Solar Cell System Research Articles

Study of the microscopic mechanism of stepwise charge injection in co-sensitive DSSCs in the framework of a D-π-A dye and chlorophyll.

The newly synthesized dye molecules TY6 and CXC22 were selected to explain the influence of anthracene and acetylene groups on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the molecules at the microscopic level. Theoretical simulation was carried out to understand the properties of the two molecules, including frontier molecular orbitals, absorption spectra, light absorption efficiency, intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), dye regeneration, I-V prediction, etc. The results suggest that for CXC22, adding an anthracene and acetylene group in the conjugate bridge greatly enhances the molecule's absorption wavelength and molar extinction coefficient; CXC22 also has significant advantages in the intramolecular charge transfer and comparatively better dye regeneration and electron injection. These parameters cause CXC22 to have a higher PCE. Subsequently, CXC22 and the chlorophyll molecule (CHL7) were selected for co-sensitization to regulate performance. The stable structure in the co-sensitization configuration was screened, and the absorption spectrum characteristics and charge transfer mechanisms were revealed for the co-sensitization system. The designed evaluation model predicted that the PCE of CO1 (the cosensitive system of CXC22 and TY6 in H-H configuration is referred to as CO1) could reach 16.78%. This work provides an idea for developing an efficient dye-sensitized solar cell system.

Controlling and Modelling a Grid Connected Photovoltaic System for Performance Investigation Purpose

The world restriction of fossil power sources reserves and its side effect on the environmental pollution have impelled strongly using the photovoltaic technology as alternative renewable energy sources. The essential problem is the difficulty of importing and installing solar panels without having a fully knowledge about its effectiveness in the climatic conditions of the university site. Hence, the motivation of this study is to investigate the operational efficiency of the PV system in the Iraqi environmental conditions by modelling, controlling, and simulating the system using MATLAB/Simulink program. The proposed model has been driven based on the principle mathematical equations that depict the behaviour of the PV solar system. The proposed model is designed to affect with the sunlight irradiance, ambient temperature, AC loss, DC loss, the temperature of the panels’ surfaces, and the efficiency of the used inverter. Preliminary results showed a strong correlation between sunlight irradiance and ambient temperature with the power generated by solar panels. Thus, these two parameters are chosen as the major inputs to the model. While, the electrical output power and the accumulative energy are set as the output of the simulated model. The study investigates the performance of the proposed model at the hottest day and coldest day throughout the year 2022. The results proved that the system generates more energy during the summer than in the winter due to the strength and a long period of the radiation falling on the ground during this season. Moreover, the investigation study evidenced that the system efficiency decreases as ambient temperatures increase. As the results, the cumulative energy during one day decreased by around 41.366% from the summer to winter. Finally, the authors recommend installing the suggested solar cell system in Iraq because its effectiveness was theoretically proved.

(Invited) Advances in XPS Analysis of Battery Materials

Energy storage (batteries, capacitors) and conversion (solar cells) systems are increasing demand for vehicles, mobile electronics, and other areas as alternatives to fossil fuels.These systems are complex and multi-component with many materials and interfaces that are difficult to handle and characterize. To optimize materials properties and improve battery lifetimes, there is a pressing need for physicochemical characterization approaches with air-free handling capabilities, high spatial resolution, the ability to analyze buried interfaces without damaging the chemistry, and the need to bridge the gap by in situ and operando surface analysis.Developments in X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometers (XPS) open up new capabilities to address these challenges. In this talk, I will discuss how we can overcome obstacles in analyzing battery materials using: Inert environment transfer vessel: This allows for handling battery materials in an air-free environment, which is essential for preventing oxidation and other degradation reactions.Microprobe X-ray source with <5 µm spatial resolution: This provides high spatial resolution for analyzing small areas of interest, such as SEI, dendrites and other features.Hard X-ray source and cluster ion gun source: These allow for the analysis of buried interfaces not accessible by conventional soft X-ray XPS.In situ energy gap measurements: These allow for the study of the changes in the electronic structure of battery materials as they are cycled, which can provide insights into the mechanisms of charge storage and discharge.Operando XPS experiments: These allow for the study of the changes in the surface structure of battery materials as they are operating, which can provide insights into the factors that affect their performance. Figure 1

Advancing photovoltaics and optoelectronics: Exploring the superior performance of lead-free halide perovskites

