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Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Central Florida

2015

Photovoltaics

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Predictive Modeling For Assessing The Reliability Of Bypass Diodes In Photovoltaic Modules, Narendra Shiradkar Jan 2015

Predictive Modeling For Assessing The Reliability Of Bypass Diodes In Photovoltaic Modules, Narendra Shiradkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most promising renewable energy technologies for mitigating the effect of climate change. Reliability of PV modules directly impacts the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), which is a metric for cost competitiveness of any energy technology. Further reduction in LCOE of PV through assured long term reliability is necessary in order to facilitate widespread use of solar energy without the need for subsidies. This dissertation is focused on frameworks for assessing reliability of bypass diodes in PV modules. Bypass diodes are critical components in PV modules that provide protection against shading. Failure of bypass …


Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition Of Functional Oxide Materials For Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells, Kristopher Davis Jan 2015

Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition Of Functional Oxide Materials For Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells, Kristopher Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Functional oxides are versatile materials that can simultaneously enable efficiency gains and cost reductions in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. In this work, the deposition of functional oxide materials using atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) and the integration of these materials into c-Si solar cells are explored. Specifically, thin oxide films and multi-layer film stacks are utilized for the following purposes: (1) to minimize front surface reflectance without increasing parasitic absorption within the anti-reflection coating(s); (2) to maximize internal back reflectance of rear passivated cells, thereby increasing optical absorption of weakly absorbed long wavelength photons (? > 900 nm); (3) …