Showing papers on "Photovoltaic system published in 1977"
TL;DR: In this article, a system simulation program for comparing the energy costs associated with various alternative concentrating photovoltaic solar systems to energy costs expected with flat arrays is described, and the application to linear focus and point focus concentrators is presented in a parameterized way.
169 citations
TL;DR: The measurements with monochromatic illumination agree with the predictions of a mathematical model developed to take account of reemission following the absorption of luminescence, but there is a need for further spectral sensitization and for reduced matrix loss coefficient.
Abstract: Luminescent greenhouse solar collectors are potentially useful for concentrating sunlight onto photovoltaic power cells. Measurements of the performance of small-scale collectors made of two commercially available materials (Owens-Illinois ED2 neodymium-doped laser glass and rhodamine 6G-doped plastic) are presented. The results are encouraging, but they indicate a need for further spectral sensitization and for reduced matrix loss coefficient. The measurements with monochromatic illumination agree with the predictions of a mathematical model developed to take account of reemission following the absorption of luminescence. Under solar illumination, the model predicts photon flux concentrations of about 15 for optimized full-scale collectors made of the materials studied and concentrations of 110 for reasonably improved glass.
108 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a method of calculating the series resistance as a function of grid geometry is presented with the following assumptions: (1) current generation is uniform over the area of the cell; (2) the thickness of the upper semiconductor layer is very much smaller than the lateral dimensions of a cell; and (3) the resistance of the grid electrode is much less than the sheet resistance of a layer.
Abstract: Most photovoltaic solar cells use some type of light-transmitting grid electrode on the upper surface to reduce series resistance losses as the current is collected. The geometry of this grid is chosen through consideration of optical transparency and series resistance. A method of calculating the series resistance as a function of grid geometry is presented here with the following assumptions: (1) current generation is uniform over the area of the cell; (2) the thickness of the upper semiconductor layer is very much smaller than the lateral dimensions of the cell; (3) the resistance of the grid electrode is much less than the sheet resistance of the upper semiconductor layer, and (4) the current flow in the layer is ohmic. These assumptions will be satisfied for most solar cells of interest. The method is then applied to several representative grid geometries and the results are compared with previous calculations in the literature.
107 citations
Patent•
27 Jul 1977TL;DR: In this article, a thin-film fluorescent material is optically bonded by an adhesive or viscous, transparent medium to a massive slab of transparent material such as glass or plastic.
Abstract: Apparatus for concentrating radiant energy such as solar radiation, collected over a large area, to a smaller area for more efficient conversion of the radiant energy to a more useful form of energy. Fluorescent material in a thin film form is optically bonded by an adhesive or viscous, transparent medium to a massive slab of transparent material such as glass or plastic. Energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, are disposed around the edges of the slab.
104 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that for a single photochemical system operating at 20°C in sunlight not attenuated by the atmosphere, this efficiency cannot exceed 29% and for a solar converter composed of two photochemical systems, it can reach 41%.
Abstract: Entropy and unavoidable irreversibility place a limit on the efficiency of photochemical solar energy conversion which is substantially lower than that placed by the first law of thermodynamics alone. Shockley and Queisser’s ’’detailed balance limit’’ on the efficiency of p‐n‐junction photovoltaic devices is a special case of this general thermodynamic limit on the efficiency of all quantum‐utilizing solar energy converters. For a single photochemical system operating at 20 °C in sunlight not attenuated by the atmosphere, this efficiency cannot exceed 29%. Under the same conditions, the efficiency of a solar converter composed of two photochemical systems can reach 41%.
99 citations
Patent•
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TL;DR: An energy absorbing venetian blind type device for generating electricity,roviding heat, and serving as a sun shade is described in this article, where a plurality of slats covered with an array of photovoltaic cells are enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing.
Abstract: An energy absorbing venetian blind type device for generating electricity,roviding heat, and serving as a sun shade. A plurality of slats covered with an array of photovoltaic cells are enclosed between two panes of glass of a window housing. A heat removal system using forced air cools the photovoltaic cells and collects heat for heating purposes elsewhere. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic cells is collected for immediate use or stored in storage batteries for later use.
85 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) was proposed as an alternative to the commercially available photovoltaic cells for the direct conversion of sunlight into electrical energy.