One of the emerging directions that has greatly advanced the fields of photovoltaics and optoelectronics is the development of lead-free inorganic halide perovskites. In this study, ab-initio methods were employed to forecast the structural, electronic, and optical behavior of the perovskite materials Cs2Cu+Al3+X6 (where X represents Cl or Br). The analyses conducted have revealed the exceptional structural characteristics of these compounds. The electronic band structure and density of states were computed using the PBE method with the mBJ potential. The direct bandgaps of Cs2CuAlCl6 and Cs2CuAlBr6 were determined to be 1.35 eV and 0.93 eV, respectively. This suitable electrical bandgap results in high visible-light absorption. As a result, the optical characteristics exhibit a significant absorption coefficient (α(ω)≈1.1×105cm−1 for Cs2CuAlBr6 and 0.77 ×105cm−1 for Cs2CuAlCl6), substantial conductivity, and negligible reflectivity (R(ω) < 10%). These attributes render Cs2CuAlCl6 and Cs2CuAlBr6 semiconductors highly appealing for optoelectronic applications. The maximum spectral light conversion efficiency under AM1.5G solar irradiation was assessed by altering the thickness of the structures. The results reveal that the chlorinated perovskite achieves a slightly higher efficiency of 32.72%, whereas the brominated perovskite reaches an efficiency of 29.31%. Despite their remarkably advantageous bandgaps, limited reflectivity, and impressive efficiency, environmentally friendly halide perovskite compounds hold promise as renewable energy conversion materials. This suggests the potential for substantial enhancements in solar cell performance. Furthermore, employing the finite element (FE) method, we performed calculations to assess carrier generation within a specially engineered solar cell structure comprising an environmentally friendly multilayer (CH3NH3SnI3 and Cs2CuAlX6). Our discoveries unveiled an exceptionally elevated total generation rate at the interfaces between CH3NH3SnI3 and Cs2CuAlX6, reaching approximately 2.5 × 1029 m−3/s. These findings offer novel perspectives that contribute to the research community and hold the potential to advance future solar cell systems.

A computational ascertainment of Hall and ion slip implications over a stretched regime with chemical reaction and internal heat source

This study is inspired by the emerging importance of micropolar fluids in a variety of scientific and technical fields due to varied uses and effective thermal activities. Potential applications of these fluids include cancer treatment, magnetic refrigeration, drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging. Hall and ion repercussions on unstable magneto micropolar liquid beyond a stretched sheet are described in this article. By using the bvp4c, the resulting non-sequential coupled PDEs are transfigured into a system of coupled non-consecutive ODEs, which are remedied by a numerical procedure. An impact of various governing non-dimensional factors on velocity, angular momentum, temperature, concentration, wall friction, couple stress, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, is indicated graphically. The main finding specifies that Hall and Ion impacts influence velocity and with increased Hall and Ion effects, velocity raised as well as thermal boundary layer reduced. When compared to previous findings in the literature, the current findings indicate a splendid agreement. The predominant uses of this issue are in solar cell systems, such as solar water pumps, manufacturing and production processes, motion in plasmas, furnace design, nuclear power plants, and solar aircraft wings.

An optimal analytical study on a solar photovoltaic system with different rates of absorbed photon and emitted electron

This article aims to investigate the performance of a renewable energy system that includes solar cells with sensitizer molecules. The relevant problem of this photovoltaic technology is expressed as a system of differential equations and is solved using an optimal analytical method. To validate the solutions obtained from the applied technique, the results were compared with previous works, which showed a very good agreement. For more physical analysis, the influence of different values of emitted, transmitted, and trapped electrons as well as the absorbed photons on the present solar cell system are evaluated comprehensively. The results showed that with the increase of the absorbed photon rate from one to three, the thickness of the sensitized dye increases by about 7 times (at t = 1s). It can also be seen from the obtained results that as the electron emission rate increases from 2 to 4, the thickness of the anode decreases by almost 14 % (at t = 6s).

