The thermodynamic limits of tandem photovoltaic devices with intermediate band

Jongwon Lee, Christiana Honsberg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a hybrid thermodynamic model for multijunction solar cells with intermediate bands that demonstrates possible improvements to conventional multijunction photovoltaic systems. Applying this model to selected tandem cell structures shows that the performance of such hybrid solar cells is enhanced and that multiple transitions from intermediate bands can reduce the number of material stacks and boost overall efficiency. We demonstrate the results of detailed simulations for multiple numbers of stacks of hybrid multijunction solar cells. And, we can choose proper materials to compose intermediate band for each junction. Furthermore, we suggest other alternative hybrid solar cell systems to absorb moderate photon energy range and find appropriate materials for hybrid solar cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPhysics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 26 2012
EventPhysics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 23 2012Jan 26 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8256
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherPhysics, Simulation, and Photonic Engineering of Photovoltaic Devices
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period1/23/121/26/12

Keywords

  • Detailed balance
  • Efficiency
  • Intermediate band solar cells
  • Multijunction solar cells
  • Tandem solar cells
  • Thermodynamic limits

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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