Energia Solar Fotovoltaica

Objectives

At the end of the course, the student will be able to: - select and use the solar radiation data and models better suited for each application; - recognize the physics of the solar cells; - interpret the results of the photovoltaic modules certification; - technically evaluate commercial solar modules and systems; - design standard photovoltaic systems as well as new systems to fulfil specific energy needs.

Syllabus

1. Solar radiation 1.1. Geometry and components of solar radiation 1.2. Measuring intruments, solar radiation data and solar radiation models 1.3. Effective irradiance 2. Semiconductors 2.1. Crystal structure and energy band structure 2.2. Densities of states 2.3. Equilibrium carrier concentrations 2.4. Light absorption 2.5. Recombination 2.6. Carrier transport 2.7. pn- junction diode electrostatics 3. Solar Cells 3.1. Generation rate 3.2. I-V characteristic 3.3. Properties of efficient solar cells 3.4. Semiconductor materials for photovoltaics application 4. Energy Collected and Delivered by PV modules 4.1. PV generator behavior under real operation conditions 4.2. Offgrid and Ongrid PV systems 4.3. Key System Components 4.4. Principles of System Design 4.5. Reliability and sizing of stand-alone PV systems 4.6. Energy yield of grid connected PV systems

Cross Competence Component

The course, through its project component, allows the development of the following transversal competencies: - Critical thinking: strategic thinking, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving strategy; - Interpersonal skills: written communication and teamwork - Intra-personal skills: productivity and time management - Global citizenship: Tolerance and openness - Information and media literacy: use of computer and multimedia tools from the user's perspective and structuring and formatting of reports and presentations The percentage of evaluation associated with these competencies should be of the order of 10%.

Programming And Computing Component

The projects included in the assesment process of the course are carried out using calculation software, and the software to be used is not made explicit. The student can use whatever he wants (Excel, Matlab, Mathematica, Python, etc). The percentage of evaluation that focuses on tasks that involve the use of computational means is 30%.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.