Implementation of renewable energy using smart light solar cell system for mosque energy efficiency

The outreach activity focuses on improving energy efficiency at Sirothol Mustaqim Mosque in Pasuruan Regency. The primary issue addressed is how to meet the lighting needs of the mosque while minimizing the use of PLN electricity and optimizing the use of lamps and electricity based on the number of congregants. The main objective is to implement renewable energy through solar panels to replace conventional electricity, analyze the efficiency of electricity usage based on lighting requirements, and enhance electricity efficiency based on time and lamp location. Expected outcomes include increased electricity usage efficiency, reduced operational costs for mosque management, and advanced scientific and technological knowledge in the general community. The participatory action research (PAR) method emphasizes active participation and collaboration between academics and the community. The project commences with a field survey to identify energy needs and the potential for solar energy sources on-site. Subsequently, project planning and design are carried out, followed by project implementation with training for mosque administrators. The results of the project's implementation include energy usage efficiency, the integration of renewable energy in a religious context, and contributions to understanding environmental responsibilities. The success of the implementation measure calculations for the usage time of 40-watt lamps using solar energy are provided, along with a comparison of PLN electricity costs and solar energy usage costs. The analyses demonstrate favorable energy efficiency using solar power.

Exploring graphene's potential as a transparent conductive layer in Cu2ZnSnS4 superstrate solar cells

The fabrication of environmentally friendly, semi-transparent, high-performance and cost-effective inorganic solar cells has been the subject of recent extensive study. One area of study involves incorporating one-dimensional nanostructures and high quality transparent conductive layers into the conventional thin film solar cell systems. The objective of this particular investigation was, therefore, to construct such a structure by integrating Graphene-ZnO-Nanorods (NRs) hybrid structure into a conventional Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cell architecture. The process involved synthesizing vertically-aligned ZnO NRs, coated with thin layers of SnO2 and CdS, on chemical vapor deposited graphene pre-coated glass substrates. Following the SnO2-passivation and CdS coating, vertically well-aligned ZnO NRs were then decorated with a 500 nm-thick layer of CZTS using a one-step thermal evaporation technique.This process led to the manufacture of a superstrate solar cell with SLG /Graphene/ZnO-NRs/CdS/CZTS/Ag device structure as an example of graphene’s application in optoelectronic devices. To reveal the physical properties of the grown graphene and deposited CZTS thin films, they were subjected to various characterization techniques. The structural, chemical and optical analyses results showed the formation of a single-phase kesterite CZTS thin film with a copper-deficient composition and an optical band gap of 1.47 eV on glass substrate and single layer growth of graphene on Cu-foil substrate, which was subsequently successfully transferred onto glass substrates. Electrical measurements unveiled the existence of two different VCu point defects in CZTS with thermal activation energies of 45 meV and 180 meV. The manufactured superstrate solar cell exhibited a short-circuit current density of 9.34 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 390.6 mV, a fill factor of 17.2%, and an energy conversion efficiency of 0.63%.

A developed IoT technique and P&amp;O-MPPT to enhance the output power of solar cell systems

A developed IoT technique and P&amp;O-MPPT to enhance the output power of solar cell systems

Oscillations Damping and Stability Improvement of Solar Photo-Voltaic Cell and Battery Energy Storage System Connected to a D.C.Microgrid using Metaheuristic Optimized PID Controller

Oscillations Damping and Stability Improvement of Solar Photo-Voltaic Cell and Battery Energy Storage System Connected to a D.C.Microgrid using Metaheuristic Optimized PID Controller

Thermodynamic analysis of combined heating and power system with In-Situ resource utilization for lunar base

With the growing interest in lunar exploration around the world, the construction of lunar base has naturally become a focus for researchers seeking sustainable exploration. The extreme temperature variations on the lunar surface and the 14-day lunar night pose great challenges to the stable output of electricity and heat energy from the lunar base energy system. In addition, the launch cost of constructing lunar base has emerged as an urgent research focus. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) has the potential to be a feasible and effective way. With the aim of reducing launch mass, this study proposes a combined heating and power system (CHP) with ISRU for lunar base. With specific power and net output being the primary research objectives, the system design and thermal performance analysis are conducted. The results show that the proposed system can achieve a net output of 101.25 kW and a specific power of 13.00 W/kg by optimizing working fluid and parameters to satisfy the heating demand of 15 kW. Compared with the solar photovoltaic cell system of 0.86 W/kg and the nuclear reactor power system of 6.88 W/kg, the proposed system with ISRU can significantly reduce launch costs while ensuring sufficient power and heat output.

