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2009
Journal Article
Titel
III-V multi-junction solar cells - Simulation and experimental realization
Abstract
III-V multi-junction solar cells are the state-of-the-art approach for high-efficiency photovoltaic energy conversion. Due to the structural complexity of these devices numerical modelling and simulation for analysis and optimization has found increasing attention in recent years. This work presents an overview of the modelling techniques for III-V multi-junction solar cells applied at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). These are in particular the detailed balance model used in the program "etaOpt", the numerical semiconductor simulation using Sentaurus TCAD from Synopsys as well as classical network simulations. Our latest modelling results, the capabilities of the different approaches as well as their limitations are discussed. In addition, a focus is set on a recent record triple-junction solar cell with an efficiency of 41.1% at a concentration ratio of 454 suns. Its key design factors are indicated and it is shown in which aspects numerical modelling supported this development and what extensions will be needed in the future.
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