Session: 08-05-03: Energy-Related Multidisciplinary III

Paper Number: 145782

145782 - A Matlab-Based User Interface to Study the Multi-Reflections and Light Absorption in Textured Solar Cell Surfaces 

Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, convert solar energy into electricity. Improving the efficiency of solar cells is important as it is a sustainable way of energy production with a relatively low power conversion efficiency (PCE). To enhance the efficiency of solar cells, textures can be introduced on the surface of solar cells which can minimize light ray reflectance, leading to increased light absorption and improvement in overall efficiency. Introduction of texture can also improve the hydrophobicity of the surface which can enhance the self-cleaning capability of solar panels. In this study, a MATLAB-based user interface is developed to facilitate assessing the absorption of sunlight in silicon-based solar cells having top layer as a microtextured surface. The user interface employs a multi-faceted mesh-grid algorithm to design six distinct 3D textural surface geometries (pyramid protrusion and cavity, cone protrusion and cavity, and hemisphere protrusion and cavity). Core to the program's functionality is advanced ray tracing simulations that identify points of light intersection on these textures and determine the trajectory of light upon reflection. A notable feature of this user interface is its capability to simulate and analyze the complex phenomenon of multiple light reflections within the structure. This iterative process allows for a comprehensive understanding of light behavior across multiple encounters with textured surfaces, using the inherent optical properties to find the best structure for maximum absorption. This user interface serves as a tool for a user, ensuring clarity and ease of use in modeling textured solar cell surfaces, and performs ray tracing interactions of incident light with the texture’s surface to find the absorption. The modeling framework is validated using experimental observation, and the impact of these six 3D surface textures on sunlight absorption of silicon solar cell is studied using the simulation framework. According to the simulation findings, the cavity texture provides more consistent light absorption compared to its protrusion counterpart. Furthermore, hemispherical cavities exhibit consistently high absorption rates across various dimensions and incident angles. The results provide useful insights for improving light absorption in the solar cell.

Presenting Author: Mohammad Hossain Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Presenting Author Biography: Mohammad Motaher Hossain is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. His research mainly focuses on structure-property relationship in polymers, surface engineering, polymer tribology, contact mechanics, and fracture and failure analysis of polymeric materials. He received his Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Authors:

Lovekesh Singh Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Mohammad Hossain Texas A&M University-Kingsville