{"title":"Influence of module types on theoretical efficiency and aesthetics of colored photovoltaic modules with luminescent down-shifting layers","authors":"Jaehoon Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) are gaining recognition in urban settings for overcoming spatial constraints and enabling photovoltaic (PV) power generation. However, the dark appearance of traditional PV modules often hinders aesthetic integration and market adoption. To address this issue, research has focused on colored photovoltaic modules (CPMs) using a luminescent down-shifting layer (LDS) with high color purity and a broad color range. Despite advancements, most previous studies have focused on experimental implications, while the theoretical efficiency limits of LDS-based CPMs remain underexplored. The present manuscript aims to bridge this gap by elucidating the correlation between the optical characteristics of LDS-based CPMs and their desired color attributes, utilizing the Natural Color System (NCS) and CIELAB color space to rigorously explore the influence of color characteristics perceived by human observers. Furthermore, this study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of CPM performance across various module types, offering new insights into the field of BIPVs and providing valuable perspectives for their efficient and aesthetic integration into urban landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113254"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fan Zhou , Yanqi Ma , Wentong Zhao , Li Zhang , Ying Chen , Xinxin Sheng
{"title":"Integrating AgNPs-decorated phase change microcapsules into UV-cured PUA with enhanced thermal conductivity for solar thermal energy conversion and storage","authors":"Fan Zhou , Yanqi Ma , Wentong Zhao , Li Zhang , Ying Chen , Xinxin Sheng","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing smart flexible film based on high thermal conductivity phase change microcapsules (MPCM) is essential for personal thermal management, which could provide sufficient warmth for individuals outdoor through the phase change behavior. Herein, we report the synthesis of n-octadecane MPCM with a composite shell of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin, followed by surface modification to create Ag@MPCM with enhanced thermal conductivity. These were combined with PUA resin to fabricate composite films exhibiting phase change properties. The 1Ag@MPCM (the ratio of AgNO<sub>3</sub> to MPCM is 1:1 during modification) demonstrated an ideal thermal storage capacity (up to 108.20 J/g). The thermal conductivity of it exhibited 0.643 W m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>, representing a 242 % improvement compared MPCM. AgNPs, serving as thermal conductive fillers, exhibited localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). It enhances the radiative absorption capability and thermal conductivity of MPCM, thereby accelerating the phase change process. Compared to pure PUA, the thermal conductivity of 30Ag@MPCM-PUA (0.186 W m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>) was increased by 29 %. After 300 s of simulated solar irradiation, the temperature of 30Ag@MPCM-PUA is 48.1 °C higher than that of PUA. Furthermore, the 30Ag@MPCM-PUA exhibited good thermal conductivity and excellent photothermal conversion properties. Overall, 30Ag@MPCM-PUA holds significant potential for personal thermal management field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113253"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multi-field coupled analysis of thermal and opto-electrical conversion in InGaAs thermophotovoltaics","authors":"Hong-Yu Pan, Xin-Lin Xia, Xue Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Based on near-realistic energy conversion and transport processes, a coupled model of an InGaAs thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell is developed to analyze the influence of coupled behaviors and temperature-dependent properties from optical, electrical, and thermal perspectives. Under 2000 K blackbody radiation, with air- (20 W m<sup>−2</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>) and water-cooling (3000 W m<sup>−2</sup> K<sup>−1</sup>) conditions, it is observed that compared to the isothermal uncoupled model, the maximum output power shows a notable decline of 9.81 %. Furthermore, under different emitter temperatures, cooling conditions, and selective emissivity spectra, the thermal and electrical characteristics are examined to comprehensively evaluate TPV system performance. Increasing the emitter temperature improves system efficiency within an appropriate range. At an emitter temperature of 2000 K, the efficiency reaches a peak of 26.9 %. The intensity of air cooling has a minimal impact on system efficiency (0.03 %), whereas efficiency benefits significantly from enhanced water-cooling power (37 %), though the rate of improvement gradually diminishes. Additionally, as the selective emissivity spectrum broadens, the coupling behavior causes a significant decline of approximately 3 % in system efficiency, with the corresponding emissivity width decreasing by at least 100 nm. With the blueshift of selective emissivity, the efficiency increases monotonically, while the cell temperature peaks at 323.5 K.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113242"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"cpvlib: A comprehensive open-source tool for modeling CPV systems","authors":"Rubén Núñez , Marcos Moreno , Rebeca Herrero , Steve Askins , Ignacio Antón , César Domínguez","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The design and simulation of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems necessitate precise modeling tools, for which some commercial and open-source options exist. However, when new technologies or applications need to be modeled, they can present some limitations: lack of documentation transparency and inability to extend existing models, or little flexibility to do it. For instance, the novel hybrid CPV/flat-plate module, conceived by Insolight and developed within the HIPERION project, required the ability to model integrated tracking and dual use of incident irradiance, which was not possible with existing tools. Addressing these issues, cpvlib is introduced as a comprehensive, open-source tool offering modular and adaptable functionalities for CPV-based systems, built as an extension of the popular pvlib python library.