A. D. K. Kenfack, Nicolas Matome Thantsha, M. Msimanga
{"title":"Simulation of Lead-Free Heterojunction CsGeI2Br/CsGeI3-Based Perovskite Solar Cell Using SCAPS-1D","authors":"A. D. K. Kenfack, Nicolas Matome Thantsha, M. Msimanga","doi":"10.3390/solar3030025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/solar3030025","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents the simulation of the novel prototype of a heterojunction perovskite solar cell (PSC) based on CSGeI2Br/CSGeI3. The device consists of two absorber layers (CSGeI2Br, CSGeI3), an electron transport layer (ETL) chosen as TiO2 and a hole transport layer (HTL) given as poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). Within the simulation, the effects of thickness, doping and defect density in each absorber layer and different back contact metal electrodes on electrical parameters (efficiency, short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor) are evaluated. In addition, the contribution of the HTL (doping density and thickness), temperature, shunt and series resistance were also checked on the same electrical parameters. The simulations are conducted in standard test conditions with the irradiation normalized as 0.1 W/cm2 using the SCAPS-1D platform. The maximum efficiency obtained within the simulation of this device was about 31.86%. For this device, the thickness of the CSGeI3 layer should be around 900 nm, while that of the CsGeI2Br should be around 100 nm to facilitate optimal absorption of the incident photons. The doping density in the absorber layer is such that in CsGeI3 should be around 1018 cm−3 and around 1016 cm−3 in the CsGeI2Brlayer. The defects densities in both layers of the perovskite materials should be around 1014 cm−3. Concerning the HTL, the thickness and the doping density of the P3HT should be around 50 nm and 1018 cm−3, respectively. In terms of the back contact electrode, the work function of the metal should be at least equal to 5 eV, corresponding to gold (Au) metal. The series resistance due to the connection of the cell to the external load should be very small, while the shunt resistance due to the leakage current in the solar cell should be high. Furthermore, the operating temperature of the new PSC should be maintained at an ambient level of around 25 °C in order to deliver high efficiency.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75345532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Skandalos, Vasileios C. Kapsalis, Tengyu Ma, D. Karamanis
{"title":"Towards 30% Efficiency by 2030 of Eco-Designed Building Integrated Photovoltaics","authors":"N. Skandalos, Vasileios C. Kapsalis, Tengyu Ma, D. Karamanis","doi":"10.3390/solar3030024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/solar3030024","url":null,"abstract":"The necessity of affordable and durable building-integrated photovoltaics has gained widespread importance for the renewable energy transition involving electrification and decarbonization in climate-neutral cities that possess many public health co-benefits. Although the PV market is dominated by polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon solar cells of the first generation, there is an impetus in the research lately for more sophisticated solar cell architectures with higher efficiency, longer lifetime, and less use of raw materials in an eco-design approach. To accelerate building integration of the next generation of photovoltaics and the associated climate change mitigation benefits, we propose in this work a holistic novel approach to the requirements and associated parameters for the emerging and innovative PV structures, spanning from intrinsic cell properties to panels effect in the urban environment. Within this framework, and supported by building simulation, the improvement of cells’ efficiency is revealed as an important parameter for their wider PV building and urban deployment as well as a major improvement in covering the building energy needs with minimized thermal impact in the urban environment. By analyzing the lab-reported values and the timeline of emerging and novel tandem solar cells, we propose the 30% BIPV efficiency of the eco-designed BIPV products as a central milestone to be attained before 2030 for a sustainable urban transformation.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75394072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Global Atlas of Marine Floating Solar PV Potential","authors":"D. Silalahi, A. Blakers","doi":"10.3390/solar3030023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/solar3030023","url":null,"abstract":"In this paper, we analyse 40 years of maximum wind speed and wave height data to identify potential sites for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems floating on seas and oceans. Maximum hourly wave height and wind speed data were segregated into 5 distinct categories. These categorisations were then combined at the nearest wind speed and wave height grid point for each sea location, generating a comprehensive wind–wave map via a geographic information system (GIS) visualisation. We find that regions around the equator are generally calm, i.e., free from strong winds and large waves. The most favourable locations are around the Indonesian archipelago, and the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of tropical Africa. Our analysis indicates the huge potential of floating solar PV systems in calm tropical maritime regions, capable of generating about one million terawatt-hours per year in regions that rarely experience waves larger than 6 m or winds stronger than 15 m/s. This study furthers our understanding of alternative renewable energy options, emphasising the promising potential of offshore floating solar PV systems in the global energy transition.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77577686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haiying Liu, N. Skandalos, Liga Braslina, Vasileios C. Kapsalis, D. Karamanis
{"title":"Integrating Solar Energy and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Neutral Urban Environments","authors":"Haiying Liu, N. Skandalos, Liga Braslina, Vasileios C. Kapsalis, D. Karamanis","doi":"10.3390/solar3030022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/solar3030022","url":null,"abstract":"This study focuses on achieving climate neutrality in European cities by integrating solar energy technologies and nature-based solutions. Through an examination of current practices, emerging trends, and case examples, the study explores the benefits, challenges, and prospects associated with this integration in urban contexts. A pioneering approach is presented to assess the urban heat and climate change mitigation benefits of combining building-integrated photovoltaics and nature-based solutions within the European context. The results highlight the synergistic relationship between nature-based components and solar conversion technology, identifying effective combinations for different climatic zones. In Southern Europe, strategies such as rooftop photovoltaics on cool roofs, photovoltaic shadings, green walls, and urban trees have demonstrated effectiveness in warmer regions. Conversely, mid- and high-latitude European cities have seen positive impacts through the integration of rooftop photovoltaics and photovoltaic facades with green roofs and green spaces. As solar cell conversion efficiency improves, the environmental impact of photovoltaics is expected to decrease, facilitating their integration into urban environments. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating water bodies, cool pavements, spaces with high sky-view factors, and effective planning in urban design to maximize resilience benefits. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of prioritizing mitigation actions in low-income regions and engaging citizens in the development of social photovoltaics-positive energy houses, resilient neighbourhoods, and green spaces. By adopting these recommendations, European cities can create climate-neutral urban environments that prioritize clean energy, nature-based solutions, and the overall wellbeing of residents. The findings underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation, urban planning strategies, and policy frameworks to effectively achieve climate neutrality.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80393245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saman Sharbaf Kalaghichi, Jan Hoß, R. Zapf‐Gottwick, J. Werner
{"title":"Laser Activation for Highly Boron-Doped Passivated Contacts","authors":"Saman Sharbaf Kalaghichi, Jan Hoß, R. Zapf‐Gottwick, J. Werner","doi":"10.3390/solar3030021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/solar3030021","url":null,"abstract":"Passivated, selective contacts in silicon solar cells consist of a double layer of highly doped polycrystalline silicon (poly Si) and thin interfacial silicon dioxide (SiO2). This design concept allows for the highest efficiencies. Here, we report on a selective laser activation process, resulting in highly doped p++-type poly Si on top of the SiO2. In this double-layer structure, the p++-poly Si layer serves as a layer for transporting the generated holes from the bulk to a metal contact and, therefore, needs to be highly conductive for holes. High boron-doping of the poly Si layers is one