. The proposed solutions will aim at higher conversion efficiencies of the solar cells and PV modules, lower consumption of the material, reducing energy and process time in the production. As an outcome, significant improvements in performance of solar cells and in PV module competitiveness are expected.
Significance for science
Our aim is to develop a unique tool for complete analysis of advanced photovoltaic devices, in particular high-efficiency tandem solar cells. To our knowledge such a model, enabling efficient, fast and accurate analysis of the devices at the same time, including all substructures mentioned (nano/micro/macro, different contacting schemes), has not been developed yet. We expect that our results will generate impact and a high added value in the fields of modelling in photovoltaics and also in optoelectronics. The research work described in this basic research project has not been initiated just by academia, but is of great interest for further implementation in national and international industry (e.g. Total Corporation – PV division, Enel Green Power – 3Sun division). Slovenian companies (e.g. BISOL Group (250+ employees, 100 MW production of PV modules in 2017, BIPV) and Fotona (250+ employees, laser systems)) which are involved in photovoltaics and photonics, respectively, can benefit from the results of the project (licenses of simulator, device concept improvements). Furthermore, the acquired knowledge will be transferred to Master and PhD courses and shared with students in the frame of existing courses related to photovoltaics, optoelectronics and photonics (lead by the project leader and members). Further dissemination activities that will contribute to the development of science and scientific fields are: - publication of scientific articles in renowned international journals, - publication of chapters in relevant scientific monographs published by renowned international publishers, - invited talks and lectures, - contributions to and organization of workshops and conferences.   We will also continously watch for potential patent applications of the new concepts. Granting this project will enable to bring a new added value to the field of advanced modelling and simulation of photovoltaic devices and facilitate breakthroughs in device designs.
Significance for the country
Our aim is to develop a unique tool for complete analysis of advanced photovoltaic devices, in particular high-efficiency tandem solar cells. To our knowledge such a model, enabling efficient, fast and accurate analysis of the devices at the same time, including all substructures mentioned (nano/micro/macro, different contacting schemes), has not been developed yet. We expect that our results will generate impact and a high added value in the fields of modelling in photovoltaics and also in optoelectronics. The research work described in this basic research project has not been initiated just by academia, but is of great interest for further implementation in national and international industry (e.g. Total Corporation – PV division, Enel Green Power – 3Sun division). Slovenian companies (e.g. BISOL Group (250+ employees, 100 MW production of PV modules in 2017, BIPV) and Fotona (250+ employees, laser systems)) which are involved in photovoltaics and photonics, respectively, can benefit from the results of the project (licenses of simulator, device concept improvements). Furthermore, the acquired knowledge will be transferred to Master and PhD courses and shared with students in the frame of existing courses related to photovoltaics, optoelectronics and photonics (lead by the project leader and members). Further dissemination activities that will contribute to the development of science and scientific fields are: - publication of scientific articles in renowned international journals, - publication of chapters in relevant scientific monographs published by renowned international publishers, - invited talks and lectures, - contributions to and organization of workshops and conferences.   We will also continously watch for potential patent applications of the new concepts. Granting this project will enable to bring a new added value to the field of advanced modelling and simulation of photovoltaic devices and facilitate breakthroughs in device designs.
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