Search Results (150)

We explored the impact of high operating temperatures for monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules which dominate the market. Using nine years of hourly climate data with the System Advisor Model (SAM), we examined temperature impacts and cooling potential benefits across three climate zones in the United States. Assuming that cooling approaches can achieve a constant temperature decrease of ΔT independent of irradiance and environmental conditions, our simulations show that a ΔT = 10 °C temperature reduction could improve energy yield by almost 3% annually. Cooling technologies have the strongest impact during the hottest months, with even a 5 °C reduction raising efficiency by nearly 10%. When the minimum temperature of the cooled module is constrained to the ambient temperature, ΔT = 20 °C boosts the hottest month energy yield by over 25%. For economically viable cooling systems, the cooling cost should be much less than the break-even cost. We estimate break-even costs of USD 25–40/m² for 10 °C and USD 40–60/m² for 20 °C cooling for the locations simulated. For ΔT > 20 °C, the added energy yield shows diminishing returns with minimum increase in break-even costs. Full article

In the world of solar technology, precisely extracting photovoltaic cell and panel parameters is key to efficient energy production. This paper presents a new metaheuristic algorithm for extracting parameters from photovoltaic cells using the functionality of the PID-based search algorithm (PSA). The research includes single-diode (SDM) and double-diode (DDM) models applied to RTC France, amorphous silicon (aSi), monocrystalline silicon (mSi), PVM 752 GaAs, and STM6-40 panels. Datasets from multijunction solar cells at three temperatures (41.5 °C, 51.3 °C, and 61.6 °C) were used. PSA performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and absolute error (AE). A strategy was introduced by refining PID parameters and relocating error calculations outside the main loop to enhance exploration and exploitation. A Lévy flight-based zero-output mechanism was integrated, enabling shorter extraction times and requiring a smaller population, while enhancing search diversity and mitigating local optima entrapment. PSA was compared against 26 top-performing algorithms. RTC France showed RMSE improvements of 0.67–2.10% in 3.35 s, while for the mSi model, PSA achieved up to 40.9% improvement in 5.57 s and 22.18% for PVM 752 in 8.52 s. PSA’s accuracy and efficiency make it a valuable tool for advancing renewable energy technologies. Full article

Renewable energy sources are critical to the global effort to achieve carbon neutrality. Alongside hydropower, wind and nuclear plants, the photovoltaic (PV) systems developed greatly, with new PV technologies emerging in recent years. Although the conversion efficiencies are improving and the materials used have a lower impact on the environment, the feasibility of these technologies is required to be assessed. This paper proposes a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) model to assess the feasibility of five PV technologies: high-efficiency silicon heterojunction cells (HJT), N-type monocrystalline silicon cells (N-type), P-type passivated emitter and rear contact cells (PERC), N-type tunnel oxide passivated contact cells (TOPCon) and bifacial TOPCon. The LCOE considers capital investment, government incentives, operation and maintenance costs, residual value of PV modules and total energy output during the PV system’s life span. To determine the influence of PV system’s capacity over the LCOE values, three systems are analyzed for each technology: 3 kW, 5 kW and 7 kW. The results show that the largest PV systems have the lowest LCOE values, ranging from 2.39 c€/kWh (TOPCon) to 2.92 c€/kWh (HJT) when incentives are accessed, and ranging from 6.05 c€/kWh (TOPCon) to 6.51 c€/kWh (HJT) without subsidies. The 3 kW and 5 kW PV systems have higher LCOE values due to lower energy output during lifetime. Full article

The surface quality of diamond wire sawing (DWS) wafers directly affects the efficiency and yield of subsequent processing steps. This paper investigates the motion trajectory of abrasives in ultrasonic-assisted diamond wire sawing (UADWS) and its mechanism for improving surface quality. The influence of ultrasonic vibration on the cutting arc length, cutting depth, and interference of multi-abrasive trajectories was analyzed through the establishment of an abrasive motion trajectory model. The ultrasonic vibration transforms the abrasive trajectory from linear to sinusoidal, thereby increasing the cutting arc length while reducing the cutting depth. A lower wire speed was found to be more conducive to exploiting the advantages of ultrasonic vibration. Furthermore, the intersecting interference of multi-abrasive trajectories contributes to enhanced surface quality. Experimental studies were conducted on monocrystalline silicon (mono-Si) to verify the effectiveness of ultrasonic vibration in improving surface morphology and reducing wire marks during the sawing process. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared with DWS, UADWS achieves a significantly lower surface roughness Ra and generates micro-pits. The ultrasonic vibration induces a micro-grinding effect on both peaks and valleys of wire marks, effectively reducing their peak–valley (PV) height. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing UADWS process parameters and holds significant implications for improving surface quality in mono-Si wafer slicing. Full article

