Modeling integrated photovoltaic-electrochemical devices using steady-state equivalent circuits
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Winkler-2013-Modeling integrated photovoltaic-electrochemical devices using steady-state equivalent circuits.pdf
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Author(s)
Winkler, Mark Thomas
Cox, Casandra Rose
Nocera, Daniel G.
Buonassisi, Anthony
Date Issued
March 2013
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences (U.S.)
Citation
Winkler, M. T., C. R. Cox, D. G. Nocera, and T. Buonassisi. “Modeling integrated photovoltaic-electrochemical devices using steady-state equivalent circuits.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110, no. 12 (March 19, 2013): E1076-E1082.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
We describe a framework for efficiently coupling the power output of a series-connected string of single-band-gap solar cells to an electrochemical process that produces storable fuels. We identify the fundamental efficiency limitations that arise from using solar cells with a single band gap, an arrangement that describes the use of currently economic solar cell technologies such as Si or CdTe. Steady-state equivalent circuit analysis permits modeling of practical systems. For the water-splitting reaction, modeling defines parameters that enable a solar-to-fuels efficiency exceeding 18% using laboratory GaAs cells and 16% using all earth-abundant components, including commercial Si solar cells and Co- or Ni-based oxygen evolving catalysts. Circuit analysis also provides a predictive tool: given the performance of the separate photovoltaic and electrochemical systems, the behavior of the coupled photovoltaic–electrochemical system can be anticipated. This predictive utility is demonstrated in the case of water oxidation at the surface of a Si solar cell, using a Co–borate catalyst.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity
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Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1301532110
