Specification of micro-nanoscale radiative patterns using inverse analysis for increasing solar panel efficiency

Shima Hajimirza, Georges El Hitti, Alex Heltzel, John Howell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

This work proposes a comprehensive and efficient optimization approach for designing surface patterning for increasing solar panel absorption efficiency using near field radiation effects. Global and local optimization methods, such as the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno Quasi-Newton (BFGS-QN) and Simulated Annealing (SA), are employed for solving the inverse near field radiation problem. In particular, a thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar panel with periodic silver nano-wire patterning is considered. The design of the silver patterned solar panel is optimized to yield maximum enhancement in photon absorption. The optimization methods reproduce results found in previous literature but with reduced computational expense. Additional geometric parameters not discussed in previous work are included in the optimization analysis, further allowing for increased absorption enhancement. Both the BFGS-QN and SA methods give efficient results, providing designs with enhanced absorption.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME/JSME 2011 8th Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, AJTEC 2011
StatePublished - 2011
EventASME/JSME 2011 8th Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, AJTEC 2011 - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: 13 Mar 201117 Mar 2011

Publication series

NameASME/JSME 2011 8th Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, AJTEC 2011

Conference

ConferenceASME/JSME 2011 8th Thermal Engineering Joint Conference, AJTEC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period13/03/1117/03/11

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Specification of micro-nanoscale radiative patterns using inverse analysis for increasing solar panel efficiency'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this