Student research opportunities
Modelling of Perovskite - Silicon tandem solar cells
Project Code: CECS_1109
This project is available at the following levels:
Engn R&D, Honours
Please note that this project is only for undergraduate students.
Keywords:
Solar Energy Photovoltaics Renewable Energy Semiconductors Solar cCells Modelling
Supervisors:
Assoc Professor Klaus WeberDr Niraj Lal
Outline:
Perovskite - Silicon tandem cells are theoretically capable of realising conversion efficiencies significantly above the efficiencies of the best Si solar cells. At ANU we are aiming to fabricate such tandem cells in order to demonstrate high efficiencies in practice.
High efficiency tandem cells requires careful design of the Perovskite cell in particular, to ensure that most of the light not used by the Perovskite cell is passed to the lower Si cell. This requires careful minimisation of various loss mechanisms,which requires the use of suitable models.
In this project, actual tandem designs will be modelled. The goal is to screen various cell options and to optimise the most suitable designs, in order to guide experimental work. An existing Matlab model will be employed and extended where necessary.
The project requires extensive an literature review to collect available data on the properties of relevant materials. In some cases, sample preparation and measurements may be required to obtain the necessary data.
The student would interact with other researchers working on tandem solar cells
Goals of this project
- Identification and optimisation of suitable cell designs, including specification of layer thicknesses and properties.
- Determination of achievable tandem cell efficiencies given realistic assumptions about material properties.
- Development of novel cell designs
Requirements/Prerequisites
A solid background in semiconductors and optics is desirable.
The project is particulalry suited to highly motivated studnets who are interested in further research.
Student Gain
- Exposure to research environment
- Improved Matlab understanding / programming skills
- Enhanced knowledge of solar cells, semiconductors, optics