approach to establish the desired high conductivity. In a laser activation step, a laser pulse melts the poly Si layer, and subsequent rapid cooling of the Si melt enables electrically active boron concentrations exceeding the solid solubility limit. In addition to the high conductivity, the high active boron concentration in the poly Si layer allows maskless patterning of p++-poly Si/SiO2 layers by providing an etch stop layer in the Si etchant solution, which results in a locally structured p++-poly Si/SiO2 after the etching process. The challenge in the laser activation technique is not to destroy the thin SiO2, which necessitates fine tuning of the laser process. In order to find the optimal processing window, we test laser pulse energy densities (Hp) in a broad range of 0.7 J/cm2 ≤ Hp ≤ 5 J/cm2 on poly Si layers with two different thicknesses dpoly Si,1 = 155 nm and dpoly Si,2 = 264 nm. Finally, the processing window 2.8 J/cm2≤ Hp ≤ 4 J/cm2 leads to the highest sheet conductance (Gsh) without destroying the SiO2 for both poly Si layer thicknesses. For both tested poly Si layers, the majority of the symmetric lifetime samples processed using these Hp achieve a good passivation quality with a high implied open circuit voltage (iVOC) and a low saturation current density (J0). The best sample achieves iVOC = 722 mV and J0 = 6.7 fA/cm2 per side. This low surface recombination current density, together with the accompanying measurements of the doping profiles, suggests that the SiO2 is not damaged during the laser process. We also observe that the passivation quality is independent of the tested poly Si layer thicknesses. The findings of this study show that laser-activated p++-poly Si/SiO2 are not only suitable for integration into advanced passivated contact solar cells, but also offer the possibility of maskless patterning of these stacks, substantially simplifying such solar cell production.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82507821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spectral features of ionospheric plasma waves excited by powerful HF radio waves radiated at frequencies near electron gyroharmonics and F2-layer critical frequency","authors":"Tatiana Borisova, Nataly Blagoveshchenskaya, Alexey Kalishin","doi":"10.12737/stp-92202312","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12737/stp-92202312","url":null,"abstract":"We present the result of the studies into characteristics of high-latitude ionospheric F-region longitudinal plasma waves (Langmuir and ion-acoustic), caused by the impact of powerful HF radio waves of ordinary (O-mode) or extraordinary (X-mode) polarization of the EISCAT/Heating facility, Tromsø, Norway. The powerful HF radio waves on October 20, 2012 and February 26, 2013 were emitted in the direction of the magnetic zenith with a step change in the effective radiation power (ERP). The radiation frequency fH of the EISCAT/Heating facility on February 26, 2013 was close to the F2-layer critical frequency foF2 (fH/foF2~1) and exceeded the electron gyroresonance frequency fH>5fce. On October 20, 2012, the conditions fH/foF2~0.85–0.95 and fH<6fce were fulfilled. Analysis of EISCAT measurements of an incoherent scatter radar (ISR) at a frequency of 930 MHz, spatially aligned with the heating facility for radiation conditions ERP<200 MW, has shown that parametric decay instabilities are excited at the ionospheric heights where the pump frequency is close to the plasma Langmuir frequency, fH≈fPL. We have studied peculiarities of excitation of the decay parametric instabilities as a function of height in the ionosphere and pump wave polarization, the ratios between fH and foF2, and also fH and nfce.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135099922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexander Altyntsev, Mariia Globa, Nataliya Meshalkina
{"title":"Quiet solar corona: daily images at 8.8–10.7 cm wavelengths","authors":"Alexander Altyntsev, Mariia Globa, Nataliya Meshalkina","doi":"10.12737/stp-92202308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12737/stp-92202308","url":null,"abstract":"We discuss results of test observations of the 3–6 GHz range array of the Siberian Radio Heliograph (SRH). A method for calibrating brightness temperatures of images was verified using measurements of the brightness temperature of the quiet Sun at a minimum between solar activity cycles 20 and 21 known in the literature. The obtained time dependences of the integral solar flux at 2.8 GHz are similar to those measured at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), but the absolute values of SRH fluxes are lower relative to the DRAO fluxes by 10–15 %.
