Modeling of downconverter based on Pr3+-Yb3+ codoped fluoride glasses to improve sc-Si solar cells efficiency

Abstract

Quantum cutting via a two-step resonant energy transfer in a spectral downconverter of Pr3+-Yb3+ codoped fluoride glass is investigated numerically by proposing up and solving the theoretical model of rate equations and power propagation equations. Based on the optimal Pr 3+-Yb3+ concentration and the thickness of the spectral downconverter, the total power conversion efficiency of 175% and total quantum conversion efficiency of 186% are obtained. The performance of a sc-Si solar cell covered with a spectral downconverter is evaluated with the photovoltaic simulation programme PC1D. For sc-Si solar cells, the energy conversion efficiency of 14.90% for the modified AM1.5G compared to a 12.25% energy conversion efficiency for the standard AM1.5G has been obtained, and the simulated relative energy conversion efficiency for the sc-Si solar cell approaches up to 1.21. Our results show that the use of a spectral downconverter yields better sc-Si solar cell performance compared to the standard AM1.5G irradiation. The paper also provides a framework for investigating and optimizing the rare-earth doped spectral downconverter, potentially enabling a sc-Si solar cell with an efficiency improvement. © 2012 Copyright 2012 Author(s). This article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.