CENER researchers illuminate EUPVSEC 2023 with pioneering photovoltaic advancements.
The National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain (CENER) proudly represented the forefront of photovoltaic research at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EUPVSEC) 2023, held in Lisbon. EUPVSEC, known as the largest international gathering for photovoltaic research, technologies, and applications, offer a prestigious platform for CENER to showcase their latest advancements and innovations in the PV field.
Under the scientific coordination of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, CENER researchers presented three groundbreaking contributions at the conference:
- Numerical Simulation of Perovskite Solar Cells Under Light Soaking Degradation with Silvaco Atlas: The quest for highly efficient perovskite solar cells has been a driving force in photovoltaic research. CENER’s research delves into the intricate issue of light-induced degradation in perovskite solar cells. By investigating deep level metastable traps in the perovskite layer, they are shedding light on one of the causes of degradation, and their findings promise to contribute significantly to the field’s understanding and advancement.
- Reliability of Lightweight PV Laminations Under Harsh Environmental Conditions: Building on the AiSoVol2 project, CENER’s study examined the durability of lightweight PV modules under harsh environmental conditions. These modules, featuring innovative materials such as thin glass and polypropylene honeycomb, underwent rigorous testing, revealing insights into their performance under damp heat, UV radiation, and condensation. The study highlights potential improvements, particularly in encapsulant materials.
- Evaluation of Horizontal Single-Axis Sun Tracker Algorithms: Solar tracking is pivotal for maximizing energy production. Due to its own operational mode, the solar tracker can increase the performance of a PV plant without adding new equipment or new technology, through the optimization of the tracking system’s programming. CENER’s research focused on evaluating various tracking algorithms for horizontal single-axis solar trackers. By analyzing performance under different weather conditions and considering factors like energy production, operational parameters, reliability, and service life, CENER’s work provides valuable insights for optimizing solar tracking systems.
In addition to their scientific contributions, CENER was a prominent presence at the exhibition as part of the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) booth. ESMC, the organization representing European PV manufacturing interests, counts CENER among its founding members.
CENER unveiled a groundbreaking innovation at the exhibition—a multifunctional solar glass engineered through nano-structuring, surpassing conventional coatings. This cutting-edge glass promises to revolutionize the renewable energy sector by offering anti-reflective, anti-soiling, super-hydrophilic, anti-fogging, and highly durable attributes (along the lifetime of the glass). Beyond photovoltaic panels, this glass has applications in architectural glass and solar thermal components, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of needs. CENER’s Materials and Coatings Lab harnessed the power of a single-step Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) process to create unique nanocones on the glass surface, providing all the remarkable functionalities mentioned. Real demonstration samples of this innovative glass, known as Funglass, were showcased at the exhibition and generated significant interest among attendees.
CENER continues to lead the way in photovoltaic research, making substantial contributions to both the scientific and industrial sectors. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability underscores their commitment to advancing the global PV solar sector.