 The spectral density of the solar microwave flux at a frequency of 2.8 GHz, the so-called F10.7 index, is one of the main solar activity indices used as input parameters in models of Earth’s ionosphere. The paper considers the relationship between total radio fluxes and changes in the structure of sources on the solar disk during an interval of 50 days. During the period of daily observations from September 1 to October 20, 2021, the number of active regions on the disk changed several times, and the integral flux density at 2.8 GHz changed up to 1.5 times. We determine the relative contributions to the integral flux of bremsstrahlung of near-limb brightenings and plage regions, as well as bremsstrahlung in magnetic fields of active regions. The measured brightness temperatures of SRH radio maps are compared to the model temperatures calculated from observations of extreme ultraviolet emission (EUV) with the AIA/SDO telescope. The results of the analysis can be used to organize regular measurements of the corrected solar activity proxy index F10.7 at SRH, in which the contribution of gyroresonance emission is excluded.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135100120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Variations in cosmic ray cutoff rigidities during the March 8–11, 2012 magnetic storm (CAWSES II period)","authors":"O. Danilova, N. Ptitsyna, M. Tyasto, V. Sdobnov","doi":"10.12737/stp-92202310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12737/stp-92202310","url":null,"abstract":"The geomagnetic cutoff rigidity of cosmic rays (CRs) is the main factor regulating the arrival of CR particles at a given point on Earth's surface or inside the magnetosphere. To study the relationship between cutoffs and near-Earth space parameters, we have selected the strongest magnetic storm that occurred on March 8–11, 2012 during the CAWSES-II interval, recommended by SCOSTEP for detailed studies of solar-terrestrial relations. We have found the geomagnetic cutoffs by two methods: 1) by trajectory calculations in the magnetic field of the perturbed magnetosphere according to the Ts01 model and 2) by the spectrographic global survey method according to the data from the world network of neutron monitors. The largest drop in the cutoffs (−1.1 GV) obtained by the latter method was observed during the recovery phase of the storm. Apparently, this is due to the influence of the supersubstorms that occurred at that time. The analysis has shown that the closest connection of variations in the cutoffs can be traced with the geomagnetic activity index Dst, which indicates the determining contribution of the ring current to the transport of CRs. In addition, we have found a significant connection with the electromagnetic field parameters (with the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field and the azimuthal component of the electric field Ey). The dynamic solar wind parameters practically do not control variations in CR geomagnetic cutoff rigidities.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45736787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Maksimov, D. Kogogin, I. Nasyrov, R. Zagretdinov
{"title":"Effects of 7September 5–12, 2017 solar flares on regional disturbance of Earth’s ionosphere as recorded by GNSS stations located in the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation","authors":"D. Maksimov, D. Kogogin, I. Nasyrov, R. Zagretdinov","doi":"10.12737/stp-92202306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12737/stp-92202306","url":null,"abstract":"The paper presents the results of estimation of the effects of September 5–12, 2017 solar flares on the regional disturbance of Earth's ionosphere according to data from a distributed network of GNSS stations located mostly in the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation. The GNSS data processing software package we have developed is used to analyze recorded signal power and daily two-frequency phase measurements, as well as to calculate the total electron content and map the data. The results of the study show that during powerful solar flares X2.2 and X9.3 on September 6 the median value of the total electron content, calculated for the Volga Federal District, increased up to 0.25 TECU and 0.6 TECU respectively. At that time, the region of interest (40°–55° E) was sunlit. The prolonged magnetic storms on September 8 also generated noticeable ionospheric disturbances up to 0.2 TECU. At the same time, neither the solar flares nor the magnetic storms had a significant effect on the power characteristics of the recorded signals from navigation satellites in the region under study. The median carrier-to-noise ratio calculated for the region considered over the entire observation period did not differ from the values recorded under undisturbed ionospheric conditions and varied between 47–53 dBHz and 38–49 dBHz for frequencies L1 and L2 respectively.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47461132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CAII lines in a quiet region on the Sun I. Dynamic processes in the solar atmosphere","authors":"I. Turova, S. Grigoryeva, O. Ozhogina","doi":"10.12737/stp-92202302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12737/stp-92202302","url":null,"abstract":"We have studied oscillation processes in the quiet Sun outside a coronal hole at different levels of the solar chromosphere. The study was based on spectroscopic observations of ionized calcium lines (K, H, and 849.8 nm) obtained by the Sayan Solar Observatory’s Automated Solar Telescope (AST). Spectral analysis of time series for some parameters of the lines has been carried out. We have compared the results of this work with the results of our study of oscillation processes in quiet regions located at the base of a coronal hole. The oscillation power was found to be higher in the region of the quiet Sun outside a coronal hole. At the same time, for the regions under study there is a common tendency for the oscillation power to decrease with height for all frequency ranges, except for the low-frequency one, in most chromospheric structures. In structures with a weak magnetic field, the power increases with height to the lower chromosphere and decreases somewhat to the upper chromosphere.","PeriodicalId":43869,"journal":{"name":"Solar-Terrestrial Physics","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47676113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}