Dual-Junction Photovoltaic Topping Device for High-Temp Operation

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Program:
FOCUS
Award:
$2,721,984
Location:
Niles, Illinois
Status:
CANCELLED
Project Term:
06/11/2014 - 08/04/2016

Technology Description:

MicroLink Devices is developing a high-efficiency solar cell that can maintain efficient operation at high temperatures and leverage reusable cell templates to reduce overall cell cost. MicroLink’s cell will be able to operate at temperatures above 400°C, unlike today’s solar cells, which lose efficiency rapidly above 100°C and are likely to fail at high temperatures over time. MicroLink’s specialized dual-junction design will allow the cell to extract significantly more energy from the sun at high temperature than today’s cells, enabling the next generation of hybrid solar converters to deliver much higher quantities of electricity and useful dispatchable heat. When integrated into hybrid solar converters, heat rejected from the cells at high temperature can be stored and used to generate electricity when the sun is not shining.

Potential Impact:

If successful, MicroLink’s solar cell could be used in a hybrid solar converter enabling more efficient utilization of the full solar spectrum than possible with either photovoltaic or concentrated solar power independently.

Security:

Developing new hybrid solar systems that generate both electricity and dispatchable heat at the same time could provide domestically-sourced power at costs comparable to traditional sources, whether the sun is shining or not.

Environment:

Replacing energy systems powered by fossil fuels would provide an immediate decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of which come from electricity generation today.

Economy:

Cost-effective, dispatchable solar energy alternatives would stabilize electricity rates for consumers as the penetration of renewable energy increases in the coming years.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Eric Schiff
Project Contact:
Alex Kirk
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
akirk@mldevices.com

Partners

US Naval Research Laboratory

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Release Date:
07/16/2013