We investigated monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact cells for light- and elevated-temperature-induced degradation. Among the cell performance factors, a short current density results in a significant decrease in the short term. The quantum efficiency is also affected by carrier recombination-active defects, especially in the case of the reference cell, which has a decreased quantum efficiency across the wavelength, unlike the commercial cell. The front side of the cell has a diffuse hydrogen distribution, and it is related to LeTID. We observe how the hydrogen changes during each process and the changes in the profile during the degradation. The hydrogen appears to redistribute within the silicon wafer and saturate at a certain equilibrium state. The hydrogen distribution is correlated with the changes in the lifetime and, finally, short current density. Regeneration occurs depending on the hydrogen concentration within the emitter, and the closer the concentration is to saturation, the less degradation occurs. Full article

For energy management systems, it is crucial to determine, in advance, the available energy from renewable sources to be dispatched in the next hours or days, in order to meet their generation and consumption goals. Predicting the photovoltaic power output strongly depends on accurate weather forecasting data and properly photovoltaic panel models. In this context, several traditional thermal models are expected to become obsolete due to the removal of the widely used Nominal Module Operating Temperature parameter, stated in the IEC 61215-2:2021 standard, according to reports of longer time periods in test data processing. The main contribution of the photovoltaic power estimation algorithm developed in this paper is the integration of an accurate procedure to calculate the hourly day-ahead power output of a photovoltaic plant, based on three simplified thermal models in steady state. These models are proposed and evaluated as remedial alternatives to the removal of the Nominal Module Operating Temperature parameter—a subject that has not been widely addressed in the related literature. The proposed estimation algorithm converts specific Numerical Weather Prediction data and solar module specifications into photovoltaic power output, which can be used in energy management applications to provide economic and ecological benefits. This approach focuses on rooftop-mounted mono-crystalline silicon photovoltaic panel arrays and incorporates a nonlinear translation of Standard Test Conditions parameters to real operating conditions. All necessary input data are provided for the analysis, and the accuracy of experimental results is validated using appropriate error metrics. Full article

The aim of this study was the hydrothermal leaching of silver from waste monocrystalline silicon (m-Si) and polycrystalline silicon (p-Si) photovoltaic panel (PV) cells using organic acids, namely oxalic acid (OA) and citric acid (CA). Before leaching, two different pretreatment procedures were applied. First, the fluoropolymer backsheet was manually removed from the panel pieces and, then, the samples were subjected to high-temperature heating for the thermal degradation of the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer. When removal by hand was not feasible, the second pretreatment procedure was followed by toluene immersion to remove the EVA and backsheet and separate the cells, glass, and films. After pretreatment, 4 M HCl leaching was applied to remove the aluminum layer from the cells. The remaining cells were subjected to hydrothermal leaching with organic acids to extract the silver. Several hydrothermal parameters were investigated, such as acid concentration (1-1.5-2 M), processing time (60-105-150 min), and temperature (150-180-210 °C), while the liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio was fixed at 30 mL: 1 g, based on preliminary tests. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the hydrothermal leaching parameters. The optimized parameters were 210 °C, 95 min, 2 M CA or 210 °C, 60 min, 1 M OA. OA was more effective in Ag leaching than CA. The results were compared to HNO₃ leaching. The green leaching of silver from end-of-life PV panels with organic acids is an environmentally beneficial route. Full article

