Descriptif
Eligibility/Pre- requisites
Theoretical course on photovoltaics (Physics of Solar Cell Devices or equivalent)
Learning outcomes
his course makes the link between the fundamental physics of photovoltaic devices and the practical reality of selling PV-generated kWh. It is composed of two lectures (given by our industrial partners from Total) and a heavy laboratory component giving students the opportunity to fabricate and test photovoltaic devices in a research environment. After taking this course, the student should be able to:
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Demonstrate experimental familiarity with critical elements of photovoltaic device fabrication or advanced material/device characterization
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Identify, use and weight the physical parameters in a photovoltaic system and critical output metrics
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Describe the industrial steps to produce photovoltaics modules
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Identify usage of photovoltaics in appropriate applications
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Have a global vision of the photovoltaics market, value chain and main players
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Quantitatively evaluate a PV system costs and the PV electricity costs
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Take into account safety
Carry scientific messages on environmental impacts of photovoltaic
Course main content
Introduction
- Overview of laboratory technologies and specialization selection (2hrs)
Three full-day laboratory sessions
(8 hours each, additional sessions organized ad-hoc)
Students focus on one of six topics concerning PV technologies (subjects may change each year)
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- Amorphous / microcrystalline silicon (LPICM)
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- Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (IrDEP)
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- Organic Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells (LPICM)
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- Perovskiite Solar Cells (LPICM)
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- Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (IrDEP)
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- Crystalline Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells (LPICM)
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- Advanced characterization techniques (LGEP)
Industrial Lecture I: PV industry, market and economy
The photovoltaic industry – an overview
- Historical development of PV, Applications, Technology, Markets / economy
Reminder of basics and metrics of PV
- PV systems, efficiency and Watt peak, other physical parameters, Performance: cells to module, Sun and intermittency
Snapshot of current industry and market
- Market and trends, Actors : location, technology, structure
- An idea of current costs and performances
Industrial production of PV
- Production line, Silicon, Ingot, Wafer, Cells, Modules,
- Thin films (TF-Si, CdTe, CIGS), III-V, OPV, DSC
Production management, purchasing
- Norms and certifications, Structure of costs in production, Financing / capitalization,
Main actors
Electricity production with PV projects
- PV system, Structure, type, space, Producible : management of losses, simulation, Watt peak to kWh to €, Project development
- Structure of costs, Levelized Cost of Electricty (LCOE), Economical schemes / Finances, Grid parity, FiT, Portfolio, Tax credit / subsidies, Self-consumption, Main actors
HSE
- Industrial safety, Installation safety, Environmental impact of PV
Industrial Lecture II: Industrial R&D programs and innovation
1. Introduction: Research & Development vs Innovation
a. R&D as a segment of an industrial activity
b. Innovation as a state of mind in a Company
c. Disruptive innovation: ‘what (could) make great companies fail?
2. Research & Development in Solar PV: several ten years of progress in cell efficiency
a. NREL compilation of hero (certified) cells:
b. Outstanding industrial (and R&D) players: who drives performance up?
c. Top ten research centers around the world
3. Different PV technologies addressing different markets: State-of-the-art / challenges / perspectives
a. Crystalline Si: an old lady? (including purification/ingoting/wafering/cell conversion)
i. mc-Si
ii. c-Si
iii. Alternative technologies: ribbons, smart-cutting technologies...
b. Thin films:
i. CdTe
ii. a-Si, pm-Si, μc-Si, pc-Si...
iii. CI(G)S & CZTS
c. Organic / hybrids
i. Printed polymers: bilayer, bulk heterojunction
ii. Small molecules: evaporation or printing technologies?
iii. Dye sensitized structures
d. III-V semiconductors:
i. Single-junctions
ii. Multijunction
e. The nano and quantum tool box:
i. Nano wires
ii. Quantum dots
iii. Intermediate band structures
4. Transverse activities: a ‘must’ to address the complete value chain:
a. Modules and systems
b. Reverse engineering
5. Specific issues to PV industry as seen from R&D:
a. Raw materials
b. Time to market: from theoretical concept to lab device... to industry and market
c. Industrial transfer: scale-up, control control control, stage-gate procedures
d. R&D as a support to production
Environmental and EHS issues
Examination and requirements for final grade
Students are evaluated on their laboratory work through a written report, an oral presentation, and the evaluation of the student’s work habits during the laboratory sessions Students are evaluated on the economic analysis section through a written test
Coordinator Instructors
Erik JOHNSON, Ecole polytechnique
Anne Laure JOUDRIER, Denis TONDELIER, Bernard GEOFFROY, Jean-Paul KLEIDER, Valerick CASSAGNE, Lars OBERBECK
Langue du cours : Anglais
Credits ECTS : 4
effectifs minimal / maximal:
/35Diplôme(s) concerné(s)
Parcours de rattachement
Format des notes
Numérique sur 20Littérale/grade réduitPour les étudiants du diplôme Energy Environment : Science Technology & Management
Le rattrapage est autorisé- Crédits ECTS acquis : 4 ECTS
Pour les étudiants du diplôme Renewable Energy, Science and Technology
Le rattrapage est autorisé- Crédits ECTS acquis : 4 ECTS