</div><div>cpvlib's design enables the simulation of various CPV-based configurations, incorporating advanced architectures such as integrated tracking and hybrid CPV-flat plate modules. The library uses PVSyst's utilization factors to model deviations from the single-diode model, accounting for spectral and thermal effects. Its class structure leverages object-oriented programming principles, ensuring ease of use and extension.</div><div>The validation of cpvlib is carried out through the modeling and long-term monitoring of Insolight's hybrid Si/III-V translucent planar micro-tracking modules, achieving a root mean square error of 3.5 % in case of Si cells and 2.7 % for III-V CPV cells. The tool accounts for complex behaviors like air mass impact on CPV performance, angle of incidence limits, and light spillage. The annual energy yield for a hybrid module is computed using typical meteorological year data, showcasing cpvlib's practical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113245"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aniela Czudek , Aleksander Urbaniak , Alexander Eslam , Roland Wuerz , Malgorzata Igalson
{"title":"Grain boundary barrier model can explain the beneficial effect of alkali doping in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells","authors":"Aniela Czudek , Aleksander Urbaniak , Alexander Eslam , Roland Wuerz , Malgorzata Igalson","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the beneficial effect of alkali doping of Cu(In,Ga)Se<sub>2</sub> has been known for decades, there is still no agreement on its precise physical pathway. In this work we present a case for this effect being linked to the alkali-induced passivation of barriers at the grain boundaries (GBs). In this model, postulated earlier by, among all, C-S. Jiang and U. Rau, donor defects at the GBs result in downward band bending, creating energy barriers for holes and thus reducing the intergrain mobility, at the same time leading to the creation of depleted regions around GBs, decreasing apparent doping concentration. The effect of alkali doping would be through passivation of those donor defects, increasing both mobility and doping concentration.</div><div>Results of our systematic study on Cu(In,Ga)Se<sub>2</sub> thin films and solar cells doped with different concentrations of alkali metals (Na and K) point to the alkali effect leading to a simultaneous increase of both free hole concentration and hole mobility, irrespective of the type of alkali used. Additionally, the activation energy of conductivity – linked to the GB barrier height – decreased with an increase in alkali concentration. All of the above results are consistent with the grain boundary passivation model. To further test this hypothesis, experimental results were compared with SCAPS simulations of a multigrain CIGS thin film with varied concentration of donor defects located at the GBs. These simulations were in good quantitative agreement with experimental results with regards to conductivity, free hole concentration and GB barrier height.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113252"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annelise Kopp Alves , Claudir Gabriel Kaufmann Junior , Rubia Young Sun Zampiva , Felipe Amorim Berutti
{"title":"Enhancing photovoltaic efficiency in flexible perovskite solar cells through the incorporation of up-conversion Er3+ doped forsterite thin films","authors":"Annelise Kopp Alves , Claudir Gabriel Kaufmann Junior , Rubia Young Sun Zampiva , Felipe Amorim Berutti","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered attention due to their high efficiency and cost-effective production. However, their limited absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range constrains their potential, as NIR accounts for 44 % of the solar spectrum. To address this, we incorporated an erbium-doped forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄:Er³⁺) up-conversion layer into flexible PSC (MAFA-CsPb(Br,I)₃), converting NIR photons into visible light to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE). This integration resulted in a significant increase in PCE from 16.1 % to 20.6 %, with the device also showing improved open-circuit voltage (Voc) from 1.05 V to 1.19 V and a higher short-circuit current density (Jsc) from 22.1 to 23.1 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>. Additionally, the thermal and moisture stability of the cells was enhanced, retaining 75 % of their initial efficiency after 500 h under ambient conditions. The use of erbium-doped forsterite as an up-conversion layer presents a promising strategy for overcoming spectral limitations and improving the durability of PSCs, providing a pathway toward more efficient and stable next-generation photovoltaic devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113251"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Huijia Wang , Chuan Zhou , Yiming Wang , Ni Li , Jie Xiong
{"title":"Polyurethane-SiO2 tandem composite fibrous membrane for passive daytime radiative cooling","authors":"Huijia Wang , Chuan Zhou , Yiming Wang , Ni Li , Jie Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is a promising energy-saving approach for intelligent textiles. However, the preparation process for most PDRC materials is complex and costly, and their surfaces are susceptible to contamination, leading to poor durability and thereby limiting their application fields. Herein, we report on a tandem passive radiation-cooled fibrous membrane consisting of elastic polymer and nanoparticles (NPs), which can achieve dual-functions of self-cleaning and passive radiative cooling. Specifically, a large number of SiO<sub>2</sub> NPs on the surface of the composite fibrous membrane exhibit phonon-enhanced Fröhlich resonance, facilitating the emission of infrared radiation and imparting excellent radiation cooling performance to the fibrous membrane. This is reflected in the membrane's maximum effective reflectivity in the solar spectrum (88.29 %) and its infrared emissivity within the atmospheric window (94.9 %). On the other hand, the hydrophobic SiO<sub>2</sub> particles, with their low surface energy, enhance the roughness of the fibrous membrane surface, resulting in a water contact angle of 145° for the fibrous membrane. Consequently, this tandem passively cooled fibrous membrane boasts a self-cleaning surface, which overcomes the fundamental challenges of radiative cooling and demonstrates sustainability under harsh conditions, further broadening its practical application areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113244"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142539886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haohao Sun , Wenxuan Wang , Yuli Xiong , Zelang Jian , Wen Chen
