A modeling framework for optimizing current density in four-terminal tandem solar cells: A case study on GaAs/Si tandem
Liu Z, Ren Z, Liu H, Sahraei N, Lin F, Stangl R, Aberle AG, Buonassisi T, Peters IM (2017)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2017
Journal
Book Volume: 170
Pages Range: 167-177
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2017.05.048
Abstract
We present a modeling framework to quantify current density losses and determine optimization steps for four-terminal tandem solar cells, which consist of a high-bandgap thin-film top cell and an industrial-type Si wafer bottom cell. We demonstrate the framework on the example of a 21.3% efficient stacked four-terminal GaAs/Si tandem solar cell. In a first step, we develop an optical model for stacked tandem configuration and carry out the current loss analysis for this tandem device. Photon absorption in the tandem is broken down into different channels. All parasitic absorptions that do not contribute to current generation are considered part of a loss channel. In a second step, we quantify the potential current gains from single-parameter optimizations, the redistribution of photon losses into other channels, and the synergistic gains that can be achieved by co-optimization. Finally, using the simulation model, we are able to determine the best sequence of optimizing the short-circuit current density in the GaAs/Si tandem solar cell to possibly achieve 37.8 mA/cm2 with experimentally feasible parameters.
Involved external institutions
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore (SG)
Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)
Singapore (SG)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
United States (USA) (US)
Singapore (SG)
Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)
Singapore (SG)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
United States (USA) (US)
How to cite
APA:
Liu, Z., Ren, Z., Liu, H., Sahraei, N., Lin, F., Stangl, R.,... Peters, I.M. (2017). A modeling framework for optimizing current density in four-terminal tandem solar cells: A case study on GaAs/Si tandem. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 170, 167-177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2017.05.048
MLA:
Liu, Zhe, et al. "A modeling framework for optimizing current density in four-terminal tandem solar cells: A case study on GaAs/Si tandem." Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 170 (2017): 167-177.
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