The Experts below are selected from a list of 235020 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Ian Marius Peters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Energy Yield Limits for Single-Junction Solar Cells
Joule, 2018Co-Authors: Ian Marius Peters, Tonio BuonassisiAbstract:Summary "Energy Yield" is a key performance metric that describes generated electricity (kWh) in a realistic operating environment, with significance beyond that of the lab-measured power conversion efficiency. Herein, we present fundamental Energy Yield limits based on 2015 global satellite data for solar cells with various band-gaps, including established technologies such as Si and CdTe and emerging materials such as perovskites. Based on an adapted detailed-balance model with experimental validation, we derive an empirical relation that allows approximating harvesting efficiencies from standard testing condition efficiencies. This equation provides a straightforward way to calculate Energy Yield for any new technology and enables a fair comparison of lab-measured devices with different band-gaps. We find that the ideal band-gap for maximizing Energy Yield is 1.35 eV. We show that harvesting efficiencies correlate with Koppen-Geiger climate zones, which indicates that results obtained in a given climate can be translated to other regions with similar climate.
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An Energy Yield Calculator for Solar Cells Worldwide
2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC) (A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC 28th PVSEC & 34th EU PVSEC), 2018Co-Authors: Ian Marius Peters, Haohui Liu, Thomas Reindl, Tonio BuonassisiAbstract:Energy Yield is a key metric for photovoltaic technologies. It denotes how much Energy a solar cell in an operational environment generates, and it is needed to predict return-on-investment for photovoltaic projects. Determining Energy Yield, however, is not straightforward as it requires information about the operating conditions that is often not readily available. In this work we introduce a simple method to estimate Energy Yield for solar cells made from five materials worldwide. We provide a data set based on 2015 meteorological data for each of the five materials CIS, Si, GaAs, CdTe and perovskites. We also show that there is a linear equation allowing to estimating outdoor performance from lab measured efficiency.
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On the methodology of Energy Yield assessment for one-Sun tandem solar cells
Solar Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Abstract In this paper we compare different Energy Yield calculation methods for non-concentrating (i.e., 1-Sun) tandem solar cells, which are believed to be a viable next-generation high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) concept. The Yield calculation methods use illumination inputs with different levels of detail and accuracy. Through this exercise, we show how subtleties in the temporal resolution and accuracy of the illumination input affect the calculated Energy Yield in the theoretical analysis of the expected outdoor performance of 1-Sun tandem solar cells. The algorithm which we use to compute the Energy Yield is computationally efficient and is based on the average photon Energy of a given optical spectrum. This approach involves device simulation, which is particularly relevant for solar cells and modules at the research and development stages. Energy Yield calculations using this approach are performed for different time scales and are compared to results from a reference calculation. For short-term Yield calculations, a detailed input of illumination conditions with high temporal resolution is necessary for obtaining accurate results. For long-term Yield calculations, it is less important to capture rapid fluctuations. It is found that using simulated spectra to evaluate spectral effects, as is routinely done for concentrating PV devices, is not accurate enough for 1-Sun tandem solar cells, as it can underestimate the losses in the performance ratio by as much as 60%. Our analysis also indicates that the availability of detailed and realistic illumination conditions is important for the design of 1-Sun tandem solar cells.
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Energy-Yield prediction for II–VI-based thin-film tandem solar cells
Energy and Environmental Science, 2016Co-Authors: Jonathan P. Mailoa, Ian Marius Peters, Tonio Buonassisi, Mitchell Lee, Alex Panchula, Dirk N. WeissAbstract:Polycrystalline, thin-film tandem solar cells that leverage commercial II–VI semiconductor technologies as the top cell could overcome the practical conversion-efficiency limits of single-junction solar cells. However, it is unclear to what extent this class of tandems would outperform single-junction solar cells under realistic operating conditions in the field. In this paper we model the annual Energy-Yield of tandems with polycrystalline II–VI top cells with different band gap pairs and architectures under changing illumination spectra in different climates. We find that both two-terminal, high-band gap II–VI/CIGS and four-terminal CdTe/CIGS tandems offer Energy-Yield advantages in all climates commensurate with their AM1.5G efficiency improvements, up to [38%] relative. On the other hand, a two-terminal CdTe/GaSb tandem cell has only an [11%] annual Energy-Yield advantage in humid climate, because infrared light absorption due to atmospheric water vapor limits the bottom-cell contribution. In addition to narrowing the scope of future II–VI-based tandem R&D efforts, our methodology to rapidly assess tandem Energy-Yield should be easily generalizable to other material combinations.
