Thermodynamic Efficiency Limits of Semitransparent Solar Cells

doi:10.15541/jim20210167

Journal of Inorganic Materials ›› 2022, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (2): 204-208.DOI: 10.15541/jim20210167

Special Issue: 【能源环境】太阳能电池

• RESEARCH ARTICLE • Previous Articles Next Articles

Thermodynamic Efficiency Limits of Semitransparent Solar Cells

JI Yongji, LIU Dong, LI Qiang

School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China

Received:2021-03-16 Revised:2021-06-09 Published:2022-02-20 Online:2021-06-30
Contact: LIU Dong, professor. E-mail: liudong15@njust.edu.cn; LI Qiang, professor. E-mail: liqiang@njust.edu.cn
About author:JI Yongji(1996-), male, Master candidate. E-mail: 118108010866@njust.edu.cn
Supported by:
National Natural Science Foundation of China (51976090, 51888103); Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20200072); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (30919011403)

Abstract

Abstract: Semitransparent photovoltaics (STPV) is a promising solar energy harvesting technology because it can be integrated to harness huge sun-facing areas of modern buildings for electricity generation. Its thermodynamic efficiency limits are of fundamental interest. This work extended the analyses from neutral STPV for building windows to those installed on the surface of colored building envelops according to the principle of detailed balance. Results show that the efficiency limit of STPV for blue building envelops is as high as 28.3%, which represents a 10% absolute enhancement compared to the neutral STPV for building windows (18.1%). These results demonstrate that STPV can be integrated into both windows and envelops of modern buildings, which has the potential to offset the low density of solar energy. This work provides guidelines on the selection and the development of active materials for STPV.

Key words: semitransparent solar cell, efficiency limit, building-integrated photovoltaic, selective-absorption material

CLC Number:

TK51

JI Yongji, LIU Dong, LI Qiang. Thermodynamic Efficiency Limits of Semitransparent Solar Cells[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2022, 37(2): 204-208.

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Thermodynamic Efficiency Limits of Semitransparent Solar Cells

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