Abstract: The photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) furnishes an alternative to the commercially available photovoltaic cells for the direct conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. It has the distinct advantage over a photovoltaic cell in that storage of the converted energy is possible in situ. Some general principles connected with storage in a PEC are discussed, and experimental evidence is given that, after due development, this mode may be able to compete with the combination photovoltaic cell/storage battery.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the semiconductor liquid junction cell n- GaAs/0.8 M K 2 Se-0.1 M K2 Se 2 -1M KOH/C has been shown to attain 9 percent photovoltaic power conversion efficiency in sunlight.
Abstract: The semiconductor liquid junction cell n- GaAs/0.8 M K 2 Se-0.1 M K 2 Se 2 - 1 M KOH/C has been shown to attain 9 percent photovoltaic power conversion efficiency in sunlight. Accelerated tests under 3100°K light sources of several solar intensities indicate very low photocorrosion currents and high output stability.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the epitaxial growth of CdS on p-type InP using the close-spaced technique has been used to obtain good rectification and photovoltaic properties.
Abstract: Heterojunction solar cells have been made by epitaxial growth of CdS on p-type InP using the close-spaced technique. Good rectification and photovoltaic properties have been observed in the cells grown on the (110) face of InP. The characteristics of the most efficient cell are Voc = 807 mV, the fill factor = 0.74 and the power conversion efficiency = 14.4% under the solar input of 77 mW/cm2. The photovoltaic properties of the cells obtained in this experiment are better than those reported elsewhere, and this is attributed to the superiority of the growth system to those of others in points that the junction is formed at relatively high temperature in a short time.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of microwave beaming of satellite-collected solar energy to earth for conversion to useful industrial power is evaluated for feasibility, with attention given to system efficiencies and costs, ecological impact, hardware to be employed, available options for energy conversion and transmission, and orbiting and assembly.
Abstract: Microwave beaming of satellite-collected solar energy to earth for conversion to useful industrial power is evaluated for feasibility, with attention given to system efficiencies and costs, ecological impact, hardware to be employed, available options for energy conversion and transmission, and orbiting and assembly. Advantages of such a power generation and conversion system are listed, plausible techniques for conversion of solar energy (thermionic, thermal electric, photovoltaic) and transmission to earth (lasers, arrays of mirrors, microwave beams) are compared. Structural fatigue likely to result from brief daily eclipses, 55% system efficiency at the present state of the art, present projections of system costs, and projected economic implications of the technology are assessed. Two-stage orbiting and assembly plans are described.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used nonsingle crystalline silicon, which is characterized by controlled size and structure of the individual grains, for large-area solar cell fabrication and achieved AM0 efficiency of 12.5 percent (AM1 value equivalent 14.0 percent).
Abstract: Low-cost approaches to solar cell manufacture require the use of inexpensive low-grade nonsingle crystalline silicon. Earlier experimental results indicate that conventional polysilicon, as it is used as ingot for the single crystal growing process, leads to solar cells of poor photovoltaic performance. These problems were overcome by utilizing unconventional nonsingle crystalline silicon, which is characterized by controlled size and structure of the individual grains. With modified processing, optimized in respect to the unique structure of the material, large-area solar cells could be realized under production scheme methods. Cells exhibiting dimensions up to 11 cm × 11 cm were fabricated, AM0 efficiencies of 8 percent could be achieved corresponding to AM1 values exceeding 10 percent. On test samples of 2 cm × 2 cm area AM0 efficiency Of 12.5 percent (AM1 value equivalent 14.0 percent) could be reached. The new material together with the optimized processes offer potentials for significant cost reduction by virtue of their being applicable to volume production and to automated fabrication techniques.
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of the heter-junction interface and its dependence on material properties is discussed and various fabrication methods are discussed and their application to the different types of heter-structures.
Abstract: Heterojunctions have interesting optical properties which make them attractive for solar cells. Several types of heterostructure solar cells have been investigated: heteroface, abrupt heterojunction, and graded-gap heterojunction solar cells. The primary advantage of heterostructure cells is the enhanced short-wavelength response although there is potential for low-cost cells with polycrystalline material. The improvement in solar-cell performance for heterojunctions depends upon the selection of semiconductors with useful energy gaps that are closely matched in lattice-spacing and thermal-expansion coefficients. The importance of the heterojunction interface and its dependence on material properties is discussed. Various fabrication methods are discussed and their application to the different types of heterostructures. Recent performance data for material systems representative of each type of heterostructure cell are discussed and considered in terms of maximum expected performance.
