A Parametric Study of Coupled Photo-Electro-Thermal Responses of Thin Film a-Si:H Solar Cell with Embedded Nanoparticles

Abstract

A parametric investigation has been performed on a thin-film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cell that is enhanced with various light trapping schemes through a modelling approach. The proposed model contains a novel coupling approach and various feedback routines for a more holistic modelling treatment. The proposed optical model adopts a semi-coherent method, the electrical model extends the classical drift-diffusion model to incorporate the effects of thermal gradients, and the thermal model adopts energy conservation equations from the hydrodynamic model. Based on the simulation results, it is observed that the rise in cell temperature adversely affects the electrical performance but promotes more optical absorptions due to the unique optical properties of amorphous silicon. To obtain an optimum enhancement from the inclusion of nanoparticles, their dimensions and separation distances are essential factors. The thickness of the intrinsic active absorbing layer affects the optical performance directly which then leads to various variations in electrical and thermal responses.