Photovoltaics

Solar energy and review of conversion concepts to electrical energy.

Solar cells: principles of operation, structures, materials and technologies, properties of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide cells, thin-film (silicon, chalcopyrite, cadmium telluride), mesoscopic and organic solar cells; tandem and multijunction solar cells; thermophotovoltaic cells; analysis of optical and electrical losses, modeling, simulations and characterization; advanced concepts and technological trends.

Photovoltaic modules: properties and performance, technology trends of crystalline silicon and GaAs, thin-film and concentrating PV modules. Performance and loss analysis, energy yield, testing, certification and standards, reliability and lifetime. Modeling, simulation and characterization.

Photovoltaic systems: grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems; design and planning, operation and maintenance; power regulators and inverters, protection elements; energy storage concepts; reliability and maintainability; grid-connection, economics of PV systems.

• an overview knowledge on contemporary devices, technologies and trends in photovoltaics (PV)
• upgrade of knowledge on operational principles of PV devices
• ability of further research work in the field

• lectures:                                                                                                                                                in case of less than 7 students attending the course only an introductory lecture   is    given   (in one or two days).  In the case of more than 6 students extended lectures are provided
• consultations (mostly in the frame of seminar work)
• individual work and seminar work: from a specific field of photovoltaics, defined based on agreement between lecturer and student, seminar work is then presented and defended