1-D SCAPS model for efficiency prediction of perovskite solar cells

past

Semester/Master project

Context

This project will be focused on developing Opto-electronic (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D)) model for perovskite solar cells taking into account different layer materials and stoichiometry of the perovskite layer. The effect of different parameters like thickness of layers, material properties, bandgap, doping density, defect density, etc. will be studied. Further, the thermodynamic stability (like goldsmith tolerance factor etc.) of the perovskite will be taken into consideration to find the optimal solutions for fabricating perovskite solar cells. Finally, effect of size of individual cell size taking into account the resistive losses will be included in order to capture the effect on efficiency losses with increase in cell size. Also, the maximum theoretical efficiency based on band gap need to be included for the comparison.

Project

The project will be structured in the following parts:

  • collecting data around the different simulation parameters for different materials
  • developing the model based on 1-D SCAPS simulator
  • analysis of effect of different decision variables like thickness of different layers, defect density etc
  • spectral model to find the maximum conversion efficiency based on the bandgap
  • electrical model to account for the resistive losses happening due to increase of the size of the cells

Skills

  • Interest and understanding of PV technologies and other energy technologies
  • independent and motivated
  • Coding skills in Python or other language are necessary
  • Results interpretation and report writing
  • Language skills: English (C1/C2 level)
  • Systematic thinker and problem-solver oriented
  • Background: Material science, Electrical/ Electronics/ Semi-conductors, Micro engineering, Energy science, others

Lectures: - Semiconductor devices I - Fundamentals & processes for photovoltaic devices - Energy conversion and renewable energy

Supervision

If interested, please contact Naveen Bhati (naveen.bhati@epfl.ch) attaching your CV, Cover Letter and transcript of records (Bachelor’s and Master’s). Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Early applications are encouraged

Practical information

The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Working in Sion office or remotely depends on Covid situation. Travels between Lausanne and Sion are compensated by EPFL.

References:

  1. Gautam, U., Verma, V. K., Singh, P. K., Singh, R. C., & Kumar, M. (2023). Solar cell capacitance simulation and experimental photovoltaic performance analysis of perovskite solar cell based on CsGeI3. Materials Today: Proceedings. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785323015341
  2. Chowdhury, M. S., Shahahmadi, S. A., Chelvanathan, P., Tiong, S. K., Amin, N., Techato, K. A., … & Suklueng, M. (2020). Effect of deep-level defect density of the absorber layer and n/i interface in perovskite solar cells by SCAPS-1D. Results in Physics, 16, 102839. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211379719321217
  3. Sabbah, H. (2022). Numerical simulation of 30% efficient lead-free perovskite CsSnGeI3-based solar cells. Materials, 15(9), 3229. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/9/3229
  4. Mandadapu, U., Vedanayakam, S. V., & Thyagarajan, K. (2017). Simulation and analysis of lead based perovskite solar cell using SCAPS-1D. Indian J. Sci. Technol, 10(11), 65-72.