Rationally designed hole transporting layer system for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

AbstractIn this review, p‐type doping technologies for organic/polymeric semiconductors in hole transporting layer (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are examined. Initially, we investigate the conventional dopant systems used for HTL in terms of dopants and additives, as well as their doping principles and limitations. Second, we recapitulate the current research strategies for overcoming the limitations of conventional dopant systems: (i) dopants/additives with large cations, (ii) hydrophobic dopants/additives, (iii) locking‐capable dopants/additives, (iv) rinsing or ion exchange methods, and (v) other methods. Afterwards, we provide a comprehensive analysis of alternative dopants based on ionic liquids, Lewis acids, strong acceptors, and others. In addition, the review emphasizes current achievements based on multiple research approaches to diverse hole transporting materials, surface/interfacial treatment, and architectural modification of HTL, and provides a perspective on developments of desirable HTL system for efficient and stable PSCs.image

Fabrication of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using Cassava Leaf Extract and Red Dragon Fruit

This research aims to identify the absorbance and consistency of the efficiency of DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells). The study was conducted with variations of chlorophyll-anthocyanin mixture using different volumes of dye solutions: 10 ml of a cassava leaf and 20 ml of red dragon fruit, 20 ml of a cassava leaf and 10 ml of red dragon fruit, and 10 ml of a cassava leaf and 10 ml of red dragon fruit. The Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell system consists of natural dye as the colorant, electrolyte solution, two FTO glass substrates with dimensions of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm, which function as working electrodes coated with titanium dioxide as the semiconductor using the doctor blade method, and counter electrode coated with carbon. All components of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell are arranged in a sandwich-like structure, with the counter electrode facing the working electrode and clamped together using paper clips. The highest absorbance value was obtained with the variation of 20 ml red dragon fruit and 10 ml cassava leaf compared to other mixtures. The highest efficiency and power of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell were also obtained with 20 ml of red dragon fruit and 10 ml of cassava leaf

The application on grid-connected solar cells for DC current electronic equipment

The focus of the discussion in this paper is the development of solar cells on the electricity network connected to solar cell energy, the use of energy is selected based on the current mode which aims to optimize the use of energy generated from solar cells. The development of this system is prioritized for consumers who can manage electrical equipment connected to the electricity grid or from solar cells. The development of this system is adjusted to the required hardware and software. The method used is the application of science into technological design. based on the results obtained, there is an energy saving of dc electronic equipment that is connected directly to the MPPT solar cell system of 7.6% when compared to the use of an inverter.

Influence of natural clouds on the performance of solar cell systems in Iraq

Solar energy generated by photovoltaic (PV) technology can be supplied to standalone systems, as it combines efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, this combination is achieved only after considering the effects of shading, which can significantly influence electrical output. The primary factor that influences the use of solar energy in electricity generation is irradiation. PV cells are significantly impacted by shading, where the output of the PV cell reduces in the presence of a shadow. In this study, the researchers have presented an experimental analysis of how shading affects two PV cells, using the series and parallel configurations. The experimental work is installed at the University of Mosul, Department of Electrical Engineering, Renewable Lab (Iraq). MATLAB was used to simulate, evaluate, and compared the results to understand the effects of shading on PV cell output. This research offers an analytical technique to determine the probable effects of Partial shadowing conditions on PV power generation. The results provide the effects of partial shadowing in an annual performance loss of ≥10–30%. The orientation of the PV panels' tilt angle has an impact on their output power. When the tilt angle deviates from its ideal value, the PV panel's output drops off substantially.

Influence of natural clouds on the performance of solar cell systems in Iraq

Solar energy generated by photovoltaic (PV) technology can be supplied to standalone systems, as it combines efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, this combination is achieved only after considering the effects of shading, which can significantly influence electrical output. The primary factor that influences the use of solar energy in electricity generation is irradiation. PV cells are significantly impacted by shading, where the output of the PV cell reduces in the presence of a shadow. In this study, the researchers have presented an experimental analysis of how shading affects two PV cells, using the series and parallel configurations. The experimental work is installed at the University of Mosul, Department of Electrical Engineering, Renewable Lab (Iraq). MATLAB was used to simulate, evaluate, and compared the results to understand the effects of shading on PV cell output. This research offers an analytical technique to determine the probable effects of Partial shadowing conditions on PV power generation. The results provide the effects of partial shadowing in an annual performance loss of ≥10–30%. The orientation of the PV panels' tilt angle has an impact on their output power. When the tilt angle deviates from its ideal value, the PV panel's output drops off substantially.

PEMASANGAN DAN PERBAIKAN INSTALASI PENERANGAN JALAN UMUM BERBASIS SOLAR CELL DI KAMPUNG CIKOLEANG, KABUPATEN BOGOR

PJU Solar Power is a public street lighting where the electric power for the lights provided by an independent system obtained from solar energy. This community service activity aims to install and repair solar and LED-based street lights. The durability of solar panels and LED modules, self-dependent and without an electric power network is the reason for choosing solar and LED-based street lights. This activity was carried out in Cikoleang Village, Gunung Sindur District, Bogor Regency. After the installation of a public street lighting electrical system using a solar cell system, the atmosphere of Cikoleang village, which was initially pitch black, became bright and safe for the community to do their activities at night.

