Solar cells

Properties of light, properties of (inorganic and polymer) semiconductors , properties of a p-n junction.
Principles of photovoltaic energy conversion discussed with the case study of crystalline silicon solar cell.
Mathematical model deriving the current-voltage characteristics for a diode in dark and under illumination conditions.
Detailed overview of the physical/ working principles and production technologies for different types of solar cells. This element is covered during classes as well as by means of student-group works and student-group presentations.
Assessment of the several solar cell generations in terms of cost reduction and improvement of efficiency.

Understanding of the physical principles behind a semiconductor/semiconductor junction under dark, voltage and sun-light illumination conditions.
Understanding of the main physical properties of charge carriers in semiconductors (scattering time, carrier lifetime and diffusion length).
Apply a mathematical model to derive the current-voltage characteristics for a diode under voltage and under sunlight exposure
Understanding the physical and working principles of the most relevant photovoltaic technologies.
Being able to critically compare several PV technologies in terms of working principles, technological developments, solar cell device design and outlook.
Being able to interpret the results in terms of optical and electrical behaviour of solar cells by means of modelling software/programs (SCAPS)

No previous knowledge required

• Other resources (ebooks available at the TU/e library) provided during the course
• “Principles of solar cells, LEDs and diodes: the role of the p-n junction”, A. Kitai - as e-book in the TU/e digital library
• Slide handouts - CANVAS
• Matlab 2013 / 2014 a en 2014b via TU/e site http://www.mathworks.nl/support/sysreq/roadmap.html (Mathworks)
• Scientific articles
• “Physics of Semiconductor Devices”, S.M. Sze