Researchers at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering and the Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science at the University of New South Wales in Australia have recently discovered that two methods, using single-linear fission and tandem solar cells, can generate solar energy more efficiently while helping to reduce operating temperatures and extend the life of equipment, introducing a new paradigm for the development of a new generation of solar technology, according to the U.S. "Daily Science" Web site reported on the 10th.
Tandem cells can be made from a combination of silicon and new compounds such as chalcogenide nanocrystals, which have a larger band gap than silicon and help devices capture more of the solar spectrum for power generation.
The best solution for conventional solar cells is to produce one electron per photon as a carrier of electrical energy. In contrast, single-linear fission technology produces twice as many electrons as in the conventional case, i.e., one photon excites two electrons. Among the devices that enable single-linear fission is the parallel tetrabenzene, which transfers the energy produced by single-linear fission into silicon.
Scientists and engineers around the world are working to find the best way to integrate tandem cells and the single-linear state fission process into commercially available solar devices to replace the traditional single-junction silicon solar cells commonly found on rooftops and in large-scale arrays.
This time, some of the key advantages of tandem cells and single-linear state fission are highlighted in the researchers' work. The researchers showed that both the silicon/calcium tandem cell and the parallel tetraphenylene-based single-linear state fission cell can operate at lower temperatures compared to conventional silicon devices. This will reduce the impact of heat loss on the device, extend the life of the device and reduce the energy cost of device production.
For example, a 5°C-10°C reduction in module operating temperature corresponds to a 2%-4% increase in electricity production per year. It is commonly found that for every 10°C reduction in temperature, the life of the device doubles. This represents an increase of 3.1 years in the lifetime of series-connected cells and 4.5 years in the lifetime of single-wire state fission cells.
In addition, single-linear state fission cells have another benefit. When the paratetraphenyl inevitably degrades, it becomes transparent to solar radiation, allowing the cell to continue to function as a conventional silicon device.
The commercial value of photovoltaic technology can be realized either by increasing energy conversion efficiency or by extending operational lifetime," said Dr. Jessica Yatje, lead author of the research. The former is the main driver for the development of next-generation technologies, while (previously) little consideration has been given to the latter, namely the potential lifetime advantage."