Book•
01 Jan 1977
TL;DR: In this article, the assessment of solar energy systems, solar system components and performance, and applications to heating and cooling is presented, together with thirteen individually abstracted articles dealing with the assessment and evaluation of solar systems.
Abstract: This report contains thirteen individually abstracted articles dealing with the assessment of solar energy systems, solar system components and performance, and applications to heating and cooling.
TL;DR: The OSE Project aims at developing the technology to utilize solar energy for heating, cooling, and hot water supply on the basis of various technology for energy conservation in buildings as discussed by the authors.
Patent•
30 Aug 1977
TL;DR: In this article, a modular assembly of a solar energy concentrator having a photovoltaic energy receiver with passive cooling is provided, where cell means are fixedly coupled to a radiant energy concentrators and tension bias a large area heat sink against the cell thereby allowing the cell to expand or contract with respect to the heat sink due to differential heat expansion.
Abstract: There is provided a modular assembly of a solar energy concentrator having a photovoltaic energy receiver with passive cooling Solar cell means are fixedly coupled to a radiant energy concentrator Tension means bias a large area heat sink against the cell thereby allowing the cell to expand or contract with respect to the heat sink due to differential heat expansion
Patent•
12 Jul 1977TL;DR: In this paper, a solar array having solar cells mounted on a substrate and electrically joined by rear connector elements on the substrate and front connector elements secured between the cells to the substrate is fabricated by placing the array components in assembled relation and utilizing induction heating to heat to their fusion temperatures.
Abstract: A solar array having solar cells mounted on a substrate and electrically joined by rear connector elements on the substrate and front connector elements secured between the cells to the substrate is fabricated by placing the array components in assembled relation and utilizing induction heating to heat to their fusion temperatures a thermoplastic adhesive layer on the substrate and contacting fusible cladding on the solar cells and the connector elements while retaining the components in firm contact to effect adhesive bonding of the solar cells and front connector elements to the substrate and metallic bonding of the solar cells and connector elements to one another.
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical upper limit of efficiency for a photovoltaic solar cell which uses a semiconductor with a single energy gap is obtained. But this limit is not based on a particular material or type of device and may be used with any solar or absorption spectrum.
Abstract: A theoretical upper limit of efficiency is obtained for a photovoltaic solar cell which uses a semiconductor with a single energy gap. This limit is not based on a particular material or type of device and may be used with any solar or absorption spectrum.
TL;DR: In this article, a description of the equipment used in the experiment, taking into account the surplus solar panel from the Mariner 4 spacecraft which was used as a solar array source and an electrolytic hydrogen generator, is presented.
01 Aug 1977
TL;DR: The role of solar energy is investigated to establish its potential contributions to meeting future energy demands on a significant national and world scale as mentioned in this paper, which provides the background for considering the advantages of converting solar energy in space.
Abstract: The role of solar energy is being investigated to establish its potential contributions to meeting future energy demands on a significant national and world scale. This role is briefly reviewed to provide the background for considering the advantages of converting solar energy in space. The technology options for converting solar energy in space and transmitting power to earth are outlined. The design concepts of the SSPS based on thermal-electric and photovoltaic conversion are examined and salient characteristics are provided. Details of microwave power generation, beam transmission, and rectification and utility power pool interfaces are discussed. The requirements for a space transportation system, orbital assembly, maintenance and manufacturing in space are reviewed. The results of economic projections of SSPS operations are presented, utility economics outlined, and institutional impacts and legal status of the use of outer space considered. The environmental impacts of SSPS operations, such as stratospheric pollution by space vehicle exhaust products and of the microwave beam, including atmospheric attenuation and scattering, ionospheric propagation, and microwave biological effects are highlighted. A development program for the SSPS is outlined and critical technology areas which will have to be developed before the SSPS can be commercialized are mentioned.
