Structural optimization of a perovskite solar cell using single- and multi-objective particle swarm optimization method

Abstract

In this paper, optimizing the efficiency characteristic parameters of a perovskite solar cell has been carried out by augmenting the particle swarm optimization algorithm to the SCAPS software. Unlike most of the performed studies in this field, instead of the equivalent circuit, actual structure of the solar device is optimized. In this regard, two approaches, being single- and multi-objective optimization have been employed to reach the desirable configuration, based on the optimum values of the internal efficiency parameters. These parameters include power conversion efficiency, fill factor, short-current density and open-circuit voltage, which were taken as different cost functions. Considering the results derived from the single-objective optimization, selection of different cost functions yield different optimum thickness for the layers. As for the multi-objective optimization, the weighted sum method accompanied with the particle swarm optimization are implemented. Applying different weights to the internal efficiency parameters results in different convergence rate for each cost function. Overall, a considerable enhancement in the power conversion efficiency, from 6.6945% to 23.7646%, reveals much better performance of the structure with the optimized layers compared to the initial structure.