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Design of a Texture Monitoring System for PV Solar Cell Efficiency via 3-D Virtual Simulation
Book chapter

Design of a Texture Monitoring System for PV Solar Cell Efficiency via 3-D Virtual Simulation

Richard Y. Chiou, Yongjin (James) Kwon, Tzu-Liang (Bill) Tseng, Michael Mauk and Aurel Mathews
Proceedings of the 38th International MATADOR Conference, pp 611-625
27 Mar 2022

Abstract

Energy efficiency Solar cell Virtual simulation
An automated system in conjunction with a novel optical laser metrology technique has been designed via 3-D virtual simulation to study textured silicon wafers used for solar cell manufacturing. Texture has long been known as one of the critical surface parameters affecting solar cell efficiency. The paper presents the integration and implementation of automated processes, based on the sequence control specifications and requirement of the PLC (programmable logic controller) using 3-D simulation to create a virtual test environment. This visual interface is integrated into the virtual environment, which is designed to model the logical and kinematic functions of the automated system. The programming is akin to the traditional text based programming conducted with actual robots, as it is responsible for controlling I/O, time delays, and motions along with basics. The process is tested virtually using 3-D software simulation before they are used in a full-scale physical plant. The paper provides effective solution by combining an I/O and 3D graphic simulator to validate PLC code for implementation into a physical system with examined kinematics in energy manufacturing. In addition to virtual simulation, an experimental study of surface roughness effect on laser light scattering from textured surfaces is described. The results and the system proposed are useful in implementing laser light scattering instruments for on-line monitoring of solar cell manufacturing processes which produce surface roughness patterns.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Industrial
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