{"title":"Cation pre-inserted vanadium oxide nanobelts as multicolor electrochromic materials for adaptive camouflage","authors":"Haohao Sun , Wenxuan Wang , Yuli Xiong , Zelang Jian , Wen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>V<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> is a promising electrochromic material for adaptive camouflage or electronic display. However, it is still challenging to enable fast response time, multicolor change and good cyclic stability. In this paper, we successfully synthesized different cation (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup> and Na<sup>+</sup>) pre-inserted vanadium oxide nanobelt films (NVO, KVO and NaVO) by stirring impregnation method. All nanobelts are composed of V<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub> layers with hydrated cations acting as pillars in the interlayer, exhibiting excellent electrochromic properties and remarkable multicolor changes. Among them, the NVO nanobelt films have the highest transmittance modulation (ΔT = 54 % at 510 nm and ΔT = 56 % at 950 nm), fastest response time (4.4 s for coloration time, 5.5 s for bleaching time at 422 nm and 6.8 s for coloration time and 7.7 s for bleaching time at 950 nm) and best stability (3000 cycles). Impressively, the NVO film is highly reversible between five colors: orange-red, orange, yellow, green and blue-grey, showing great breakthrough in adaptive camouflage application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113207"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thermal-hydraulic transient performance and dynamic characterization analysis of direct steam generation for parabolic trough solar collectors","authors":"Shuaishuai Liu, Bin Yang, Xiaohui Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parabolic trough solar direct-steam-generation (PTC-DSG) technology is a low-carbon technology by combining clean energy with green energy carriers. However, abrupt variations in solar radiation (<em>I</em>) due to weather changes can significantly affect the DSG performance and stable operation. In this work, PTC-DSG system's optical-thermal-flow-pattern transient coupling model is developed based on the Separated Flow model, Finite Volume method and Lagrangian method. The dynamic response of the loop's transient flow law and heat transfer performance under <em>I</em> step-variation are analyzed, and the correlation between the DSG system's transient flow characteristics and the multiple perturbation factors is discussed. The results reveal that adding (reducing) 12.5 % and 37.5 % of <em>I</em> shortens (lengthens) the evaporation phase by 7.2 % and 16.5 % (10.7 % and 16 %). The superheated zone has the greatest influence on the transient response characteristics and instability relative to the preheated and evaporated zones under various step-variations, and the heat transfer recovery still needs longer time after flow state is re-stabilized. Under <em>I</em> step-variation, adding mass flow can effectively shorten the superheat phase but not the response time, and the system instability range increases; Increasing inlet temperature (<em>T</em><sub><em>in</em></sub>) can augments the superheat zone, but effectively shorten the response time and regulate and improve the outlet steam quality; Raising inlet pressure not only reduces the evaporation phase, which is most favorable for heat transfer, but also requires longer re-stabilization time and increases the probability of stratified flow, which should be paid more attention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113250"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research on the reliability of wire web in diamond multi-wire saw slicing photovoltaic monocrystalline silicon wafer","authors":"Dameng Cheng , Yufeng Guo , Yufei Gao , Zhenyu Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.solmat.2024.113247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diamond multi-wire slicing technology is the main method for producing the solar cell substrate based on monocrystalline silicon. To reduce the production cost and increase the production efficiency during the sawing process, the diameter of the diamond saw wire is becoming thinner, and the sawing speed is getting faster, which leads to an increasingly prominent problem of saw wire breakage during the slicing process. To understand the breaking characteristics of diamond saw wire and evaluate the reliability of the saw wire during the sawing process, the tensile testing of saw wires was carried out in this paper. And based on the Weibull function, the breaking force was analyzed statistically. A maximum tension force model for the saw wire during the sawing process was established. And based on the maximum tension force model and Weibull reliability function, the influence of various process parameters on the reliability of the wire web was analyzed. The results indicated that as the usage time of the saw wire increases, the breaking force gradually decreases and stabilizes. Compared to the fresh saw wire, the reliability of the used saw wires is significantly reduced. As the abrasive distribution density and the wire speed increases, the reliability of the wire web gradually increases. Conversely, as the feed speed and the pretension of the saw wire increase, the reliability of the wire web gradually decrease. The results of this paper provide a theoretical approach for assessing the reliability of diamond saw wire web during the sawing process. It also provides guidance for optimizing process parameters to enhance the reliability of the wire web.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":429,"journal":{"name":"Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 113247"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}