Pacheco M.A.
Pontifical Catholic University, Rio de Janeiro, BR
Keywords: genetic algorithms, optimization, quantum well, solar cell
In this work, a study of quantum well solar cells (QWSCs) is carried through. The use of quantum wells was pointed as a tool to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic. The objective is to describe a methodology based on genetic algorithms (GA) for design and analysis of this type of device and to establish directive to construct an optimized cell using this technology. We performed a GA optimization on several QWSCs parameters at once, namely doping density, material composition, well length and well numbers. In order to evaluate the cell efficiency at each optimization step, we used an adapted model for QWSCs presented in the specialized literature. The results are in accordance with experimental data. It demonstrates the capacity of quantum wells to increase the efficiency of a cell and it also provides a first insight into how to improve QWSCs efficiency. The optimized solar cell which is illuminated by AM1.5 spectrum is compared with a homojunction cell with the same configuration.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2012 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 22 - 25
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Solar Technologies
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6277-6