Solar Energy Technologies for Electricity Production

5 credits

Syllabus, Master's level, 1TE678

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Code: 1TE678
Education cycle: Second cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Energy Technology A1N, Renewable Electricity Production A1N, Technology A1N
Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
Finalised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 27 August 2013
Responsible department: Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering, including 20 credits in electrical engineering.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to

explain the technical and physical principles of solar cells,
measure and evaluate different solar cell technologies through knowledge of the physical function of the devices,
calculate the required size of solar cell systems from need of power and energy by using computerised tools,
present, in English, technological and socio-economical issues on solar energy in a concise and comprehensible
way by using poster presentations, Power Point or similar.

Content

Solar radiation: The properties of sunlight. Absorption of light in the atmosphere. Spectral distribution of sunlight.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Optical properties of concentrated light systems. Function and build-up of a CSP system. Overview of the different components and their functions. Examples of CSP-systems throughout the world.

Solar Cells: The function and working principles of the solar cell. Spectral sensitivity. Concept for increasing the efficiency of solar cells, based on loss analysis. Different solar cell technologies and fabrication methods. Calculating output and dimensioning of solar cell systems.

Solar cell modules: Series connection of solar cells to modules. The function of solar cell modules, system components.

Active solar energy in systems: How large scale deployment of active solar cell energy is possible in Sweden. Buying and selling electric energy. Grid aspects of large scale deployment of solar cells. Analysis and simulation of a solar cell system by computerised tools.

Instruction

Lectures and seminars. The seminars can be in the form of lessons or discussion sessions. Laboratory exercises and computer simulations.

Assessment

Presentation of group task and written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Lab exercises and computer simulation sessions (1 cr).

Other directives

The course can not be included in the same degree as 1TE028 or 1TE206, Solar Energy - Technology and Systems.