Thermovoltaic Effect Research Articles

Thermovoltaic properties of technical silicon melted by solar radiation

The thermovoltaic characteristics of the p-n junction fabricated on the basis of technical silicon melted by means of solar radiation have been measured. The thermovoltaic effect that becomes apparent at temperatures T ≥ 60°C has been detected. This effect is evidently associated with the thermal generation of electron-hole pairs with the participation of impurities and surface states of intergrain boundaries.

Impurity thermovoltaic effect in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell

The experimental data on the implementation of the impurity thermovoltaic effect arising at polycrystalline silicon grain boundaries are presented. The temperature curve of the dark short-circuit current in a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, whose shape is determined by the effect revealed, is qualitatively discussed.

Impurity thermovoltaic effect of semiconductor structures: Specific features and outlook

Impurity thermovoltaic effect of semiconductor structures: Specific features and outlook

Impurity thermovoltaic effect in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell

Impurity thermovoltaic effect in the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell

Impurity thermovoltaic effect of semiconductor structures: Specific features and outlook

The concept and approach aimed at the development of high-performance inexpensive converters of thermal energy, including solar energy, into electric energy have been proposed. This approach is based on the use of technical (metallurigical grade) semiconductor materials. A number of proposals have been formulated relating to the conditions of the impurity thermovoltaic effect and development of silicon thermoelectric cells.

On the relation between thermally stimulated depolarization and thermoelectricity in irradiated aluminophosphate glasses

Several reasons are given to assume both the maximum of thermally stimulated depolarization near 100 °C and the thermovoltaic effect in aluminophosphate glasses to be associated with the movement of protons. The assumption, that the glasses are hydrolyzed, is supported by this finding.