Theoretical efficiency limits of a 2 terminal dual junction step cell

Sabina Abdul Hadi, Tim Milakovich, Mayank Bulsara, Evelina Polyzoeva, Eugene A. Fitzgerald, Judy L. Hoyt, Ammar Nayfeh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we present theoretical analysis for upper efficiency limit of a novel 2 terminal dual junction stepcell. Results show that step cell design relaxes bandgap requirements for efficient tandem cell. While conventional tandem cell with optimized bandgap combination (1.64 / 0.96 eV) has the highest efficiency (45.78 %), the step-cell design provides significant efficiency improvement for cells with non-optimized bandgap values. Efficiency upper limit for Si based step-cell with top cell bandgap equal to 1.41 eV (∼ GaAs), efficiency upper limit increases from ∼21% in conventional tandem cell to 38.7% for optimized step-cell design. Step-cell design provides opportunity for wider selection of materials used in tandem solar cell applications.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publication2015 IEEE 42nd Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781479979448
DOIs
StatePublished - 14 Dec 2015
Event42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015 - New Orleans, United States
Duration: 14 Jun 201519 Jun 2015

Publication series

Name2015 IEEE 42nd Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015

Conference

Conference42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans
Period14/06/1519/06/15

Keywords

  • detailed balance method
  • Multijunction solar cells
  • silicon
  • step-cell
  • theoretical efficiency limit

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