Three-dimensional models of conventional and vertical junction laser-photovoltaic energy converters
Three-dimensional models of both conventional planar junction and vertical junction photovoltaic energy converters have been constructed. The models are a set of linear partial differential equations and take into account many photoconverter design parameters. The model is applied to Si photoconverters; however, the model may be used with other semiconductors. When used with a Nd laser, the conversion efficiency of the Si vertical junction photoconverter is 47 percent, whereas the efficiency for the conventional planar Si photoconverter is only 17 percent. A parametric study of the Si vertical junction photoconverter is then done in order to describe the optimum converter for use with the 1.06-micron Nd laser. The efficiency of this optimized vertical junction converter is 44 percent at 1 kW/sq cm.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA (USA). Langley Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 6828467
- Report Number(s):
- N-88-24111; NASA-TM-4039; L-16424; NAS-1.15:4039
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Summary of mathematical models for a conventional and vertical junction photoconverter. Progress report, 1 March-30 June 1986
Related Subjects
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CONFIGURATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DIMENSIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EQUATIONS
EQUIPMENT
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NEODYMIUM LASERS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
RADIATIONS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLID STATE LASERS