Synergy of 3D and 2D Perovskites for Durable, Efficient Solar Cells and Beyond.

Three-dimensional (3D) organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites have emerged in the past few years as a promising material for low-cost, high-efficiency optoelectronic devices. Spurred by this recent interest, several subclasses of halide perovskites such as two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites have begun to play a significant role in advancing the fundamental understanding of the structural, chemical, and physical properties of halide perovskites, which are technologically relevant. While the chemistry of these 2D materials is similar to that of the 3D halide perovskites, their layered structure with a hybrid organic-inorganic interface induces new emergent properties that can significantly or sometimes subtly be important. Synergistic properties can be realized in systems that combine different materials exhibiting different dimensionalities by exploiting their intrinsic compatibility. In many cases, the weaknesses of each material can be alleviated in heteroarchitectures. For example, 3D-2D halide perovskites can demonstrate novel behavior that neither material would be capable of separately. This review describes how the structural differences between 3D halide perovskites and 2D halide perovskites give rise to their disparate materials properties, discusses strategies for realizing mixed-dimensional systems of various architectures through solution-processing techniques, and presents a comprehensive outlook for the use of 3D-2D systems in solar cells. Finally, we investigate applications of 3D-2D systems beyond photovoltaics and offer our perspective on mixed-dimensional perovskite systems as semiconductor materials with unrivaled tunability, efficiency, and technologically relevant durability.

Enhancing the absorption figure of merit on solution-based CuO thin films by Ni doping

We evaluated an absorbance effectiveness on the solar spectrum using an absorption figure of merit (a-FOM) for the conducting thin films. In particular, Ni-doped and un-doped CuO thin films were deposited by a facile and sustainable solution-processed synthesis, whose Ni doping concentration was varied to be 0.2, 0.6, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt%. We observed a change of smooth surface to an appearance of nanoparticles by Ni doping, which supported to form of a plasmonic mechanism for improving the light capture and retention. The absorption of long wavelengths was improved and extended to the near-infrared range. That is, the bandgap energy decreased from 2.10 to 1.88 eV with Ni doping. Also, we found that the absorption length decreased from 99.93 nm to 63.80 nm as the Ni doping increased. In addition, the CuO-based film with 4 wt% Ni doping showed a maximal value of a-FOM as high as 30.88 Ω−1cm−1, corresponding to a resistance of 2.07 MΩ/sq and an absorption length of 63.80 nm. Our finding suggested that Ni-doped CuO thin films can be considered as an excellent selection of absorbent conductive oxide layers for application in optoelectronic devices and solar cell systems.

A comparative study of machine learning and deep learning methods for energy balance prediction in a hybrid building-renewable energy system

Globally, the construction industry is experiencing an increase in energy demand, which has significant environmental and economic repercussions. To address these issues, it is now possible for buildings, vehicles, and renewable energy sources to collaborate and function as an advanced, integrated, and environmentally favorable system that meets the high energy demands of contemporary buildings. To attain maximum efficiency, however, it is necessary to create reliable energy demand forecasting models. In this research, by introducing the energy model of a neighbourhood with buildings with solar panels and electric vehicles, the final balance of energy production and consumption for each building and the whole neighbourhood as a micro grid is predicted. DesignBuilder is used to model neighbourhood buildings, and K-Nearest neighbor (KNN), Regression Support Vector (SVR), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), and Deep neural networks (DNN) algorithms in machine learning are used to predict the final energy balance. a comparative analysis of the performance of the KNN, SVR, AdaBoost, and DNN algorithms was conducted to determine which algorithm is the most effective in predicting energy balance. Finally, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) has been used to validate the prediction models. The results show that the KNN, SVR, AdaBoost, and DNN algorithms had RMSE values of 0.56, 0.92, 0.95, and 0.53, respectively. Among these algorithms, the DNN and KNN algorithms had more accurate results than the other used algorithms and as a result of this research, An accurate forecast of neighbourhood energy balance was made. This study takes a novel approach by developing a model that takes into account an integrated system of houses, solar cells, and electric consumption for each building in a neighborhood, which can help to optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.