Incorporation of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Research Results into Solar Cells and Modules Course

Lakshmi Munukutla
2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings   unpublished
Dye sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) fabrication technology is gaining momentum as a low cost and simple technology to convert solar energy into electricity. A systematic study of the DSSC fabrication procedure and its influence on the solar cell efficiency are presented in this paper. The significant process improvements made to enhance cell efficiency are: preparation of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) layer, TiO2 layer sintering, composition of the dye absorption solution and the sealant material
more » ... ckness. The process optimization steps made in this study enhanced cell efficiency over 200% and significantly reduced process time. The paper describes incorporation of these research findings into the classroom, which include a few hands on activities for the students to gain better understanding of the cell parameters that control its performance. The understanding of converting solar energy into electricity is demonstrated using the Dye Sensitized solar cells. The infusion of research results into a course, Solar Cells and Modules at Arizona State University is a successful event.
doi:10.18260/1-2--18138 fatcat:z2hgj2taingfth6orjldyxcjl4