Book•
01 Jan 1977TL;DR: Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies) Bookeveryone.com as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Book file PDF easily for everyone and every device. You can download and read online Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies) file PDF Book only if you are registered here. And also you can download or read online all Book PDF file that related with Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies) book. Happy reading Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies) Bookeveryone. Download file Free Book PDF Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies) at Complete PDF Library. This Book have some digital formats such us :paperbook, ebook, kindle, epub, fb2 and another formats. Here is The Complete PDF Book Library. It's free to register here to get Book file PDF Sun Power: An Introduction to the Applications of Solar Energy (Pergamon international library of science, technology, engineering and social studies).
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed theoretical analysis of transient photocurrent, photovoltage and photoconductivity of a solar cell is presented, considering the actual absorption coefficient of light and a finite surface recombination velocity.
Abstract: Transient photovoltaic effects are frequently used for measurement of lifetime of the carriers in solar cells. A detailed theoretical analysis of transient photocurrent, photovoltage and photoconductivity of a solar cell is presented, considering the actual absorption coefficient of light and a finite surface recombination velocity. Application of the theory to the measurement of lifetime of the carriers in discussed. Decay time of photocurrent for a very thin cell comes out to be independent of the lifetime of the carriers but is found to depend on its thickness. This is in agreement with the experimental observation of earlier workers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the least square method to determine the I-V characteristic of the solar cell from experimental data, where all data points were considered and the five parameters of the cell equation were transformed to a three parameter equation, resulting in a simplified solution.
Patent•
TL;DR: In this article, an active solar energy system comprising an array of solar collectors, a pumping device to circulate fluid therethrough and a storage tank to contain the heated fluid is presented, driven by an electric motor and a solar-electric power transducer system energizes the motor.
Abstract: An active solar energy system comprising an array of solar collectors, a pumping device to circulate fluid therethrough and a storage tank to contain the heated fluid. The pump is driven by an electric motor and a solar-electric power transducer system energizes the motor, whereby the fluid is circulated through the collector system whenever sunlight is available. The heated fluid from the collector array, as well as the unheated fluid from the source are delivered to a mixing vessel from which the mixture fluid is delivered to a storage tank to meet demands.
IBM1
TL;DR: A review of solar cells for terrestrial applications is given in this article, where four major categories of cells are discussed: silicon, cadmium sulfide, devices for sunlight concentration, and thin film cells.
Patent•
28 Mar 1977TL;DR: In this article, a plurality of arrays of solar cells are symmetrically stored about a spacecraft during launch to provide symmetrical loading, and when the spacecraft is in operational configuration, the arrays are deployed adjacent each other on one side of the spacecraft to effectively form a single array and the single array may be oriented to face the sun by a common drive mechanism.
Abstract: A plurality of arrays of solar cells are symmetrically stored about a spacecraft during launch to provide symmetrical loading. When the spacecraft is in operational configuration, the solar arrays are deployed adjacent each other on one side of the spacecraft to effectively form a single array and the single array may be oriented to face the sun by a common drive mechanism.
Patent•
01 Jul 1977
TL;DR: In this article, a D.C. current flow is created in the metal structure, which causes a hydrogen ion film to form on the structure which insulates it from the electrolyte.
Abstract: Metallic structures located in an electrolyte, such as soil or water, for example, tend to corrode. In order to prevent metal loss from the structure due to corrosion, a D.C. current flow is created in the metal structure. This current flow causes a hydrogen ion film to form on the structure which insulates it from the electrolyte. The direct current is supplied to the metal structure by a combination of a solar array and storage batteries. During peak solar activity, the solar array both charges the batteries and supplies current to the metal structure. When the batteries are fully charged, the batteries are disconnected and the entire solar array output is applied to the metal structure. If solar activity decreases below a predetermined level, the batteries are switched back into the circuit to maintain current flow at a predetermined minimum level.
Patent•
15 Sep 1977
TL;DR: In this article, a series of panels for converting solar energy into heat for warming gas or liquid are incorporated between the rafters of a building, and access to each of the panels for easy installation or repair is possible from within the building by panel securing means carried by the roof rafters.
Abstract: A series of panels for converting solar energy into heat for warming gas or liquid are incorporated between the rafters of a building. Access to each of the panels for easy installation or repair is possible from within the building by panel securing means carried by the rafters. The rafters are provided with openings which enable them to form part of the panel and the air or liquid distribution protion of the system.