WO2012020341A1 - Converter material for solar cells - Google Patents
Converter material for solar cells Download PDFInfo
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- WO2012020341A1 WO2012020341A1 PCT/IB2011/053180 IB2011053180W WO2012020341A1 WO 2012020341 A1 WO2012020341 A1 WO 2012020341A1 IB 2011053180 W IB2011053180 W IB 2011053180W WO 2012020341 A1 WO2012020341 A1 WO 2012020341A1
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- Prior art keywords
- converter
- inorganic
- solar cell
- converter material
- cell system
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 59
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052771 Terbium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001477 LaPO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910010272 inorganic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011147 inorganic material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052909 inorganic silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002105 nanoparticle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052844 willemite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910004706 CaSi2 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- -1 PFPE Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002033 PVDF binder Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910004412 SrSi2 Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002620 polyvinyl fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000295 emission spectrum Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000000695 excitation spectrum Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000009102 absorption Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052688 Gadolinium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002823 nitrates Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000010791 quenching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000171 quenching effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009103 reabsorption Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrate Chemical compound [O-][N+]([O-])=O NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000000862 absorption spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004645 aluminates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- LDDQLRUQCUTJBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium fluoride Chemical compound [NH4+].[F-] LDDQLRUQCUTJBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000148 ammonium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001642 boronic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000004820 halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004020 luminiscence type Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000021 magnesium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001635 magnesium fluoride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000016 manganese(II) carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011859 microparticle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K phosphate Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011541 reaction mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001308 synthesis method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
- H01L31/055—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means where light is absorbed and re-emitted at a different wavelength by the optical element directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. by using luminescent material, fluorescent concentrators or up-conversion arrangements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
- Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to converter materials for solar cells
- converter materials which (most desirably) have a broadband absorption and line emission in desired wavelength areas to prevent reabsorption (forbidden transitions).
- the Stokes Shift between absorption and emission should be large, in this way self-absorption losses are minimized.
- converter materials there are not many converter materials known and therefore there is the constant need for alternative converter materials.
- Converter materials are of particular interest for the improvement of solar cells applied for the generation of electrical energy by extraterrestrial radiation, as required in spacecrafts, space probes, orbiters, and satellites, since solar energy is for most of these appliances the only energy available.
- a solar cell system for extraterrestial use comprising at least one solar cell essentially made out of Ge, Si, Zn(Si_ x _ y Se x Te y ), Cd(Si_ x _ y Se x Te y ), (Gai_ x In x )(Pi_ y Asy), Cu(Gai_ x In x )(Si_ y Se y ) 2 , or CuZnSn(Si_ x Se x );
- each x and y are independently selected from >0 and ⁇ 1 (with - wherever appropriate - the proviso that x+y ⁇ l);
- the term "essentially” in the sense of the present invention and in context with materials especially means >90 (wt-)%, more preferred >95 (wt-)% and most preferred >98 (wt-)%.
- the materials of the solar cell and the converter can be used extraterrestially and match the conditions which are required for such a use
- inventive converter materials show a broad tunable absorption spectrum
- the emission shows a strong Stokes Shift and the emission is obtained in a broad band.
- luminescent materials showing a strong Stokes Shift and a broad emission band are prone to thermal quenching.
- the sensitivity to thermal quenching is reduced for two reasons:
- the invention is used at extraterrestrial conditions, where the temperature is generally low
- the emission is at relatively high photon energy, this generally enables efficient luminescence also at relatively large Stokes Shifts, in contrast to e.g. IR emission
- the converter of the solar cell system is essentially transparent for both the fraction of solar radiation that is not being converted and the radiation emitted by the inorganic converter material.
- transparent in the sense of the present invention especially means and/or includes that at least 80%, preferably >90% and most preferred >95% of the unconverted sunlight reaches the photovoltaic converter.
- the inorganic converter material of the converter is provided as a powder layer, either in micro- or nanoscale form.
- the inorganic converter material is embedded in a matrix material, which is preferably a polymer layer.
- Said polymer layer is preferably essentially made out of a very stable material such as PTFE, PVF, PVDF, PFPE, and/or FEP to match the special conditions for extraterrestial use.
- the inorganic converter material is provided in nanoparticle form with an average diameter of ⁇ 100 nm. This has been shown for many application to prevent scattering, which is advantageous for most embodiments within the present invention.
- the inorganic converter material is provided in nanoparticle form with an average diameter of ⁇ 50 nm, more preferred ⁇ 25 nm.
