Current generation in photovoltaic cells

Thesis

In this thesis we present an analysis of the operation of a particular type of hybrid photovoltaic device called a solid-state dye-sensitised solar cell. A mathematical model is used to describe the cell’s operation, from the moment the photon reaches the surface of the device, until it is collected at the end electrodes.

The invention of the solid-state dye-sensitised solar cells is recent and is part of the greater search for stable, low cost and efficient alternative means of energy generation. As the physical and chemical analysis has progressed in recent years, there is a need to establish a mathematical model to describe their behaviour. This thesis includes such mathematical analysis, based on our current knowledge of semiconductors and opto-electrochemical properties of solid-state material. The effect of these properties and of the geometry of the cell are examined in detail using analytical, but also numerical techniques that allow to circumvent the complexities involved.

In this thesis, we show how conducting electrons can be generated by absorbing photons within an internal dye layer and are then transported via diffusion in the device until they reach the electrodes connecting it to an external electric circuit. While there are several limiting factors in the analysis, including the geometry of the device, the mathematical model appears to agree qualitatively well with available data on the current generation of solid-state dye-sensitised solar cells.

Authors: Joseph, S

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-qakx8v4xj
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English