Progress in solar technologies – from research to application
EU group project presents its results: high efficiencies with less material
A workshop entitled "European Solar Technology Forum – from Research to Industrial Application" took place at HZB to conclude of the European CHEETAH project on November 30, 2017. More than 100 participants from the most important European research institutes in the field of photovoltaics and from numerous universities came together with representatives from industry in order to discuss the progress achieved by CHEETAH.
Three different types of soclar cells have been greatly improved:
Silicon photovoltaics: wafer thickness cut by half
Efforts in the field of silicon photovoltaics have been directed towards the use of ever-thinner wafers in manufacturing photovoltaic modules. Several modules whose cells were 90-100 microns thick were presented at the workshop. These enable considerable savings in materials compared to standard modules with cell thicknesses of 180 microns.
Reducing material consumption in chalcopyrite solar cells by implementing an integrated lens system.
The approach to saving materials in thin-film solar cells made of chalkopyrites (Cu(In,Ga)Se2) was different: the cells were reduced in area and an integrated lens system incorporated into the module to concentrate the sunlight irradiating the cells. The goal is to achieve an efficiency level at least as high as that of current commercial modules while using considerably less material. The first prototypes already demonstrate that the method works in principle and can even reach higher efficiency levels than standard cells under certain circumstances due to the higher light intensity.
Extending the operating life of hybrid solar cells
The third topic in CHEETAH involved organic and hybrid solar cells. In this part of the project, polymer encapsulation materials were measured in an extensive series of tests and correlated with the operating life of the cells. The operating life of these solar cells could be increased to several years using the best of these polymers.
The presentations can be viewed here
- More time for discussionsThe South African chemist Denzil Moodley is the first Industrial Research Fellow at HZB. He is playing a leading role in the CARE-O-SENE project. The Fellowship program aims to further accelerate the development of an efficient catalyst for a sustainable aviation fuel. An interview about the CARE-O-SENE project and why it is so important for scientists from industry and public research to work together.
- Perovskites: Hybrid materials as highly sensitive X-ray detectorsNew bismuth-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials show exceptional sensitivity and long-term stability as X-ray detectors, significantly more sensitive than commercial X-ray detectors. In addition, these materials can be produced without solvents by ball milling, a mechanochemical synthesis process that is environmentally friendly and scalable. More sensitive detectors would allow for a reduction in the radiation exposure during X-ray examinations.
- Electrical energy storage: BAM, HZB, and HU Berlin plan joint Berlin Battery LabThe Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Berlin Battery Lab. The lab will pool the expertise of the three institutions to advance the development of sustainable battery technologies. The joint research infrastructure will also be open to industry for pioneering projects in this field.