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A solar photovoltaic system with ideal efficiency close to the theoretical limit
Optics Express
  • Yuan Zhou, Fudan University
  • Ming-Yu Sheng, Fudan University
  • Wei-Xi Zhou, Fudan University
  • Yan Shen, Fudan University
  • Er-Tao Hu, Fudan University
  • Jian-Bo Chen, Fudan University
  • Min Xu, Fudan University
  • Yu-Xiang Zheng, Fudan University
  • Young-Pak Lee, Hanyang University
  • David W. Lynch, Iowa State University
  • Liang-Yao Chen, Fudan University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
DOI
10.1364/OE.20.000A28
Abstract
In order to overcome some physical limits, a solar system consisting of five single-junction photocells with four optical filters is studied. The four filters divide the solar spectrum into five spectral regions. Each single-junction photocell with the highest photovoltaic efficiency in a narrower spectral region is chosen to optimally fit into the bandwidth of that spectral region. Under the condition of solar radiation ranging from 2.4 SUN to 3.8 SUN (AM1.5G), the measured peak efficiency under 2.8 SUN radiation reaches about 35.6%, corresponding to an ideal efficiency of about 42.7%, achieved for the photocell system with a perfect diode structure. Based on the detailed-balance model, the calculated theoretical efficiency limit for the system consisting of 5 single-junction photocells can be about 52.9% under 2.8 SUN (AM1.5G) radiation, implying that the ratio of the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency for the ideal photodiode structure to the theoretical efficiency limit can reach about 80.7%. The results of this work will provide a way to further enhance the photovoltaic conversion efficiency for solar cell systems in future applications.
Comments

This article is from Optics Express 20 (2012): A28, doi:10.1364/OE.20.000A28. Posted with permission.

This paper was published in Optics Express 20 (2012): A28 and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: doi:10.1364/OE.20.000A28. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law."

Copyright Owner
The Optical Society of America
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Yuan Zhou, Ming-Yu Sheng, Wei-Xi Zhou, Yan Shen, et al.. "A solar photovoltaic system with ideal efficiency close to the theoretical limit" Optics Express Vol. 20 Iss. S1 (2012) p. A28 - A38
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david_lynch1/122/