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the realistic Energy Yield potential of gaas on si tandem solar cells a theoretical case study
Optics Express, 2015Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Si based tandem solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs on Si (GaAs/Si) tandem solar cells is performed to assess their Energy Yield potential under realistic illumination conditions with varying spectrum. We find that the Yield of a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell is more than 15% higher than for a 2-terminal scheme. Furthermore, we quantify the main losses that occur for this type of solar cell under varying spectra. Apart from current mismatch, we find that a significant power loss can be attributed to low irradiance seen by the sub-cells. The study shows that despite non-optimal bandgap combination, GaAs/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to surpass 30% Energy conversion efficiency.
Haohui Liu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An Energy Yield Calculator for Solar Cells Worldwide
2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC) (A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC 28th PVSEC & 34th EU PVSEC), 2018Co-Authors: Ian Marius Peters, Haohui Liu, Thomas Reindl, Tonio BuonassisiAbstract:Energy Yield is a key metric for photovoltaic technologies. It denotes how much Energy a solar cell in an operational environment generates, and it is needed to predict return-on-investment for photovoltaic projects. Determining Energy Yield, however, is not straightforward as it requires information about the operating conditions that is often not readily available. In this work we introduce a simple method to estimate Energy Yield for solar cells made from five materials worldwide. We provide a data set based on 2015 meteorological data for each of the five materials CIS, Si, GaAs, CdTe and perovskites. We also show that there is a linear equation allowing to estimating outdoor performance from lab measured efficiency.
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On the methodology of Energy Yield assessment for one-Sun tandem solar cells
Solar Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Abstract In this paper we compare different Energy Yield calculation methods for non-concentrating (i.e., 1-Sun) tandem solar cells, which are believed to be a viable next-generation high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) concept. The Yield calculation methods use illumination inputs with different levels of detail and accuracy. Through this exercise, we show how subtleties in the temporal resolution and accuracy of the illumination input affect the calculated Energy Yield in the theoretical analysis of the expected outdoor performance of 1-Sun tandem solar cells. The algorithm which we use to compute the Energy Yield is computationally efficient and is based on the average photon Energy of a given optical spectrum. This approach involves device simulation, which is particularly relevant for solar cells and modules at the research and development stages. Energy Yield calculations using this approach are performed for different time scales and are compared to results from a reference calculation. For short-term Yield calculations, a detailed input of illumination conditions with high temporal resolution is necessary for obtaining accurate results. For long-term Yield calculations, it is less important to capture rapid fluctuations. It is found that using simulated spectra to evaluate spectral effects, as is routinely done for concentrating PV devices, is not accurate enough for 1-Sun tandem solar cells, as it can underestimate the losses in the performance ratio by as much as 60%. Our analysis also indicates that the availability of detailed and realistic illumination conditions is important for the design of 1-Sun tandem solar cells.
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the realistic Energy Yield potential of gaas on si tandem solar cells a theoretical case study
Optics Express, 2015Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Si based tandem solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs on Si (GaAs/Si) tandem solar cells is performed to assess their Energy Yield potential under realistic illumination conditions with varying spectrum. We find that the Yield of a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell is more than 15% higher than for a 2-terminal scheme. Furthermore, we quantify the main losses that occur for this type of solar cell under varying spectra. Apart from current mismatch, we find that a significant power loss can be attributed to low irradiance seen by the sub-cells. The study shows that despite non-optimal bandgap combination, GaAs/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to surpass 30% Energy conversion efficiency.
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Theoretical Energy Yield of GaAs-on-Si tandem solar cells
MRS Proceedings, 2014Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Jonathan P. Mailoa, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Riley E. Brandt, Sin Cheng Siah, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:ABSTRACTIII-V on Si multijunction solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs/Si tandem solar cells is performed to assess the performance potential and sensitivity to spectral variations. Recorded time-dependent spectral irradiance data in two locations (Singapore and Denver) were used. We found that a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell confers distinctive advantages over a 2-terminal scheme, giving a Yield potential 21% higher than the 2-terminal scheme in Singapore and 17% higher in Denver. The theoretical Energy Yield benefit of a 4-terminal device emphasizes the need for further technology development in this design space.
