Smart PV Modules with Laminated On-Cell Energy Storage

Efficient yet simple energy storage schemes and smart electronics will not only boost PV system efficiencies but it will also lead to many innovative applications at the system level such as solid state lighting, active bypass diodes, bifacial configurations etc. This research project seeks to develop a novel and efficient on-cell energy storage scheme. By proper design of materials and processes, traditional lamination sheets will be modified to yield high permittivity dielectric films that could be deployed on the back side of the cell, by the standard lamination process, to provide large area capacitors. The capacitor design will be stacked layers of metal foils and lamination films. Novel cell designs will be implemented and prototyped with the large area capacitor functioning as on-cell energy storage device. Since this process takes place at the module fabrication stage, it doesn’t impose any changes at the cell manufacturing. Finally smart PV systems will be designed employing PV modules with on-cell storage.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Siva Sivoththaman

Student:

Bita Janfeshan

Partner:

S2E Technologies Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo