ENGINEERING TRIPOS PART IIB 2012/2013

Module 4B14 - Solar Electronic Power:
Generation and Distribution

AIMS

The aim of the module is to introduce solar electronic (photovoltaic) power within a total system context. There are two distinct parts to the module. The first covers the main solar cell types, and studies the underlying physical principles behind photovoltaic solar energy conversion. The second examines the manufacture of photovoltaic cells and the design aspects necessary to maximise performance. The course ends with an overview of some of the upcoming technologies. Economic and political factors surrounding the photovoltaic industry are discussed throughout the course.

LECTURE SYLLABUS (Dr. Hiralal, Dr. Flewitt and Professor G.A.J. Amaratunga)

• Lecture 1 - The role of solar energy in terrestrial power generation and the photovoltaic effect
• Lecture 2 - Underlying physical principles of p-n junction solar cells
• Lecture 3 - Crystalline and amorphous Si
• Lecture 4 -Amorphous Si PN solar cells
• Lecture 5- Solar power design study and cell demonstration
• Lecture 6 - Equivalent circuit representation, efficiency calculation
• Lecture 7 – Solar cell manufacture process
• Lecture 8 - Factors limiting the efficiency of solar cells
• Lectures 9 - Design of solar cells to maximise efficiency
• Lectures 10 - New materials and technologies
• Lectures 11 - Policy issues related to use of solar energy and current status
• Lectures 12 - Seminar given by guest speaker from industry and/or policy body

COURSEWORK

Experimental work measuring two types of solar cells, crystalline Si and low-cost amorphous Si, and design exercise for application in a typical domestic consumer environment.

OBJECTIVES

On completion of the module, students should:

• Understand clearly the physical operating principles of solid state photovoltaic solar cells.
• Be aware of the main engineering aspects of maximising energy conversion efficiency from solar cells.
• Know how connection of solar cells into power modules is achieved.
• Be up to date on the latest technical developments leading to enhanced photovoltaic energy conversion.
• Appreciate the interaction of environmental, social, economic and political factors which are rapidly changing to promote the use of photovoltaic power generation.
• Be aware of the benefits of using solar power generation for substantial economic development across the planet.

REFERENCES

Please see the Booklist for Group B Courses for references for this module.

Last updated: September 2012
teaching-office@eng.cam.ac.uk