- the inorganic material is provided in particle form embedded in a matrix material whereby the difference in refractive indices between inorganic material and matrix ⁇ is ⁇ 0.05. This has been shown to prevent scattering for many applications as well.
- the inorganic converter material may be present in microparticle form with an average diameter of >3 ⁇ and ⁇ 100 ⁇ .
- the inorganic converter material is selected out of the group comprising BaMgAli 0 Oi7:Eu,Mn,
- the present invention furthermore relates to the use of an inventive solar cell system for
- Fig. 1 shows a very schematic cross-sectional partial view of a solar cell system of a first embodimend of the present invention
- Fig. 2 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a first example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system
- Fig. 3 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a second example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system
- Fig. 4 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a third example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system
- Fig. 5 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a fourth example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system.
- Fig. 1 shows a very schematic cross-sectional partial view of a solar cell system 1 of a first embodimend of the present invention.
- the solar cell system 1 comprises a solar cell 10 which is provided between a converter 20 and a reflector 30 so that light which will impinge on the solar cell 10 will pass the converter 20 first. By doing so, the inorganic material in the converter may convert the light to increase the efficacy of the solar cell 10.
- the solar cell system 1 furthermore comprises two rows of contacts 40 and 42.
- Fig. 1 is only a partial and very schematic view and that in most applications the actual solar cell system might be much more complex and have different dimensions.
- materials in ⁇ -crystalline form are obtained by heating decomposable metal precursors (like nitrates or carbonates) prior to the final heating step, at temperatures between 500 °C- 1000 °C.
- a phosphate material (NH 4 ) 3 P0 4 was added as phosphor source, heating took place at temperatures between 1100-1500 °C in a slightly reducing atmosphere during 4 hours.
- a flux agent was added (NH 4 C1), typically between 1-10% by weight.
- the aluminates were prepared in a similar manner, beit that the lowest final reaction temperature chosen was 1200 °C. A1 2 0 3 was added as nitrate or in the form of small particles (smaller than about 500 nm).
- the borates were prepared by addition of H 3 B0 3 to the metal carbonates or nitrates in the reaction mixture in a slight access (typically smaller than 10% by weight), no halide flux was added, the reaction temperature was chosen below 1100 °C, to prevent too strong an evaporation of Bi. No reducing atmosphere was applied, resulting in a slightly oxidising atmosphere, due to the presence of 0 2 .
- the germanates were prepared in an oxidising atmosphere too, to prevent reduction of Ge0 2 to volatile GeO.
- Mg was added as MgC0 3 and MgF 2 in stoichiometric amounts, NH4 F was added as flux in concentrations between 1 and 10%> by weight, Mn as MnC0 3 . Heating took place at temperatures between 700 °C - 1200 °C.
- Example I refers to LaP0 4 :Ce,Tb which was made as described above.
- Fig. 2 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of LaP0 4 :CeTb It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
- Example I refers to BaMgAli 0 Oi7:Eu,Mn which was made as described above.
- Fig. 3 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of BaMgAlioOi 7 :Eu,Mn.It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
- Example III refers to (Y,Gd)B03:Eu,Bi which was made as described above.
- Fig. 4 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of (Y,Gd)BC"3:Eu,Bi. It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
- Example IV refers to Mg 4 Ge05. 5 F:Mn which was made as described above.
- Fig. 5 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of Mg 4 GeC"5. 5 F:Mn. It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Luminescent Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a solar cell system for extraterrestial use comprising a converter with an inorganic converter material adapted to match extraterrestial conditions.
Description
CONVERTER MATERIAL FOR SOLAR CELLS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to converter materials for solar cells
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
State of the art solar cells cannot achieve the theoretical efficacy (as determined by the so-called "Shockley-Queisser" limit) for various reasons. Therefore many attempts have been made to increase the efficacy of Solar cells by either varying the solar cell material or addition of further components etc.
One strategy for the increase of solar cells is the introduction of converter materials which (most desirably) have a broadband absorption and line emission in desired wavelength areas to prevent reabsorption (forbidden transitions). Alternatively, the Stokes Shift between absorption and emission should be large, in this way self-absorption losses are minimized. However there are not many converter materials known and therefore there is the constant need for alternative converter materials.