This paper proposes a hybrid energy-harvesting chip that utilizes both radio-frequency (RF) energy and solar energy for low-power applications and extended service life. The key contributions include a wide input power range, a compact chip area, and a high maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE). Solar energy is a clean and readily available source. The hybrid energy harvesting system has gained popularity by combining RF and solar energy to improve overall energy availability and efficiency. The proposed chip comprises a matching network, rectifier, charge pump, DC combiner, overvoltage protection circuit, and low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO). The matching network ensures maximum power delivery from the antenna to the rectifier. The rectifier circuit utilizes a cross-coupled differential drive rectifier to convert radio frequency energy into DC voltage, incorporating boosting functionality. In addition, a solar harvester is employed to provide an additional energy source to extend service time and stabilize the output by combining it with the radio-frequency source using a DC combiner. The overvoltage protection circuit safeguards against high voltage passing from the DC combiner to the LDO. Finally, the LDO facilitates the production of a stable output voltage. The entire circuit is simulated using the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company 0.18 µm 1P6M complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor standard process developed by the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute. The simulation results indicated a rectifier conversion efficiency of approximately 41.6% for the proposed radio-frequency-energy-harvesting system. It can operate with power levels ranging from −1 to 20 dBm, and the rectifier circuit’s output voltage is within the range of 1.7–1.8 V. A 0.2 W monocrystalline silicon solar panel (70 × 30 mm²) was used to generate a supplied voltage of 1 V. The overvoltage protection circuit limited the output voltage to 3.6 V. Finally, the LDO yielded a stable output voltage of 3.3 V. Full article

Monocrystalline silicon is widely used in the semiconductor industry. During wafer machining with a diamond wire saw (DWS), a worn diamond wire can affect the slicing quality. To assess the effect of diamond wire wear on wafer machining, in this study, the impact of diamond wire wear on the wafer’s total thickness variation (TTV) and surface quality was examined at a wire velocity of 1.8 m/s and a feed rate of 0.5 mm/min. Through a single-factor experiment, the effects of the wire velocity, feed rate, and workpiece thickness on diamond wire wear were explored. The outcomes demonstrate that the wear rate was higher in the early and late wear periods, and the wafer machining quality was poor in these two periods. During the stable wear period, the machined wafer exhibited high quality, while the wear rate remained stable. Under the condition of machining the same area of the workpiece, with an increase in wire velocity, the wear quantity for the diamond wire was reduced. As the feed rate and workpiece thickness increased, the wear quantity of the diamond wire increased. The diamond wire wear remained roughly constant when the wire velocity and feed rate increased at the same ratio. Full article

The slip mechanism between the chunk and wafer during high-speed dynamic scanning of the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) motion stage remains unclear. Considering real-machined roughness, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the nanotribological behavior of 6H-SiC sliders on single-crystal silicon substrates. The effects of sinusoidal asperity parameters and normal loads on wear and slip were systematically analyzed. Results indicate that, for friction between sinusoidal asperities and ideal flat surfaces, the amplitude of surface parameters exhibits negligible influence on friction. In contrast, reduced normal loads and lower periods significantly increase both friction force and coefficient of friction (COF). Full article

Silicon-based solar cells dominate the photovoltaic market, with commercial monocrystalline silicon cells reaching efficiencies as high as 27.3% by May 2024. An alternative to monocrystalline silicon solar cells is polycrystalline solar cells. Despite their lower efficiency (record: 23.81%), their manufacturing process is simpler and cheaper, and their energy conversion efficiency is less sensitive to temperature changes. However, limitations persist in optical and electrical losses, particularly underutilizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to silicon’s bandgap. To address these issues, the application of down-converting materials like zinc oxide (ZnO) quantum dots (QDs) has gained attention. ZnO QDs absorb high-energy UV light and re-emit it in the visible spectrum, optimizing the portion of solar energy usable by silicon cells. This study explores the synthesis of ZnO QDs using a sol–gel method, followed by their application on polycrystalline silicon solar cells. Experimental results indicated an increase in short-circuit current and overall efficiency, with the efficiency rising from 18.67% to a maximum of 19.05% when ZnO QDs were deposited from a 5 mg/mL solution. These findings suggest that ZnO QDs could significantly enhance solar energy conversion efficiency by utilizing portions of the solar spectrum that would otherwise be wasted. Full article

