Solar Energy Enhancement Using Down-converting Particles: A Rigorous Approach

Abstract

The efficiency of a single band-gap solar cell is specified by the Shockley-Queisser limit, which defines the maximal output power as a function of the solar cell s band-gap. One way to overcome this limit is by using a down-conversion process whereupon a high energy photon is split into two lower energy photons, thereby increasing the current of the cell. Here, we provide a full analysis of the possible efficiency increase when placing a down-converting material on top of a pre-existing solar cell. We show that a total 7% efficiency improvement is possible for a perfectly efficient down-converting material. Our analysis covers both lossless and lossy theoretical limits, as well as a thermodynamic evaluation. Finally, we describe the advantages of nanoparticles as a possible choice for a down-converting material.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 06, 2011
Accession Number
ADA624608

Entities

People

  • Avi Niv
  • Xiang Zhang
  • Ze'ev R. Abrams

Organizations

  • University of California, Berkeley

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Band Gaps
  • Cells
  • Conversion
  • Efficiency
  • Energy
  • Energy Bands
  • High Energy
  • Materials
  • Nanoparticles
  • Particles
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Radiation
  • Refractive Index
  • Scattering
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Radiation

Readers

  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology