Improved thermal management of solar cells through thermal transpiration

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The use of solar energy is increasingly being deployed to help meet our energy needs with a low carbon footprint. Photovoltaic cells and modules that convert sunlight directly to electricity currently achieve energy conversion efficiencies in the range of 18-20%. A small portion of the incoming energy is lost to reflected and emitted light, while the remaining energy is converted to heat and dissipated to the environment. The efficiency of conventional solar cells decreases with increasing temperature and consequently improved heat management can significantly increase cell efficiencies under standard operating conditions. Conventional solar modules are not designed with heat management as a major consideration, although some passive cooling does occur. Thermal degradation is one of the leading sources of long term module degradation and failure. By more intentional thermal management, module reliability and efficiency can both be improved, lowering energy costs and increasing the overall energy production at a system level. Working together with SyENERGY Integrated Energy Solutions, we will investigate the use of thermal transpiration - air passing through holes in the cells and modules - in order to improve the cell cooling. We will examine the optimal size and density of holes to optimize overall energy performance, using modeling techniques and experimental verification. Perforations in the solar cells raise new technical challenges regarding the cell performance and long term reliability which need to be addressed. As these questions are answered the technical solutions will be incorporated into a new product line for SyENERGY, produced in Canada, providing lower cost and more reliable clean energy.