Use of Multiphysics modeling to improve solar thin film performance and manufacture

摘要

Solar and wind energy are gaining attention for both technology innovation and commercialization, due to the environmental impacts of conventional energy sources, lack of technology breakthrough with hydrogen based systems, and rising oil prices. Among solar energy technologies, thin film photovoltaic systems promise greater cost effectiveness, but they require significant improvement in conversion efficiency, packaging, scale-up in manufacturing and quality control. On the other hand, Siemens and Ethil processes are well established methods for polysilicon manufacturing for solar grade silicon. Multiphysics modeling, which includes effects of fluid flow, heat/mass transfer, electric fields, etc., provides valuable insight to achieve these improvements.