NREL develops an improved method of producing photovoltaic cells

著者：Iflowpower – ポータブル電源サプライヤー

US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed an improved method for using arsenide and other compounds in the III-V group. These materials are highly known, but their expensive production costs means they are limited to small satellites such as satellites and unmanned aircraft. NREL scientists have currently found the method of improving the production of III-V valence, which is called hydride gas phase extension (HVPE).

A senior scientist Aaronptak in NREL said that HVPE is not new, and scientists have been paying attention to it from the 50-10s. They are more happy to be called "new, 50-year-old rising technology". The key to the D-HVPE process is to use a two-room reactor to deposit different levels, through these reactors, they can shorten the production time from one hour to about two minutes.

This team is currently capable of producing 25.3% efficient gallium arsenide batteries. Although NREL acknowledges that this process will not immediately reduce costs to have commercial attractions other than satellites and other nib applications.

However, NREL Strategic Energy Analysis Center Technical Economic Analysis Group member Kelseyhorowitz predicts with technical adjustment and scale economic effect, using D-HVPE manufacturing battery can produce electric power of $ 0.20-0.80 / Waverboard Waiting for applications, because such intermediate markets can accept higher prices.

The researchers also admit that the process of commercialization will be another very expensive step. PTAK said they have a very good research and development technology, designed a reactor of the test size, but they have no way to go from A to B, because this will be a step in a large capital. NREL is also working with MicroLinkDevices companies to achieve another ultra-light battery concept, which also uses gallium gallium gallium in the production process.

The three-knot cells developed by Microlink have reached 37.75% efficiency, and the power density exceeds 3000W / kg, which has been used for Zephyrshale - a high-altitude drone that completely uses solar energy, which can perform a function similar to satellite.