Tonio Buonassisi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Energy Yield Limits for Single-Junction Solar Cells
Joule, 2018Co-Authors: Ian Marius Peters, Tonio BuonassisiAbstract:Summary "Energy Yield" is a key performance metric that describes generated electricity (kWh) in a realistic operating environment, with significance beyond that of the lab-measured power conversion efficiency. Herein, we present fundamental Energy Yield limits based on 2015 global satellite data for solar cells with various band-gaps, including established technologies such as Si and CdTe and emerging materials such as perovskites. Based on an adapted detailed-balance model with experimental validation, we derive an empirical relation that allows approximating harvesting efficiencies from standard testing condition efficiencies. This equation provides a straightforward way to calculate Energy Yield for any new technology and enables a fair comparison of lab-measured devices with different band-gaps. We find that the ideal band-gap for maximizing Energy Yield is 1.35 eV. We show that harvesting efficiencies correlate with Koppen-Geiger climate zones, which indicates that results obtained in a given climate can be translated to other regions with similar climate.
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An Energy Yield Calculator for Solar Cells Worldwide
2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC) (A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC 28th PVSEC & 34th EU PVSEC), 2018Co-Authors: Ian Marius Peters, Haohui Liu, Thomas Reindl, Tonio BuonassisiAbstract:Energy Yield is a key metric for photovoltaic technologies. It denotes how much Energy a solar cell in an operational environment generates, and it is needed to predict return-on-investment for photovoltaic projects. Determining Energy Yield, however, is not straightforward as it requires information about the operating conditions that is often not readily available. In this work we introduce a simple method to estimate Energy Yield for solar cells made from five materials worldwide. We provide a data set based on 2015 meteorological data for each of the five materials CIS, Si, GaAs, CdTe and perovskites. We also show that there is a linear equation allowing to estimating outdoor performance from lab measured efficiency.
-
On the methodology of Energy Yield assessment for one-Sun tandem solar cells
Solar Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Abstract In this paper we compare different Energy Yield calculation methods for non-concentrating (i.e., 1-Sun) tandem solar cells, which are believed to be a viable next-generation high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) concept. The Yield calculation methods use illumination inputs with different levels of detail and accuracy. Through this exercise, we show how subtleties in the temporal resolution and accuracy of the illumination input affect the calculated Energy Yield in the theoretical analysis of the expected outdoor performance of 1-Sun tandem solar cells. The algorithm which we use to compute the Energy Yield is computationally efficient and is based on the average photon Energy of a given optical spectrum. This approach involves device simulation, which is particularly relevant for solar cells and modules at the research and development stages. Energy Yield calculations using this approach are performed for different time scales and are compared to results from a reference calculation. For short-term Yield calculations, a detailed input of illumination conditions with high temporal resolution is necessary for obtaining accurate results. For long-term Yield calculations, it is less important to capture rapid fluctuations. It is found that using simulated spectra to evaluate spectral effects, as is routinely done for concentrating PV devices, is not accurate enough for 1-Sun tandem solar cells, as it can underestimate the losses in the performance ratio by as much as 60%. Our analysis also indicates that the availability of detailed and realistic illumination conditions is important for the design of 1-Sun tandem solar cells.
-
Energy-Yield prediction for II–VI-based thin-film tandem solar cells
Energy and Environmental Science, 2016Co-Authors: Jonathan P. Mailoa, Ian Marius Peters, Tonio Buonassisi, Mitchell Lee, Alex Panchula, Dirk N. WeissAbstract:Polycrystalline, thin-film tandem solar cells that leverage commercial II–VI semiconductor technologies as the top cell could overcome the practical conversion-efficiency limits of single-junction solar cells. However, it is unclear to what extent this class of tandems would outperform single-junction solar cells under realistic operating conditions in the field. In this paper we model the annual Energy-Yield of tandems with polycrystalline II–VI top cells with different band gap pairs and architectures under changing illumination spectra in different climates. We find that both two-terminal, high-band gap II–VI/CIGS and four-terminal CdTe/CIGS tandems offer Energy-Yield advantages in all climates commensurate with their AM1.5G efficiency improvements, up to [38%] relative. On the other hand, a two-terminal CdTe/GaSb tandem cell has only an [11%] annual Energy-Yield advantage in humid climate, because infrared light absorption due to atmospheric water vapor limits the bottom-cell contribution. In addition to narrowing the scope of future II–VI-based tandem R&D efforts, our methodology to rapidly assess tandem Energy-Yield should be easily generalizable to other material combinations.
-
the realistic Energy Yield potential of gaas on si tandem solar cells a theoretical case study
Optics Express, 2015Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Si based tandem solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs on Si (GaAs/Si) tandem solar cells is performed to assess their Energy Yield potential under realistic illumination conditions with varying spectrum. We find that the Yield of a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell is more than 15% higher than for a 2-terminal scheme. Furthermore, we quantify the main losses that occur for this type of solar cell under varying spectra. Apart from current mismatch, we find that a significant power loss can be attributed to low irradiance seen by the sub-cells. The study shows that despite non-optimal bandgap combination, GaAs/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to surpass 30% Energy conversion efficiency.
