Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/T03307/01
Title:	Optimised Efficiency of Thin Film Photovoltaic Device
Principal Investigator:	Gottschalg, Professor R
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Electronic, Electrical & Systems Enginee
Organisation:	Loughborough University
Scheme:	Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 October 2004	Ends:	30 September 2009	Value (£):	263,886
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 14 Apr 2004 Engineering Fellowships Interview Panel 2004 Deferred 16 Mar 2004 Engineering Fellowships Sift Panel 2004 Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
The ARF will develop a three imensional model based on distributed diode characteristics for all currently commercialised thin film device structures. The initial focus will be on micromorph and CdTe devices without a metallic back contact. A novel measurementapparatus will be built specifically to measure of these distributed diode characteristics. The model be used to investigate the well known difference of laboratory efficiency and realistic outdoor operating efficiency. A separation of the environmental effects will be possible and an optimisation of device structurescan be carried out for energy yield. This will address the most pressing issue of thin film photovoltaics: the high cost of electricity generation. Collaborating with internationally leading research institutes will ensure scientific relevance.The existing LBIC system will be extended to allow the investigation of integrally interconnected multi-junction devices. Critically, it will be able to measure each junction in a multi-junction separately. The measurement science will be developed that localised I-V measurements can be taken. Close relationship with manufacturers will allow to develop new algorithms for the identification of production problems and ensure a speedy dissemination.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.lboro.ac.uk