Converter materials are of particular interest for the improvement of solar cells applied for the generation of electrical energy by extraterrestrial radiation, as required in spacecrafts, space probes, orbiters, and satellites, since solar energy is for most of these appliances the only energy available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a converter material for solar cells which is able to increase the efficacy of solar cells by a broadband absorption and line emission or strongly Stokes shifted emission in suitable wavelength areas.
This object is solved by a converter material for solar cells according to claim 1 of the present invention. Accordingly, a solar cell system for extraterrestial use is provided, comprising at least one solar cell essentially made out of Ge, Si, Zn(Si_x_ySexTey), Cd(Si_x_ ySexTey), (Gai_xInx)(Pi_yAsy), Cu(Gai_xInx)(Si_ySey)2, or CuZnSn(Si_xSex);
whereby each x and y are independently selected from >0 and <1 (with - wherever appropriate - the proviso that x+y<l);
and at least one converter, comprising at least one inorganic converter material which essentially absorbs radiation at <500 nm and essentially emits radiation at >500 nm.
The term "essentially" in the sense of the present invention and in context with materials especially means >90 (wt-)%, more preferred >95 (wt-)% and most preferred >98 (wt-)%.
The term "essentially" in the sense of the present invention and in context with radiation especially means >90%, more preferred >95 % and more preferred >98% of the peak integral area of the excitation or emission spectrum.
Surprisingly it has been found that such a converter material for solar cells has for a wide range of applications within the present invention at least one of the following advantages:
The materials of the solar cell and the converter can be used extraterrestially and match the conditions which are required for such a use
Furthermore the inventive converter materials show a broad tunable absorption spectrum
In most inventive converter materials a Line emission can be observed which prevents reabsorption (forbidden transitions)
In other compositions known in the prior art, the emission shows a strong Stokes Shift and the emission is obtained in a broad band. Usually, luminescent materials showing a strong Stokes Shift and a broad emission band are prone to thermal quenching. In this application, the sensitivity to thermal quenching is reduced for two reasons:
a) The invention is used at extraterrestrial conditions, where the temperature is generally low
b) The emission is at relatively high photon energy, this generally enables efficient luminescence also at relatively large Stokes Shifts, in contrast to e.g. IR emission
Preferably the converter of the solar cell system is essentially transparent for both the fraction of solar radiation that is not being converted and the radiation emitted by the inorganic converter material.
The term "transparent" in the sense of the present invention especially means and/or includes that at least 80%, preferably >90% and most preferred >95% of the unconverted sunlight reaches the photovoltaic converter.
According to a preferred embodiment, the inorganic converter material of the converter is provided as a powder layer, either in micro- or nanoscale form.
Alternatively the inorganic converter material is embedded in a matrix material, which is preferably a polymer layer. Said polymer layer is preferably essentially made out of a very stable material such as PTFE, PVF, PVDF, PFPE, and/or FEP to match the special conditions for extraterrestial use.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic converter material is provided in nanoparticle form with an average diameter of <100 nm. This has been shown for many application to prevent scattering, which is advantageous for most embodiments within the present invention. Preferably the the inorganic converter material is provided in nanoparticle form with an average diameter of <50 nm, more preferred <25 nm.
According to an alternative but nevertheless preferred embodiment the inorganic material is provided in particle form embedded in a matrix material whereby the difference in refractive indices between inorganic material and matrix Δη is < 0.05. This has been shown to prevent scattering for many applications as well. In this case the inorganic converter material may be present in microparticle form with an average diameter of >3 μιη and < 100 μιη.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic converter material is selected out of the group comprising BaMgAli0Oi7:Eu,Mn,
BaAli20i9:Mn, Zn2Si04:Mn, SrSi2N202:Eu, LaP04:Ce,Tb, (Yi_xGdx)2Si05:Tb,
GdMgB5Oio:Ce,Tb, CeMgAl„Oi9:Tb, (Yi_xGdx)B03:Tb, (Ini_xGdx)B03:Tb,
(Yi-xGdx)3(Ali_yGay)50i2:Tb, (Bai_xSrx)2Si04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)3(Ali_yGay)50i2:Ce, CaSi2N202:Eu, (Sri_xCax)Si04:Eu, SrLi2Si04:Eu, (Ini_xGdx)B03:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)203:Eu, (Yi_ xGdx)(V,P,B)04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Nb04: Eu, Ba2Gd2Si40i3:Eu, Ba2Gd2Ge40i3:Eu, (Yi_ xGdx)Nb04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Ta04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)OF:Eu, (Lai_xGdx)OCl:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)OCl:Eu, (Sci_xLux)2Si207:Eu, (Sri_x_yBaxCay)S:Eu, (Sri_x_yBaxCay)2Si5N8:Eu, (Cai_xSrx)AlSiN3:Eu, Mg4Ge05.5F:Mn, (Yi_xLux)3(Ali_yGay)50i2:Ce,Cr, (Yi_xGdx)203:Yb, or mixtures thereof, whereby each x and y are independently selected from >0 and <1 (with - wherever appropriate - the proviso that x+y<l).
