Research Summaries

Back In Search of a 40% Efficient Space-Based Multi-Junction Solar Cells, Optimization and Design Using Silvaco Virtual Wafer Fabrication Software

Fiscal Year 2007
Division Graduate School of Engineering & Applied Science
Department Space Systems Academic Group
Investigator(s) Michael, Sherif N.
Sponsor National Reconnaissance Office (DoD)
Summary A new method for developing a realistic model of any type of solar cell using the SILVACO/ATLAS Virtual Wafer Fabrication Software, is proposed. Taking into account the high cost of research and experimentation involved with the development of advanced cells, we propose here this novel methodology. In our opinion, the introduction of this modeling technique to the Photovoltaic community will prove to be of great importance in aiding in the design and development of advanced solar cells. A multi-junction InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cell was successfully modeled and was fully simulated. The simulation results were comparable to published experimental data of similar cells. The flexibility of the proposed methodology is demonstrated and example results throughout the whole process are presented. Further research for the development of more accurate model that can be used for the design and optimization of advanced multi-junction cells is proposed. A major goal of this research is also to bridge the gap between current state of the art manufactured cells at 30% efficiency, and the theoretical limit of more than 40%.
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Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal