| Abstract | The lecture provides an introduction to the theoretical foundations and numerical approaches for the simulation of photovoltaic power conversion, from the microscopic description of component materials to macroscopic continuum modelling of solar cells and network simulation or effective models for performance prediction of entire solar modules. |
| Learning objective | Get an overview of the current status of photovoltaic technology. Understand the physics of photovoltaic energy conversion and solar cell device operation. Know how to obtain and assess by simulation the key material properties and device parameters. Be able to use standard device simulation tools to analyze, optimize, and predict the performance of solar cells and modules. |
| Content | Photovoltaic technology: history and overview; The solar spectrum; Thermodynamics of solar energy conversion; Detailed balance models and efficiency limit; Microscopic rates of charge carrier generation and recombination; Optical simulation of solar cells; Models for charge transport in semiconductor devices; High-efficiency wafer-based (silicon) photovoltaics; Thin film photovoltaics based on disordered materials (amorphous silicon, organic PV); High-efficiency thin film photovoltaics (CIGS, CdTe, metal-halide perovskites); PV beyond the single junction detailed balance (Shockley-Queisser) limit; Simulation of photovoltaic modules; Energy yield and performance modelling for PV systems; Quantum simulation of nanostructure-based solar cell devices (bonus lecture) |
| Literature | - P. Würfel &U. Würfel, „Physics of Solar Cells – From Basic Principles to Advanced Concepts“, Wiley-VCH, 2005.
- J. Nelson, „Physics of Solar Cells“, Imperial College Press, 2003.
- M. A. Green, „Solar cells: operating principles, technology, and system applications“, Prentice Hall, 1982.
- B. K. Ridley, "Quantum Processes in Semiconductors", Oxford Science Publications, 1993.
- P.T. Landsberg, "Recombination in semiconductors", Cambridge University Pr., 1991.
- C. Hamaguchi, "Basic Semiconductor Physics", Springer, Berlin, 2001. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Undergraduate physics (including basic quantum mechanics), mathematics, semiconductor devices, optics. Knowledge of some scripting language (e.g. python) is of advantage. |
Competencies | | Subject-specific Competencies | Concepts and Theories | assessed | | Techniques and Technologies | assessed | | Method-specific Competencies | Analytical Competencies | assessed | | Decision-making | fostered | | Media and Digital Technologies | fostered | | Problem-solving | assessed | | Project Management | fostered | | Social Competencies | Communication | fostered | | Cooperation and Teamwork | fostered | | Customer Orientation | fostered | | Leadership and Responsibility | fostered | | Self-presentation and Social Influence | fostered | | Sensitivity to Diversity | fostered | | Negotiation | fostered | | Personal Competencies | Adaptability and Flexibility | fostered | | Creative Thinking | assessed | | Critical Thinking | assessed | | Integrity and Work Ethics | fostered | | Self-awareness and Self-reflection | fostered | | Self-direction and Self-management | fostered |
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Performance assessment as a semester course