Best presentation on Germanium based Photovoltaic cell. Photovoltaic cell is also known as Solar cell.
Germanium-based photovoltaic cells use germanium as the semiconductor material to convert sunlight into electricity. Germanium has a wider spectral sensitivity than silicon, allowing it to absorb a broader range of light wavelengths, including infrared. This enables germanium-based cells to generate electricity more efficiently under various environmental conditions. They exhibit higher conversion efficiencies, particularly in low-light or low-temperature scenarios, thanks to germanium's high carrier mobility. These cells find applications in thermophotovoltaic systems for energy harvesting from waste heat. Germanium-based cells can also be integrated into tandem or multi-junction solar cell structures, increasing overall efficiency by capturing a wider spectrum of light. Ongoing research focuses on improving performance, reducing costs, and enhancing material durability. Challenges include the availability and cost of germanium, but these cells show promise for specialized applications such as space-based solar power systems, portable electronics, and wearable devices. Advancements in crystal growth techniques and material engineering contribute to their progress. By addressing these challenges and furthering research, germanium-based photovoltaic cells have the potential to play a significant role in solar energy conversion.
3. • A Ge based photovoltaic cell is an
electronic device that converts
sunlight directly into electricity.
• Ge is used as a semiconductor
which is treated with impurities
inorder to create pn junction.
• When photons of sunlight strike the
surface of the cell, they knock
electrons loose from the
semiconductor material, hence
electricity is produced.
Introduction
4. Construction
• Clean the germanium wafer.
• A diffusion barrier is applied to the
germanium surface. This is typically a layer
of silicon dioxide, which helps to prevent
unwanted dopant diffusion into the
germanium.
Protective glass
Conducting metal contact
Ge n-type
Ge p-type
Conductive metal base
5. • A dopant material is applied to the surface of the Ge wafer.
• After the dopant is applied, the wafer is heated to anneal the
dopant and activate it in the germanium lattice.
• Once the dopant is activated, metal contacts are applied to the
front and back of the wafer, that provide electrical connections
to the p-type and n-type regions of the germanium solar cell.
6. Working
• The germanium crystal is doped with
impurities to create p-type and n-type
regions.
• The electrons are free to move in the
germanium crystal and are attracted to the
n-type region, while the holes are attracted
to the p-type region.
• This creates a flow of electrons from the n-
type region to the p-type region, which can
be captured and used as electrical power.
• Hence, electricity is produced.
7.
8. • The theoretical maximum efficiency of a single-
junction germanium solar cell is around 40%,
compared to around 25% for silicon solar cells.
• However, in practical applications, the efficiency
of germanium solar cells is typically lower,
depending on the specific design and materials
used.
Efficiency
9. Advantages
• Higher Efficiency
• Better performance in low-light
conditions
• Stability at high temperatures
• Lower material requirements
• Better radiation resistance
13. Present Scenerio
• Currently, germanium solar cells have limited use in terrestrial
applications due to their high cost and lower efficiency
compared to other types of solar cells such as silicon.
• However, they are still used in applications such as in infrared
detectors, aerospace, and military technology.
14. • Germanium solar cells have the potential to be
used in specialized applications where high
efficiency at shorter wavelengths is important,
such as space exploration and military
applications.
Future Scope
• Research is being conducted to improve the
efficiency and reduce the cost of germanium
solar cells such as by combining Ge with other
materials.
• Optimization of the crystal structure and
surface passivation of germanium solar cells is
being explored to improve their performance.
15. Conclusion
• Ge based photovoltaic cells converts the
sunlight directly to electricity.
• Germanium solar cells are most efficient at
converting sunlight into electricity when the
sunlight has a shorter wavelength, such as
ultraviolet or blue light.
• Despite their higher efficiency in certain
applications, germanium solar cells are less
commonly used in commercial solar panel
systems due to their higher cost.