In order to elucidate the market potential and competition strategies of various photovoltaic (PV) technologies in the context of future architectural trends, taking into account the aesthetic impact and evolving architectural styles, a suite of market assessment methodologies was proposed and applied to systematically evaluate five commercially available PV technologies. Three methodologies were employed or introduced: a comprehensive weighting approach that integrates the TOPSIS entropy weight method with user weight surveys, cumulative prospect theory (CPT), and a market integration method. The survey revealed that price emerged as the paramount factor distinguishing technologies, with a score of 4.8766, closely followed by conversion rates, at 4.8326. Aesthetics was deemed 3% more significant than government subsidies to consumers, scoring 4.4414. During the evaluation, technical indicators were translated into professional financial metrics. The results indicated that crystalline silicon PV technologies hold market advantages in both traditional and transparent applications. Monocrystalline silicon exhibited the highest utility in traditional settings, with a value of −0.0766, whereas polysilicon topped the charts in transparent applications, scoring −0.0676. However, when aesthetics was fully factored in, thin-film technologies began to outperform crystalline silicon, initially in transparent settings and subsequently in traditional ones. When both scenarios were merged, the market share of thin-film PVs increased with a rise in transparent applications, while that of crystalline silicon PVs decreased. Sensitivity and comparative analyses yielded diverse outcomes, validating the robustness of the findings. Further research unveiled that, beyond utility and cost, competition and technological factors also influence market shares, particularly when contemplating future shifts in architectural styles and innovations in product aesthetics. Considering the above, crystalline silicon PV can dominate the PVs in the building market due to their advantages of cost and efficiency, and thin-film PVs can increase their own market share with their aesthetic advantages in the future. Full article

This study introduces a manufacturing process based on industrial MEMS technology, enabling the production of diverse sensor designs customized for a wide range of absolute pressure measurements. Using monocrystalline silicon as the structural material minimizes thermal stresses and eliminates temperature-dependent semiconductor effects, as silicon functions solely as a mechanical material. Integrating a eutectic bonding process in the sensor fabrication allows for a reliable operation at temperatures up to 350 °C. The capacitive sensor electrodes are enclosed within a silicon-based Faraday cage, ensuring effective shielding against external electrostatic interference. An innovative Through-Silicon Via (TSV) design, sealed using gold–gold (Au-Au) diffusion and gold–silicon (Au-Si) eutectic bonding, further enhances the mechanical and thermal stability of the sensors, even under high-temperature conditions. The unfilled TSV structure mitigates mechanical stress from thermal expansion. The sensors exhibited excellent performance, achieving a linearity of 99.994%, a thermal drift of −0.0164% FS (full scale)/K at full load and 350 °C, and a high sensitivity of 34 fF/kPa. These results highlight the potential of these sensors for high-performance applications across various demanding environments. Full article

Renewable energy is essential for reducing fossil fuel dependence and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This study compares the widely used passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells with advanced heterojunction technology (HJT) cells. Conducted in Lisbon during August 2022, this research evaluates the energy yield of PV installations over 400 W under challenging summer conditions. HJT cells, which combine monocrystalline silicon and amorphous layers, showed a 1.88% higher efficiency and a 3% to 6% increase in energy yield compared to PERC cells. This study also examines the effects of irradiance and temperature on performance using experiment field data. HJT modules are ideal for limited space or power constraints, offering long-term profitability, while PERC modules are more cost-effective for budget-limited projects. Full article

The rapid expansion of photovoltaic (PV) installations across Mediterranean Europe since 2007 has resulted in a substantial increase in the need for end-of-life (EoL) management strategies for monocrystalline PV modules. This paper reviews the technical challenges and opportunities associated with the recycling of PV modules, focusing on the physical, chemical, and thermal processes currently employed. Despite advancements in recycling technology, significant gaps remain in infrastructure and regulatory enforcement, particularly in Mediterranean countries. The recovery of valuable materials such as silicon, silver, and glass presents both economic and environmental benefits, although the costs of recycling remain a key barrier to widespread adoption. Our analysis suggests that optimizing these recycling processes could improve their profitability and scalability, enabling more effective resource recovery. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy and infrastructure development to support the sustainable management of PV waste across the Mediterranean region. Full article