| | Category | EV | L17 | Solar Flair - A Study of the Impact of Temperature on Solar Cell |
| | Performance |
| | Abstract | Solar energy is one of the most practical forms of alternative energy. In |
| | just 40 minutes, the United States receives more energy from the sun than |
| | the total amount of fossil fuels consumed by our country in an entire year. |
| | Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, can convert this solar energy into |
| | useful electricity. However, while it is common knowledge that solar cells |
| | perform better in climates that receive higher amounts of solar radiation, |
| | the impact of temperature on solar cell performance is not well |
| | understood. |
| | In this experiment, I investigated the impact of temperature on the |
| | performance of the three types of silicon solar cells: monocrystalline, |
| | polycrystalline and amorphous. This was accomplished by obtaining the |
| | three types of solar cells, building a light box, and constructing a circuit to |
| | measure the maximum voltage and current of the cell in order to calculate |
| | the cell power (MaxPower = MaxVoltage x MaxCurrent) and efficiency |
| | (MaxPower out / Power in). Cell power and efficiency were measured |
| | using a 75 watt incandescent bulb as a light source. Measurements were |
| | taken at room temperature (20C), low temperature (3C), and high |
| | temperature (40C), and then compared. |
| | My results indicate an indirect relationship between temperature and |
| | solar cell performance. A high temperature reduces cell performance, |
| | while a low temperature improves cell performance. This finding indicates |
| | that solar cells are suitable for cooler climates, and that future solar cell |
| | designs should incorporate cooling techniques in order to maximize cell |
| | performance and electricity output. |
| | Additionally, in order to confirm the accuracy of my homemade solar |
| | circuit, cell efficiency was also measured on a precise Solar Simulator at |
| | the Toyota Technical Center. The results showed good relative correlation, |
| | confirming my results. Finally, based on my efficiency calculations, a solar |
| | panel system was designed for my high school by obtaining our school’s |
| | average monthly electricity usage and calculating the number of solar |
| | panels necessary to power the school. However, the system’s cost and |
| | roof area required proved to be cost-prohibited and infeasible, |
| | demonstrating a need for further improvement of solar cell performance, |
| | cost, and design. |
| | |
| | Bibliography | How Solar Energy Works |
| | Union of Concerned Scientists |
| | http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/technology_and_impacts/energy_te |
| | chnologies/how-solar-energy-works.html |
| | |
| | Interview: Hongfei Jia, Sr.Research Scientist, Materials Research |
| | Department, Toyota Technical Center, Ann Arbor, MI |