Armin G. Aberle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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On the methodology of Energy Yield assessment for one-Sun tandem solar cells
Solar Energy, 2016Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Abstract In this paper we compare different Energy Yield calculation methods for non-concentrating (i.e., 1-Sun) tandem solar cells, which are believed to be a viable next-generation high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) concept. The Yield calculation methods use illumination inputs with different levels of detail and accuracy. Through this exercise, we show how subtleties in the temporal resolution and accuracy of the illumination input affect the calculated Energy Yield in the theoretical analysis of the expected outdoor performance of 1-Sun tandem solar cells. The algorithm which we use to compute the Energy Yield is computationally efficient and is based on the average photon Energy of a given optical spectrum. This approach involves device simulation, which is particularly relevant for solar cells and modules at the research and development stages. Energy Yield calculations using this approach are performed for different time scales and are compared to results from a reference calculation. For short-term Yield calculations, a detailed input of illumination conditions with high temporal resolution is necessary for obtaining accurate results. For long-term Yield calculations, it is less important to capture rapid fluctuations. It is found that using simulated spectra to evaluate spectral effects, as is routinely done for concentrating PV devices, is not accurate enough for 1-Sun tandem solar cells, as it can underestimate the losses in the performance ratio by as much as 60%. Our analysis also indicates that the availability of detailed and realistic illumination conditions is important for the design of 1-Sun tandem solar cells.
-
the realistic Energy Yield potential of gaas on si tandem solar cells a theoretical case study
Optics Express, 2015Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Si based tandem solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs on Si (GaAs/Si) tandem solar cells is performed to assess their Energy Yield potential under realistic illumination conditions with varying spectrum. We find that the Yield of a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell is more than 15% higher than for a 2-terminal scheme. Furthermore, we quantify the main losses that occur for this type of solar cell under varying spectra. Apart from current mismatch, we find that a significant power loss can be attributed to low irradiance seen by the sub-cells. The study shows that despite non-optimal bandgap combination, GaAs/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to surpass 30% Energy conversion efficiency.
-
Theoretical Energy Yield of GaAs-on-Si tandem solar cells
MRS Proceedings, 2014Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Jonathan P. Mailoa, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Riley E. Brandt, Sin Cheng Siah, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:ABSTRACTIII-V on Si multijunction solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs/Si tandem solar cells is performed to assess the performance potential and sensitivity to spectral variations. Recorded time-dependent spectral irradiance data in two locations (Singapore and Denver) were used. We found that a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell confers distinctive advantages over a 2-terminal scheme, giving a Yield potential 21% higher than the 2-terminal scheme in Singapore and 17% higher in Denver. The theoretical Energy Yield benefit of a 4-terminal device emphasizes the need for further technology development in this design space.
Zhe Liu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the realistic Energy Yield potential of gaas on si tandem solar cells a theoretical case study
Optics Express, 2015Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:Si based tandem solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs on Si (GaAs/Si) tandem solar cells is performed to assess their Energy Yield potential under realistic illumination conditions with varying spectrum. We find that the Yield of a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell is more than 15% higher than for a 2-terminal scheme. Furthermore, we quantify the main losses that occur for this type of solar cell under varying spectra. Apart from current mismatch, we find that a significant power loss can be attributed to low irradiance seen by the sub-cells. The study shows that despite non-optimal bandgap combination, GaAs/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to surpass 30% Energy conversion efficiency.
-
Theoretical Energy Yield of GaAs-on-Si tandem solar cells
MRS Proceedings, 2014Co-Authors: Haohui Liu, Tonio Buonassisi, Jonathan P. Mailoa, Zekun Ren, Zhe Liu, Riley E. Brandt, Sin Cheng Siah, Armin G. Aberle, Ian Marius PetersAbstract:ABSTRACTIII-V on Si multijunction solar cells represent an alternative to traditional compound III-V multijunction cells as a promising way to achieve high efficiencies. A theoretical study on the Energy Yield of GaAs/Si tandem solar cells is performed to assess the performance potential and sensitivity to spectral variations. Recorded time-dependent spectral irradiance data in two locations (Singapore and Denver) were used. We found that a 4-terminal contact scheme with thick top cell confers distinctive advantages over a 2-terminal scheme, giving a Yield potential 21% higher than the 2-terminal scheme in Singapore and 17% higher in Denver. The theoretical Energy Yield benefit of a 4-terminal device emphasizes the need for further technology development in this design space.