Student research opportunities
Efficiency potential of SLIVER solar cells
Project Code: CECS_861
This project is available at the following levels:
Engn4200, Engn R&D, Honours
Please note that this project is only for undergraduate students.
Keywords:
Solar Cells Semiconductors Characterisation Photovoltaics Solar Energy
Supervisor:
Assoc Professor Klaus WeberOutline:
Sliver solar cells differ from other silicon cells in some important respects, such as the location of the contacts and the size and shape of the cells. These all impact on the efficiency potential of the final cells. In the laboratory, efficiencies of over 20% have been achieved. However, it is not clear what the efficiency limit of these cells is for realistic assumptions for key material and cell paramenters.
This project aims to use a range of modeling packages to attempt to answer the question of the efficiency limit of Sliver cells. This could have implications for the future commercial prospects of the technology.
Goals of this project
Use a range of modeling tools together with up to date data on fundamental physical and material parameters to determine practically achievable effficiencies for Sliver cells
Requirements/Prerequisites
Very good knowledge of semiconductors; HD in ENGN3334 Semiconductors or equivalent.
Student Gain
Deeper knowledge of semiconductor physics and solar cells technology. Experience with a range of modeling tools
Background Literature
Supplied on request
