KD7047 - Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technology

Delivery of this module will be though a combination of lectures, laboratory work and independent learning. Classes will be instructed to read ahead in the notes and to use the reading lists for background reading. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment with integrated exercises and problems to solve. Dissemination of information though lectures will be integrated with, and re-enforced by, laboratory experiments and modelling of devices with software such as SCAPS.

The laboratory work will enable a practical and collaborative experience of selected theoretical concepts related to semiconductor and solar cell behaviour. The practical experience will be further reinforced by the selection of one laboratory exercise for assessment in an extended report. The extended report will enable a deeper understanding of the relevant theory, practice and the development of the characterisation technique through independent and focussed study and will also providing opportunity to contextualise their results by comparison with accepted values from literature.

The standard academic support for the module will be via the module tutor and research staff during the lectures reinforced by exercises and laboratory work and deepened by individual selection of one laboratory experiment for the extended report. Laboratory tutors will provide support through verbal feedback and comments during the laboratory exercises. When appropriate, comments may be generic, related to procedures, directed and discussed with all students or directed towards individual learning. A key benefit of laboratory work results from the evaluation of results and linking these to the theoretical understanding provided by the module lectures.
However extensive use of the university eLP platform will be employed to disseminate information and provide additional links to library, professional, web resources to help support the lecture and practical applications. Academic staff will provide formative feedback during the laboratory sessions and seminars to support your development within the topic. During this your studies you will be expected to contribute to your own personal development. This may be by direct staff interaction and independent learning using the electronic material provided via the eLP and revisiting experiments to deepen understanding in the laboratory, outside of formal scheduled times.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

1. Critical understanding and analysis of the physical principles relating to the operation and design of photovoltaic (PV) cells and developing this to PV modules.
(AHEP4 M2, M3, M4)

2. Critical understanding of the effect of material purity and crystallinity on the device performance
(AHEP4 M1, M3, M4)

3. Critically compare the design and operation of the main types of photovoltaic cells evaluate different fabrication methods in terms of device properties and manufacturing issues
(AHEP4 M3, M4,)

4. Demonstrate knowledge to compare and evaluate methods for the fabrication of photovoltaic modules, including performance and manufacturing issues satisfying engineering specifications within the context of current and future commercial and sustainability requirement
(AHEP4 M3, M4)

There are two forms of summative assessment:
Assessed will include an extended Laboratory report (40%) and an end of year final exam (60%).

1. Laboratory experiments must be completed to pass the module and an extended report on one of the laboratory experiments must be submitted. Marks awarded will be based on the extended report that combines experiment theory literature and modelling of device materials and performance related to the laboratory measured phenomena. The extended laboratory report will focus on testing Los 1- 3. Assignment (40%) Feedback will be provided either in written form or electronically via the eLP.

2. The end of year exam will cover all the theoretical material and aspects of learning, this will cover LOs 1-4. End of year final exam (60%) .Feedback will be either in written form or electronically via the eLP.

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The module Advanced embedded Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technology is designed to teach you the basic principles and processes that underpin the behaviour, design and operation of Photovoltaic solar cells and modules.

The module is based on providing an overview of key semiconductor principles and materials together with characteristics of solar radiation and how devices are combined into photovoltaic modules.

This module will help you to develop the foundation photovoltaic device understanding needed within industry (great demand) and for developing research in related ideas.