Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules: Some Challenges and Tools to deal with them

Institute of Microengineering - Distinguished Lecture

Due to the covid-19 restrictions currently in place, the lecture will take place remotely by zoom only.

Zoom Live Stream: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/694326308

Abstract: Perovskite Cells are complex devices consisting of several components and interfaces. Understanding the properties and interactions of the different components is very challenging, particularly when there are so many options for each of them. It is important to develop suitable tools to deal with this challenge.
In this talk I will focus on several aspects of perovskite cells. First, I will  make the case that computational modelling is an essential tool for the interpretation of experimental data, by contrasting different possible explanations for measurements obtained by different means, which shows that a less than rigorous interpretation can add to confusion, rather than provide useful information.
Second, I will discuss simulations of perovskite and perovskite – silicon modules, which focus on the potential effects of partial shading. These simulations show that great care must be taken when designing such modules so as to ensure that shading conditions that may typically be encountered during operation does not permanently damage the module.
I will conclude with some suggestions and open questions around how it may be possible to better standardise and verify experimental results , to increase the usefulness of reported results in accelerating the development of practical perovskite solar devices.

Bio: Dr Klaus Weber is Associate Professor in the Research School of Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU). He co-invented and developed several thin film cell technologies including SLIVER technology, for which he was closely involved in the commercial development including the current ARENA project (formerly with Transform Solar). He has authored over over 140 publications. He is a recipient of the Weeks Award by the International Solar Energy Society and the Alan Walsh Medal for Service to Industry by the Australian Institute of Physics. His work on SLIVER technology received numerous other awards including the Banksia Award and the Aichi World Expo Global Eco-Tech 100 award.

Note: The Seminar Series is eligible for ECTS credits in the EDMI doctoral program