Optimization methods and silicon solar cell numerical models. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:6350082

Girardini, K; Jacobsen, S E

An optimization algorithm for use with numerical silicon solar cell models was developed. By coupling an optimization algorithm with a solar cell model, it is possible to simultaneously vary design variables such as impurity concentrations, front junction depth, back junction depth, and cell thickness to maximize the predicted cell efficiency. An optimization algorithm was developed and interfaced with the Solar Cell Analysis Program in 1 Dimension (SCAP1D). SCAP1D uses finite difference methods to solve the differential equations which, along with several relations from the physics of semiconductors, describe mathematically the performance of a solar cell. A major obstacle is that the numerical methods used in SCAP1D require a significant amount of computer time, and during an optimization the model is called iteratively until the design variables converge to the values associated with the maximum efficiency. This problem was alleviated by designing an optimization code specifically for use with numerically intensive simulations, to reduce the number of times the efficiency has to be calculated to achieve convergence to the optimal solution.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Los Angeles (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6350082
• Report Number(s): N-87-22301; NASA-CR-180917; JPL-9950-1254; NAS-1.26:180917
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
ALGORITHMS
DATA
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUATIONS
EQUIPMENT
INFORMATION
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUMERICAL DATA
OPTIMIZATION
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
THEORETICAL DATA