Identifier

etd-07082013-090933

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

A complete electrical model of the dye-sensitized solar cell has been presented. This model relates the material parameters of the cell to the cell’s performance. The full model is reduced to an Idealized form and simulated to find an idealistic power curve or current (I) – voltage (V) curve. The operating parameters of reflectivity, temperature, reverse saturation current and ideality factor are investigated. A sensitivity analysis is completed to determine what parameters have a dominating influence on the overall cell performance. It was found, for the ideal case of the dye sensitized solar cell, that the factors of absorptivity, temperature, reverse saturation current, and ideality significantly influence the efficiency limits. Increasing the operating temperature and/or the ideality factor of the cell results in an increase in efficiency. Also the study shows an increase in efficiency resulting from a decrease in reverse saturation current and/or reflectivity. Comparison of the results was carried out with a previous study and it was found that an idealized dye sensitized cell has 9% more efficiency than an idealized p-n junction solid state device. The incorporation of nanotubes was studied in order to improve diffusion of free electrons within the active layer. The results are compared to the ideal study of the dye sensitized solar cell. Finally, an incorporation of a thin film anti-reflective coating was then investigated to show how reflectivity from the cell can be reduced. The results for this study are discussed and suggestions for improvement are provided.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Charalampopoulos, Tryfon

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.1398

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