These materials have been shown to be suitable in practice due to their advantageous emitting and absorbing characteristics. It should be noted that many of these materials, e.g. BaAli20i9:Mn, Zn2Si04:Mn, LaP04:Ce,Tb, (Yi_xGdx)2Si05:Tb,
GdMgB5Oio:Ce,Tb, CeMgAl„Oi9:Tb, (Yi_xGdx)B03:Tb, (Ini_xGdx)B03:Tb,
(Ini_xGdx)B03:Eu, (Y!_xGdx)203:Eu, (Y!_xGdx)(V,P,B)04:Eu, (Y!_xGdx)Nb04: Eu, Ba2Gd2Si40i3:Eu, Ba2Gd2Ge40i3:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Nb04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Ta04:Eu,
(Yi_xGdx)OF:Eu, (Sci_xLux)2Si207:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)203:Yb are of no or only minor use in terrestial solar cell systems due to the different conditions (e.g. optical absorption by the earth's atmosphere) between earth and space.
The present invention furthermore relates to the use of an inventive solar cell system for
- extraterrestial satellites
- spacecrafts
- space probes
- extraterrestial orbiters
The aforementioned components, as well as the claimed components and the components to be used in accordance with the invention in the described embodiments, are not subject to any special exceptions with respect to their size, shape, Converter material for solar cells selection and technical concept such that the selection criteria known in the pertinent field can be applied without limitations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional details, features, characteristics and advantages of the object of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the figures and the following description of the respective figures and examples, which—in an exemplary fashion— show several embodiments and examples of a solar cell system according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows a very schematic cross-sectional partial view of a solar cell system of a first embodimend of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a first example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system; Fig. 3 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a second example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system; Fig. 4 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a third example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system; and
Fig. 5 shows an excitation and emission spectrum of a fourth example of an inorganic converter material for use in an inventive solar cell system.
Fig. 1 shows a very schematic cross-sectional partial view of a solar cell system 1 of a first embodimend of the present invention. The solar cell system 1 comprises a solar cell 10 which is provided between a converter 20 and a reflector 30 so that light which will impinge on the solar cell 10 will pass the converter 20 first. By doing so, the inorganic material in the converter may convert the light to increase the efficacy of the solar cell 10. The solar cell system 1 furthermore comprises two rows of contacts 40 and 42.
It should be noted that Fig. 1 is only a partial and very schematic view and that in most applications the actual solar cell system might be much more complex and have different dimensions.
The invention will furthermore be understood by the following Inventive
Examples for inorganic converter materials which are merely for illustration of the invention only and non- limiting.
GENERAL SYNTHESIS METHODS
In general, materials in μ-crystalline form are obtained by heating decomposable metal precursors (like nitrates or carbonates) prior to the final heating step, at temperatures between 500 °C- 1000 °C.
To obtain a phosphate material, (NH4)3P04 was added as phosphor source, heating took place at temperatures between 1100-1500 °C in a slightly reducing atmosphere during 4 hours. A flux agent was added (NH4C1), typically between 1-10% by weight.
The aluminates were prepared in a similar manner, beit that the lowest final reaction temperature chosen was 1200 °C. A1203 was added as nitrate or in the form of small particles (smaller than about 500 nm).
The borates were prepared by addition of H3B03 to the metal carbonates or nitrates in the reaction mixture in a slight access (typically smaller than 10% by weight), no halide flux was added, the reaction temperature was chosen below 1100 °C, to prevent too strong an evaporation of Bi. No reducing atmosphere was applied, resulting in a slightly oxidising atmosphere, due to the presence of 02.
The germanates were prepared in an oxidising atmosphere too, to prevent reduction of Ge02 to volatile GeO. Mg was added as MgC03 and MgF2 in stoichiometric amounts, NH4F was added as flux in concentrations between 1 and 10%> by weight, Mn as MnC03. Heating took place at temperatures between 700 °C - 1200 °C.
