Working Mechanism Why we use Solar Cell Describe different types of Solar Cell Efficiency Uses Of Solar Cell 2
AIM: A project on description of Solar Cell and their
mechanism.
What is a Solar Cell: A solar cell or photovoltaic
cell, is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by photovoltaic effect, which is a physical and chemical phenomenon. It is form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical characteristics, such as current, voltage or resistance vary when exposed to light. Individual solar cell devices can be combined to form modules, otherwise known as solar panels. In basic term a solar junction silicon solar cell can produce a maximum open-circuit voltage of approximately 0.5volts to 0.6 volts. Solar cells are being described as being photovoltaic, irrespective of whether the source is sunlight or an artificial light. They are used as a photo-detector (for example infrared-detectors), detecting light or other electromagnetic radiation near the visible range or measuring light intensity. 3
The operation of a photovoltaic (PV)
cell requires here basic attributes: 1. The absorption of light, generating either electron-hole pairs or excitons. 2. The separation of charge carriers of opposite types. 3. The separate extraction of those carriers to an external circuit. In contrast, a solar thermal collector supplies hear by absorbing sunlight, for the purpose either directing heating or indirect electrical power generation from heat. A “Photo-electrolytic cell” (photo- electrochemical cell) on the other hand, refers either to a type of photovoltaic cell (like that developed by Edmond Becquerel and modern dye-sensitized solar cells), or to a device that splits water directly into hydrogen and oxygen using only solar illumination.
What is Solar Panel or Solar Array or Solar
Module: The solar panel or solar array is an interconnection of solar module to get efficient power. A solar module consists of number of interconnected solar cells. 4
ADVANTAGES SOLAR CELL:
1. Low maintenance, long-lasting source of energy. 2. Non-polluting and silent source of electricity. 3. Convenient and flexible source of small amount of power. 4. Renewable and sustainable power 5. Reduces global warming
HOW SOLAR WORKS ON SYSTEM:
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WORKING MECHANISM:
WHEN LIGHT HIT THE CELLS:
1. Light energy (photons) ionizes the atoms in the silicon and the internal field produced by the junction separates some of the positive charges (holes) from the negative charges (electrons). 2. The holes are swept into the p-layer and the electrons are swept into the n-layer. 3. The charges can only recombine by passing through an external circuit outside the material. 4. Power is produced since the free electron have to pass through the load to recombine with the positive holes. 6
USES OF SOLAR CELLS:
1. Toys, watches, calculators 2. Electric Fences 3. Solar Lamp 4. Water Pumping 5. Water Treatment 6. Emergency Power 7. Satellites 8. Railway Signaling 9. Power pack
ELECTRIC FENCING: Electric fences are
designed to create an electric circuit when touched by a person or animal. A component called power energizer converts power into a brief high voltage pulse. One terminal of the power energizer releases an electrical pulse along a bare wire about once per second. Another terminal is connected to a metal rod implanted in the earth, called a ground or earth rod. A person or animal touching both the wire and the earth during a pulse will complete an electric circuit and will conduct the pulse, causing an electric shock. The effect of shop depends upon the voltage, the energy of the pulse, the 7
degree of contact between the recipient and the ground
and the fence. Solar Lamp: A solar lamp also known as a solar light, is a lighting system composed of an LED lamp, solar panels, battery, charge controller and there may also be an inverter. The lamp operates on electricity from batteries, charged through the use of solar photovoltaic panel. Solar powered household lighting can replace other light sources like candles or kerosene lamps. Solar lamp has a lower operating cost than kerosene lamps because renewable energy from the sun is free, unlike fuel. In addition solar lamps produce no indoor air pollution unlike kerosene lamps. However, solar lamp initially has a high initial cost, and is weather dependent. Solar lamps for use in rural situations often have the capability of providing a supply of electricity for other devices, such as for charging cell phones. 8
SATELLITES: Solar panels on spacecraft supply
power for two main uses; Power to run the sensors, active heating, cooling and telemetry. Power for spacecraft propulsion – electric propulsion, sometimes called solar electric propulsion. Gallium arsenide based solar cells are typically favored over crystalline silicon in industry because they have a higher efficiency and degrade more easily than silicon in the radiation present in space. The most effective solar cell currently in production is multi junction photovoltaic cells. These use a combination of several layers of gallium arsenide, indium gallium phosphide, and germanium to capture more energy from the solar cell spectrum. Leading edge multi-junction cells are capable of exceeding 38.8% under non-concentrated AM 1.5G illumination and 46% using concentrated AM 1.5G illumination. 9