Modeling of the degradation of III–V triple-junction cells due to particle irradiation on the basis of component cells
The paper reports about the possibility of predicting the degradation of III–V multi-junction solar cells due to particle irradiation in space solely based on the radiation response of the respective sub cells. State-of-the art triple-junction solar cells of the 3G28 class manufactured by AZUR Space GmbH are used as an example to demonstrate how to model the degradation behavior of multi-junction cell from the degradation behavior of the respective component cells, as investigated in this study. The advantages of component cells for understanding and modeling the behavior of multi-junction cells under different conditions are discussed.
Non-empirical prediction of solar cell degradation in space
We describe a way to obtain the degradation, induced by proton and electron irradiations, of solar cell parameters (short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage and maximum power) versus fluence, directly from the calculation of the characteristics of the cell and of the irradiation-induced recombination centres. The calculation can be performed for any energy of the irradiating particle and for any specific thicknesses and doping levels of the base and emitters. The validity of this approach is illustrated in the case of GaAs cells of different origins and extended to GaInP cells. It will allow us to deduce the degradation of multijunction cells.
Techno-economic analysis of chemical looping combustion with humid air turbine power cycle
Abstract Power generation from fossil fuel-fired power plant is the largest single source of CO2 emission. CO2 emission contributes to climate change. On the other hand, renewable energy is hindered by complex constraints in dealing with large scale application and high price. Power generation from fossil fuels with CO2 capture is therefore necessary to meet the increasing energy demand, and reduce the emission of CO2. This paper presents a process simulation and economic analysis of the chemical looping combustion (CLC) integrated with humid air turbine (HAT) cycle for natural gas-fired power plant with CO2 capture. The study shows that the CLC–HAT including CO2 capture has a thermal efficiency of 57% at oxidizing temperature of 1200 °C and reducer inlet temperature of 530 °C. The economic evaluation shows that the 50 MWth plant with a projected lifetime of 30 years will have a payback period of 7 years and 6 years for conventional HAT and CLC–HAT cycles respectively. The analysis indicates that CLC–HAT process has a high potential to be commercialised.