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Advanced Metrology and Diagnostic Loss Analytics for Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics.

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Date Issued:
2016
Abstract/Description:
Characterization plays a key role in developing a comprehensive understanding of the structure and performance of photovoltaic devices. High quality characterization methods enable researchers to assess material choices and processing steps, ultimately giving way to improved device performance and reduced manufacturing costs. In this work, several aspects of advanced metrology for crystalline silicon photovoltaic are investigated including in-line applications for manufacturing, off-line applications for research and development, and module/system level applications to evaluate long-term reliability. A frame work was developed to assess the cost and potential value of metrology within a manufacturing line. This framework has been published to an on-line calculator in an effort to provide the solar industry with an intuitive and transparent method of evaluating the economics of in-line metrology. One important use of metrology is in evaluating spatial non-uniformities, as localized defects in large area solar cells often reduce overall device performance. Techniques that probe spatial uniformity were explored and analysis algorithms were developed that provide insights regarding process non-uniformity and its impact on device performance. Finally, a comprehensive suite of module level characterization was developed to accurately evaluate performance and identify degradation mechanisms in field deployed photovoltaic modules. For each of these applications, case-studies were used to demonstrate the value of these techniques and to highlight potential use cases.
Title: Advanced Metrology and Diagnostic Loss Analytics for Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics.
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Name(s): Schneller, Eric, Author
Schoenfeld, Winston, Committee Chair
Thomas, Jayan, Committee Member
Fenton, James, Committee Member
Coffey, Kevin, Committee Member
Sundaram, Kalpathy, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2016
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Characterization plays a key role in developing a comprehensive understanding of the structure and performance of photovoltaic devices. High quality characterization methods enable researchers to assess material choices and processing steps, ultimately giving way to improved device performance and reduced manufacturing costs. In this work, several aspects of advanced metrology for crystalline silicon photovoltaic are investigated including in-line applications for manufacturing, off-line applications for research and development, and module/system level applications to evaluate long-term reliability. A frame work was developed to assess the cost and potential value of metrology within a manufacturing line. This framework has been published to an on-line calculator in an effort to provide the solar industry with an intuitive and transparent method of evaluating the economics of in-line metrology. One important use of metrology is in evaluating spatial non-uniformities, as localized defects in large area solar cells often reduce overall device performance. Techniques that probe spatial uniformity were explored and analysis algorithms were developed that provide insights regarding process non-uniformity and its impact on device performance. Finally, a comprehensive suite of module level characterization was developed to accurately evaluate performance and identify degradation mechanisms in field deployed photovoltaic modules. For each of these applications, case-studies were used to demonstrate the value of these techniques and to highlight potential use cases.
Identifier: CFE0006499 (IID), ucf:51386 (fedora)
Note(s): 2016-12-01
Ph.D.
Engineering and Computer Science, Materials Science Engineering
Doctoral
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Photovoltaic Device Physics -- Silicon Solar Cells -- Metrology
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006499
Restrictions on Access: public 2016-12-15
Host Institution: UCF

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