The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Online Course - Photovoltaic Devices and Applications

Syllabus

  1. Characteristics of Sunlight

    Figure 1.6: The Spectral Distribution of Sunlight

    Figure 1.6: The Spectral Distribution of Sunlight

    1. Wave-Particle Duality
    2. Black Body Radiation
    3. The Sun and its Radiation
    4. Solar Radiation at the Earth's Surface
    5. Direct and Diffuse Radiation
    6. The Greenhouse Effect
    7. Apparent Motion of the Sun
    8. Solar Insolation Measurement
    9. Solar Energy and Photovoltaics

  2. Semiconductors and P-N Junctions

    Figure 2.2: Schematic of Energy Bands for Electrons in a Solid

    Figure 2.2: Schematic of Energy Bands for Electrons in a Solid

    1. Semiconductors
    2. Semiconductor Types
    3. Absorption of Light
    4. Recombination
    5. P-N Junctions

  3. The Behaviour of Solar Cells

    Figure 3.12: The Effect of Shunt Resistance on the Fill Factor of a Solar Cell

    Figure 3.12: The Effect of Shunt Resistance on the Fill Factor of a Solar Cell

    1. Effect of Light
    2. Spectral Response
    3. Effect of Temperature
    4. Effect of Parasitic Resistance

  4. Cell Properties and Design

    Figure 4.12: Use of a Four Point Probe to Measure the Sheet Resistivity of a Solar Cell

    Figure 4.12: Use of a Four Point Probe to Measure the Sheet Resistivity of a Solar Cell

    1. Efficiencies
    2. Optical Losses
    3. Recombination Losses
    4. Top Contact Design
    5. Lab Cells vs. Industry Requirements
    6. Laser Grooved, Buried Contact Solar Cell
    Equation 4.10: Total Power Loss

    Equation 4.10: Total Power Loss

  5. PV Cell Internconnection and Module Fabrication

    Figure 5.8: The Impact on Module Output of a 'Bad' Cell in a String of Good Cells (after Ross and Smokler, 1986)

    Figure 5.8: The Impact on Module Output of a 'Bad' Cell in a String of Good Cells (after Ross and Smokler, 1986)

    1. Module and Circuit Design
    2. Identical Cells
    3. Non-identical Cells
    4. Non-identical Modules
    5. Hot-spot Heating
    6. Module Structure
    7. Environmental Protection
    8. Thermal Considerations
    9. Electrical Considerations
    10. Mechanical Protection
    Figure 5.12: Effect on Total Output of a Poor Cell with a Bypass Diode

    Figure 5.12: Effect on Total Output of a Poor Cell with a Bypass Diode

  6. Stand Alone Photovoltaic System Components

    Figure 6.2: Simplified Stand-alone Photovoltaic Power Systme (Mack, 1979)

    Figure 6.2: Simplified Stand-alone Photovoltaic Power Systme (Mack, 1979)

    1. Introduction
    2. Stand-Alone PV System Design
    3. Solar Modules
    4. Batteries
    5. Lead Acid Batteries
    6. Other Battery Types
    7. Power Conditioning and Regulation
    8. Balance of System Components

  7. Designing Stand Alone Photovoltaic Systems

    Figure 7.1: Availability as a Function of Cost for a Photovoltaic Based Power System in the North Eastern United States (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    Figure 7.1: Availability as a Function of Cost for a PV Based Power System in the North Eastern United States (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    1. Introduction
    2. System Availability
    3. Hybrid Systems
    4. PV System Design Approach Used by Telstra Australia
    5. Sandia National Laboratory Approach

  8. Specific Purpose Photovoltaic Applications

    Figure 8.3: Potential (Voltage) Distribution Along a Pipe with Cathodic Protection (Tanascqu, 1988)

    Figure 8.3: Potential (Voltage) Distribution Along a Pipe with Cathodic Protection (Tanascqu, 1988)

    1. Introduction
    2. Space
    3. Marine Navigation Aids
    4. Telecommunications
    5. Cathodic Protection
    6. Water Pumping
    7. Consumer Products
    8. Battery Chargers
    9. Photovoltaics for Developing Countries
    10. Refrigeration
    11. Solar Cars
    12. Lighting
    13. Remote Monitoring
    14. Direct-Drive Applications
    15. Electric Fences

  9. Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) Systems

    Figure 9.3: Schematic Diagram of a Typical Photovoltaic-Diesel Remote Area Power Supply Hybrid System (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    Figure 9.3: Schematic Diagram of a Typical Photovoltaic-Diesel RAPS Hybrid System (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    1. Household Power Systems
    2. RAPS System Costs
    3. Portable RAPS Systems
    4. Government and Utility Assistance Schemes

  10. Grid Connected Photovoltaics

    Figure 10.6: Placement of Blocking Diodes and Overcurrent Devices for Protection in a Solar Array

    Figure 10.6: Placement of Blocking Diodes and Overcurrent Devices for Protection in a Solar Array

    1. Introduction
    2. PV Systems in Buildings
    3. Utility Applications for Photovoltaics
    4. Design Issues for Central Power Stations
    5. The Value of PV Generated Electricity
    6. Distribution Feeder "1103" (Kerman, California)
    7. Inernational PV Programs

  11. Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Components

    Figure 11.1: Common Water Pumping Terms (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    Figure 11.1: Common Water Pumping Terms (Sandia National Laboratories, 1991)

    1. Introduction
    2. System Configuration
    3. Water Pumps
    4. Motors
    5. Power Coniditioning Equipment
    6. Batteries

  12. PV Water Pumping System Design

    1. Introduction
    2. Basic Steps in System Design
    3. Design of a Directly Coupled System