Application of thin films to solar energy utilization

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.568805· OSTI ID:7354011

Mattox, D M

The principal areas of utilization of thin films and coatings in the harnessing of solar energy are (1) thermal control of structures, where reflecting or partially reflecting coatings and antireflection coatings are used to control incident solar radiation or to retain thermal energy; (2) photothermal conversion where solar energy is converted to low-grade heat (<150 degreeC) using reflector films, antireflection coatings, and selective solar absorber coatings; (3) photothermal/electrical conversion where solar energy is concentrated and converted to high-grade heat which is used to power a turbine; and (4) photovoltaic conversion where solar energy is converted directly into electrical energy using semiconductor films and junctions, transparent conductors, antireflection coatings, and metal electrode films. Films may be used in all of these areas for environmental protection. Several thin film systems have applications rather unique to solar energy. These include selective solar absorbers which have a high absorptivity for solar energy and a low emissivity in the ir, solar-transparent electrical conductors such as tin oxide which are also good ir reflectors, and semiconductor films and junctions capable of efficiently converting solar energy into electrical energy (photovoltaic) or into chemical energy by photoelectrolysis. Selective solar absorber films may be selective due to interference effects, bulk properties, morphological properties, or a combination of effects. There are a number of ways to form selective solar absorbers, but oxide coatings formed by chemical conversion on steel or copper and electrodeposited black chrome (Cr/Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/) coatings on steel or aluminum seem to be the most attractive for low temperature applications. Thermal oxides appear to be the most useful (AIP)

• Research Organization: Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87115
• OSTI ID: 7354011
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 13:1; ISSN JVSTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
141000 -- Solar Collectors &amp; Concentrators
ANTIREFLECTION COATINGS
COATINGS
CONVERSION
COST
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DOCUMENT TYPES
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
FILMS
JUNCTIONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
REVIEWS
SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION