The Efficiency Limit
Standard silicon solar cells have a theoretical efficiency limit. To break it, researchers use Triple-Junction Cells (stacking materials to capture different light spectrums). However, modeling these complex stacks is notoriously difficult and expensive.
Working in collaboration with MIT and NUS, I built a simulation suite to predict performance and guide fabrication.
Algorithmic Innovation
1. The "Virtual Sun" Model
- Simulation: Created an accurate mathematical model for triple-junction cells. Unlike generic simulators, this tool was calibrated to match our specific experimental conditions.
- Validation: The simulation data matched closely with real-world experimental results, allowing us to "test" cell designs in code before spending thousands of dollars fabricating them.
2. Hardware-Software Bridge
- Cost-Effective Instrumentation: Developed a custom Arduino-based I-V tracer for testing 1cm x 1cm mini-modules.
- Impact: This replaced expensive industrial testing equipment for rapid prototyping, enabling faster iteration cycles in the lab.
Research & Publications
This work contributed to significant advancements in optical modeling, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications:
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"Enhanced light trapping in dye-sensitized solar cell by coupling to 1D photonic crystal and accounting for finite coherence length"
- Authors: M. K. Chaudhari, B. K. Singh, P. C. Pandey
- Journal: Journal of Modern Optics (Nov 2017)
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"Photonic and Omnidirectional Band Gap Engineering in OneDimensional Photonic Crystals Consisting of Linearly Graded Index Material"
- Authors: B. K. Singh, M. K. Chaudhari, P. C. Pandey
- Journal: Journal of Lightwave Technology (May 2016)
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"Tunable photonic defect modes in onedimensional photonic crystals containing exponentially and linearly graded index defect"
- Authors: B. K. Singh, S. Tiwari, M. K. Chaudhari, P. C. Pandey
- Journal: Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics (Aug 2016)
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