Thermodynamic modeling of a spectrum split perovskite/silicon solar cell hybridized with thermoelectric devices

• Published in: International journal of energy research Vol. 46; no. 14; pp. 19451 - 19466
• Main Authors: Eke, Mkpamdi N., Ibeagwu, Onyebuchi I., Okoroigwe, Edmund C., Maduabuchi, Chika C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-11-2022; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Bromine; Composition; halide composition; Hybrid systems; Modelling; Overheating; Perovskites; Photovoltaic cells; Silicon; Solar cells; spectrum splitter; Splitting; tandem perovskite/silicon solar cell; Temperature dependence; Temperature effects; thermodynamic modeling; Thermodynamic models; Thermodynamics; thermoelectric cooler; thermoelectric generator; Thermoelectricity; Wavelength
• ISSN: 0363-907X; 1099-114X
• DOI: 10.1002/er.8515

Summary
To facilitate the attainment of higher performance in the tandem perovskite/silicon solar cell, this work seeks to conduct the thermodynamic modeling and analysis of a spectrum splitting tandem perovskite/silicon solar hybridized with thermoelectric (TE) devices. A dichroic beam splitter is employed as the solar concentrator for the utilization of the entire solar spectrum and the effects of temperature dependency and leg geometry alteration are considered in the TE device pins. Additionally, a TE cooler (TEC) is lapped behind the backplate of the tandem solar cell to reduce overheating and allow for higher power generation from the hybrid system. Finally, novel equations are developed to study the effects of varying the halide composition of the perovskite on the overall system performance. Among several fascinating results obtained, it was disclosed that increasing the bromine composition only improved the system's performance when a halide composition of 0.2 was used for hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite thickness ranging from 300 to 400 nm. It was also forecasted that as the solar cells are exposed to higher concentrated solar irradiances, the effects of increasing the halide composition on the system's performance will become more notable. Additionally, utilizing a TEC to maintain the tandem solar cell backplate temperature at 293K is not beneficial to the system's performance when a beam splitter is used. Finally, it was found that the highest system efficiency of 42% was obtained at a split wavelength of 800 nm which is considerably higher than the 23.6% reported for standalone perovskite/Si. These results are sufficient to provide useful insights regarding the operation of spectrum splitting tandem perovskite/silicon solar cells with TE devices.