Abstract
In this work, a method is presented to extend traditional solar cell simulation tools to make it
possible to calculate the most efficient design of practical solar cells. The method is based on the
theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which is used to derive an expression for the local
entropy generation rate in the solar cell, making it possible to quantify all free energy losses on the
same scale. The framework of non-equilibrium thermodynamics can therefore be combined with
the calculus of variations and existing solar cell models to minimize the total entropy generation
rate in the cell to find the most optimal design. The variational method is illustrated by applying it
to a homojunction solar cell. The optimization results in a set of differential algebraic equations,
which determine the optimal shape of the doping profile for given recombination and transport
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 134504-1/7 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Apr 2015 |