AIR: Next Generation CdTe Photovoltaic Technology

拟议的研究将加强镉镉光伏创新生态系统。目前，在许多应用中，CdTe光伏在经济上是可行的，并且适合千兆瓦规模的实施。该项目将利用CSU最先进的沉积系统寻求两条不同的路线，以获得更高效率的制造友好型电池：(1)通过采用CD1-xMgxTe电子反射层来减少电子复合的新器件结构提供更高的电压，以及(2)通过引入等离子体活性氧物种实现更高电流和更大带隙的CDS层。该项目将开发新的半导体合金、新的加工方法、新的缺陷钝化方法和新的器件结构。同时，将详细了解先进设备的缺陷、接口和设备物理。最重大的更广泛的影响是全球清洁能源的生产规模空前。这将为美国经济带来重大好处，并将在美国创造数千个高薪工作岗位。它建立在CDTe光伏行业的成功基础上，该行业目前拥有美国所有光伏技术中最低的成本结构和最大的产量。。它还建立在派的技术转让经验的基础上，派是abound Solar的联合创始人，该公司已发展到370名员工，目前的制造功率为65兆瓦/年，近期目标为200兆瓦/年。该项目还将为光伏行业提供训练有素的学生，该行业发展迅速，需要高技能的劳动力。CSU的光伏培训方法是以团队为基础的：来自不同学科的学生相互密切合作，与来自行业的工程师合作，在许多情况下，还与其他大学的学生合作。

The proposed research will strengthen the CdTe PV innovation ecosystem. CdTe PV is now economically viable in many applications and suitable for gigawattscale implementation. The project will utilize CSU's state-of-the-art deposition system to pursue two separate routes to higher-efficiency manufacturing-friendly cells: (1) higher voltage from a new device structure that employs a Cd1-xMgxTe electron-reflector layer to reduce electron recombination, and (2) higher current with a larger band-gap CdS layer achieved by the incorporation of plasma activated oxygen species. The project will develop novel semiconductor alloys, novel processing methods, novel defect-passivation approaches, and novel device structures. At the same time, detailed understanding of the defects, interfaces, and the device physics of the advanced devices will be developed. The most significant broader impact is the production of clean energy globally on an unprecedented scale. This will provide a major benefit for the U.S. economy and will create thousands of well-paying jobs in the U.S. It builds on the success of the CdTe PV industry, which now has the lowest cost-structure and largest production of any U.S. PV technology. . It also builds on the technology-transfer experience of the PI, co-founder of Abound Solar which has grown to 370 employees with current manufacturing at 65 MW/Yr and a near term target of 200 MW/Yr. This project will also provide well-trained students for the photovoltaic industry, which is growing rapidly and requires a highly skilled workforce. The PV-training approach at CSU is strongly team based: students from different disciplines work closely with each other, with engineers from industry, and in many cases with students at other universities.