Optimizing Structures Based on Chalcopyrite Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
El Hadji Mamadou Keita,
Fallou Mbaye,
Bachirou Ndiaye,
Chamsdine Sow,
Cheikh Sene,
Babacar Mbow
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
53-67
Received:
26 May 2022
Accepted:
27 June 2022
Published:
12 July 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajee.20221003.11
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Abstract: In this work we study the importance of optimizing the parameters of photoconductive layers to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell. We compare the evolution of the performance of solar cells based on chalcopyrite materials by considering a non-decreasing band gap structure named model (a) based on the structure ZnO(n+)/CdS(n)/CuInSe2(p)/CuInS2(p+) and a decreasing band gap structure named model (b) based on the structure ZnO(n+)/CdS(n)/CuInS2(p)/CuInSe2(p+). The two structures are composed of 4 layers named respectively region 1, region 2, region 3 (base), region 4 (substrate); between regions 2 and 3 is located the space charge region (SCR) where exists a high electric field. The calculation of the external quantum efficiency of the cell and the short-circuit photocurrent density by numerical calculation are established by using the continuity equation of charge carriers and parameters such as the absorption coefficient, diffusion length which models the purity of the material, recombination velocities at the surface and at the interface which models their states, the thicknesses of the different layers, the solar irradiation. The results obtained applied to models (a) and (b), are presented in the form of tables and curves widely analyzed and commented. Considering first the same standard parameters, the model (a) whose absorption threshold is localized in the space charge region and the base, gives the best performance compared to model (b) whose absorption threshold is localized in the substrate. However, the optimization of the parameters, shows an improvement of the performances of the two models but above all a great evolution of the performances of the model (b) which external quantum efficiency becomes appreciably equal to that of the model (a). The short-circuit photocurrent density for solar spectra (AM0, AM1, AM1.5) evolves from (44.92 mA.cm-2; 33.031 mA.cm-2; 30.179 mA.cm-2) → (48.119 mA.cm-2; 35.155 mA.cm-2; 32.188 mA.cm-2) for the model (a), and evolves from (24.525 mA.cm-2; 19.309 mA.cm-2; 17.507 mA.cm-2) → (46.841 mA.cm-2; 34.303 mA.cm-2; 31.388 mA.cm-2) for the model (b).
Abstract: In this work we study the importance of optimizing the parameters of photoconductive layers to improve the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell. We compare the evolution of the performance of solar cells based on chalcopyrite materials by considering a non-decreasing band gap structure named model (a) based on the structure ZnO(n+)/CdS(n)/CuInSe2(p)/C...
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Characterization of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Red Clay Mixed with Rice Straw for Thermal Insulation of Buildings
Bouto Kossi Imbga,
Emmanuel Ouedraogo,
Alfred Bayala,
Hamado Ouedraogo,
Frederic Ouattara,
Florent Kieno
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
68-74
Received:
31 July 2022
Accepted:
31 August 2022
Published:
16 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajee.20221003.12
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Abstract: This article presents an experimental study on the determination of the characteristics of local materials used for the construction of building walls. The use of these materials makes it possible to solve two major problems in the building sector, namely the reduction of the cost of constrictions and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal and mechanical properties of red clay used in construction in the peri-urban areas of the city of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. The thermal properties were estimated with the box method and the compressive strengths were determined using a press equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. The thermal conductivity evolves according to the mass of the straw in the clay. It is 0.328 W.m-1.K-1, for a clay without straw. This value decreases by 32.26%, 43.29% and 57.01% respectively when 1%, 2% and 3% of the straw mass is added to the mixture. The mechanical resistance is 0.786 MPa for a clay without straw. This value decreases by 22.26%, 43.76% and 28.88% respectively when 1%, 2% and 3% of the straw mass is added to the mixture. These stabilized bricks will improve the thermal and mechanical performance of building walls.
Abstract: This article presents an experimental study on the determination of the characteristics of local materials used for the construction of building walls. The use of these materials makes it possible to solve two major problems in the building sector, namely the reduction of the cost of constrictions and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions...
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Performance Comparison of Manual Single Axis Sun-Tracking Photovoltaic (PV) with Fixed System PV Panels in Jordan
Layali Mohammad Abu Hussein,
Mohammad Fathi Musa
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2022
Pages:
75-84
Received:
22 August 2022
Accepted:
8 September 2022
Published:
21 September 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajee.20221003.13
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Abstract: This work aims to study the performance of standard fixed photovoltaic (PV) solar systems and compare it to single axis tracking photovoltaic solar system. The study has two parts: experimental part and simulation part. In the experimental analysis, two identical mounting grid connected PV systems 125kWp with same PV modules and inverters are installed under Jordan climate condition for ten months start from April to January. The PV panels are installed using either fixed mount with tilt angle 25 degree and single axis manual tracking (North - South tracking system). The measured data for these different mounting cases of PV system are analyzed and compared together. The data has been collected using data loggers every fifteen minutes, recorded then analyzed. The experimental result showed that the output power injected into grid increased in total by approximately 9.69% as compared with the fixed system of 25̊ tilted angle. Both Fixed and tracking PV systems are applied into PVSYS simulation tool to investigate the performance using solar radiation data for Amman, Jordan. the simulation tool showed that the power gained from single axis tracking system increased by 12.83%. The simulation results are compared with measured data which is approximately close to the result from experimental study. The percentage of difference between experimental output power and simulation result is very small, it doesn't exceed 0.440% using single axis tracking system. While the difference in fixed system is bigger, it is approximately 4.00%.
Abstract: This work aims to study the performance of standard fixed photovoltaic (PV) solar systems and compare it to single axis tracking photovoltaic solar system. The study has two parts: experimental part and simulation part. In the experimental analysis, two identical mounting grid connected PV systems 125kWp with same PV modules and inverters are insta...
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