XRD was used to select only materials that were at least 97% single phase in the desired material.
EXAMPLE I
Example I refers to LaP04:Ce,Tb which was made as described above.
Fig. 2 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of LaP04:CeTb It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
EXAMPLE II
Example I refers to BaMgAli0Oi7:Eu,Mn which was made as described above.
Fig. 3 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of BaMgAlioOi7:Eu,Mn.It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
EXAMPLE III
Example III refers to (Y,Gd)B03:Eu,Bi which was made as described above.
Fig. 4 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of (Y,Gd)BC"3:Eu,Bi. It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
EXAMPLE IV
Example IV refers to Mg4Ge05.5F:Mn which was made as described above.
Fig. 5 shows the excitation spectrum (dotted line) and emission spectrum of Mg4GeC"5.5F:Mn. It can clearly be seen that this material is an excellent material of use in converter material for extraterrestial solar cell systems.
The particular combinations of elements and features in the above detailed embodiments are exemplary only; the interchanging and substitution of these teachings with other teachings in this and the patents/applications incorporated by reference are also expressly contemplated. As those skilled in the art will recognize, variations, modifications, and other implementations of what is described herein can occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. The invention's scope is defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto. Furthermore, reference signs used in the description and claims do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed.
Claims
1. Solar cell system for extraterrestrial use, comprising
at least one solar cell essentially made out of Ge, Si, Zn(Si_x_ySexTey), Cd(Si_x_ySexTey), (Gai_xInx)(Pi_yAsy), Cu(Gai_xInx)(Si_ySey)2, or CuZnSn(Si_xSex);
whereby each x and y are independently selected from >0 and <1 (with - wherever appropriate - the proviso that x+y<l)
and at least one converter, comprising at least one inorganic converter material which essentially absorbs radiation at < 500 nm and essentially emits radiation at > 500 nm.
2. The solar cell system of Claim 1, whereby the converter is essentially transparent for both the fraction of sunlight that is not being converted and the light emitted by the inorganic converter material.
3. The solar cell system of Claim 1 or 2, whereby the inorganic converter material is provided in nanoparticle form with an average diameter of < 100 nm
4. The converter material for solar cells of Claim 1 or 2, whereby the inorganic material is provided in particle form embedded in a matrix material whereby the difference in refractive indices between inorganic material and matrix Δη is preferably < 0.05.
5. The converter material for solar cells of any of the Claims 1, 2, and 4, whereby the inorganic converter material is embedded in polymer layer essentially made out of a very stable material such as PTFE, PVF, PVDF, PFPE, and/or FEP.
6. The converter material for solar cells of any of the Claims 1 to 5 whereby the the inorganic converter material is selected out of the group comprising
BaMgAlioOi7:Eu,Mn, BaAli20i9:Mn, Zn2Si04:Mn, SrSi2N202:Eu, LaP04:Ce,Tb, (Yi_ xGdx)2Si05:Tb, GdMgB5Oio:Ce,Tb, CeMgAl„Oi9:Tb, (Yi_xGdx)B03:Tb, (Ini_xGdx)B03:Tb, (Y!^Gd^iAl^yGa^sO^!Tb^Ba!^Sr^S^!Eu^Y!^Gd^iAl^yGa^sO^!Ce,
CaSi2N202:Eu, (Sri_xCax)Si04:Eu, SrLi2Si04:Eu, (Ini_xGdx)B03:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)203:Eu, (Yi_ xGdx)(V,P,B)04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Nb04: Eu, Ba2Gd2Si40i3:Eu, Ba2Gd2Ge40i3:Eu, (Yi_ xGdx)Nb04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)Ta04:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)OF:Eu, (Lai_xGdx)OCl:Eu, (Yi_xGdx)OCl:Eu, (Sci_xLux)2Si207:Eu, (Sri_x_yBaxCay)S:Eu, (Sri_x_yBaxCay)2Si5N8:Eu, (Cai_xSrx)AlSiN3:Eu, Mg4Ge05.5F:Mn, (Yi_xLux)3(Ali_yGay)50i2:Ce,Cr, (Yi_xGdx)203:Yb or mixtures thereof; whereby each x and y are independently selected from >0 and <1 (with - wherever appropriate - the proviso that x+y<l).
7. Use of a solar cell system according to any of the claims 1 to 6 in
- extraterrestial satellites
- spacecrafts
- space probes
- extraterrestial orbiters
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