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2023 | Buch

PV Technology and Manufacturing

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Über dieses Buch

This book discusses the manufacturing processes of photovoltaic solar cells, from conventional silicon cells, to thin-film technologies and ending with the cutting-edge technologies of third-generation photovoltaics. The rapid advances in photovoltaic technologies are propelled by the discovery of new materials through innovative routes of synthesis and deposition. For example, the exponential enhancement in efficiencies of perovskite solar cells between years 2015 and 2020 is a direct result of the availability of new materials to capitalize on innovative manufacturing techniques. Currently, efficiencies of up to 25.5% are achieved by perovskite solar cells technologies.

This book is intended for scientists and engineers who are keen on having a solid understanding of conventional manufacturing processes of bulk silicon for photovoltaic purposes, as well as advanced processes used to synthesize materials for emerging photovoltaic technologies such as thin-film and third-generation PV. The book is designed to be self-contained to allow the reader to develop knowledge and experience in materials selection as well as a good understanding of pertinent manufacturing process to arrive at best device performance. The technologies presented are also analyzed for its energy and environmental impacts.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter
Introduction to Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing
Abstract
Solar photovoltaics are synonyms to renewable energy resources. It is rare to find a poster or a presentation about renewable energy without a photovoltaic panel in the background. This introduction is a concise presentation on the importance of manufacturing technologies on the price, development and prefoliation of the solar panels. It is important to realize how critical the effect of manufacturing technologies is on the performance and cost of panels, which will be gradually introduced throughout this book.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
First-Generation Photovoltaics: History and Conventional Manufacturing
Abstract
The conversion of solar energy into electricity has been sought since the 1800s. The augmentation of the once electrochemical system as a solid state device went hand-in-hand with the development of semiconductors. These semiconductors are made from ultra-fine silicon material that were doped with modifiers to make them behave as either positively or negatively charged materials. In this chapter, a brief history of PV manufacturing is presented, highlighting the proliferation of PV technology in the energy market over the years. A life cycle analysis (LCA) that will help in arriving at better PV device structure with recyclability and energy consciousness in mind.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Silicon Feedstock and Ultra-Refinement
Abstract
This chapter focuses on obtaining and refining silicon under the stringent requirements of the photovoltaic manufacturing industry. Starting with the carbothermal process; a well-established manufacturing process of silicon, other processes such as chemical vapor deposition for further silicon refinement are also introduced and their history discussed. Doping processes are also important so these are also discussed in detail.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Solar Grade Silicon Feedstock Properties
Abstract
There is more than the maturity of the semiconductor industry that makes silicon a lucrative material for photovoltaic device manufacturing. Other advantages include the suitability of silicon material to absorb solar radiation in the visible region, where most of the useful and energetic solar radiation resides. This chapter introduces the physical, optical, and chemical properties of silicon that aid it in occupying the high rank it does in energy conversion and production. This chapter also provides a concise description on performance calculations of silicon solar photovoltaic cells.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Manufacturing of Silicon Solar Cells and Modules
Abstract
To get from cell making to module making requires proper preparation of pristine wafers to be physically and electrically connected in series to achieve the rated output of a PV module. This chapter highlights the “silicon wafer to PV module” journey, with all pertinent steps of optically and electrically augmenting each wafer explained in details. The steps of connecting, co-firing and testing of the modules are also given.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Second-Generation Photovoltaics: Thin-Film Technologies
Abstract
The thin-film technologies are a direct answer to the monopoly of silicon materials in the PV market. With the silicon manufacturing processes being refined as art, the competition for high quality and low price has rendered small manufacturers incapable of competing in the silicon market. A new set of technologies and manufacturing processes have come to existence to allow a brand-new niche to flourish. The thin-film technologies use materials that can be applied directly to a substrate to form active photovoltaic layers that are independent of the silicon refining procedures of the past. This chapter features these manufacturing technologies.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Third-Generation Photovoltaics: Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)
Abstract
The investment in new PV technologies is important and is done by exploiting novel materials, materials processing, and manufacturing techniques to achieve performance levels that supersede those attained by classical counterparts. This chapter covers the unique materials and procedures utilized to produce dye-sensitized solar cells of the third-generation technologies. The chapter also includes a do-it-yourself project to provide the reader with a chance to build and test a dye-sensitized solar cell.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Third-Generation Photovoltaics: Organic Photovoltaics (OPV)
Abstract
The investment in novel PV technology is an important tool to exploit novel materials and material processing and manufacturing technologies to achieve performance levels that supersede those attained by classical materials and processes. The following chapter highlights the novelty of materials and processes used to produce the third-generation technology of organic solar cells and latest manufacturing technologies.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Third-generation Photovoltaics: Perovskite Solar Cells (PSC)
Abstract
The investment in novel PV technology is an important tool to exploit novel materials and materials processing and manufacturing technologies to achieve performance levels that supersede those attained by classical materials and processes. The following chapter highlights the novelty of materials and processes used to produce the third-generation technology of perovskite solar cells and latest manufacturing technologies. The chapter also contains a DIY project that shows a step-by-step execution and manufacturing procedure.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Recent Advances in Solar Cells
Abstract
This chapter outlines the recent technologies in solar cells and their advancements in supporting various industries to achieve greater efficiency and compatibility. For example, the agrivoltaic technology is discussed. This technology integrates food, energy and sometimes water security. Other topics focus on more novel and sustainable cell manufacturing technologies that will push the utilization of PV technology further, such as tandem cells as well as innovative metallic transparent substrates.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Characterization Techniques for Photovoltaics Manufacturing
Abstract
Although most relevant characterization techniques were mentioned throughout the previous chapters of the book, this chapter is a standalone reference on such techniques that will be important for any PV fabrication process.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Third-Generation Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Processes
Abstract
Most of the manufacturing techniques mentioned in this chapter have been visited in the previous chapters of this book. However, they are presented here in more details and comprehensive description, making this chapter a self-contained reference.
Abdul Hai Alami, Shamma Alasad, Haya Aljaghoub, Mohamad Ayoub, Adnan Alashkar, Ayman Mdallal, Ranem Hasan
Metadaten
Titel
PV Technology and Manufacturing
herausgegeben von
Abdul Hai Alami
Copyright-Jahr
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-31349-3
Print ISBN
978-3-031-31348-6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31349-3