DESIGNS AND PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION OF PHOTOELECTRIC SOLAR ENERGY CONVERTERS

In the present paper, the analysis of structures of modern photoelectric solar energy converters is carried out. The solution of ecological problems at increasing energy consumption and limitations of traditional earthly resources makes the tasks of using alternative and renewable energy sources actual. The sun is a practically unlimited energy source for earthly applications. Development of effective structures and designs of photoelectric converters provides the access to this source. Currently, their practical application is limited due to the high cost of solar batteries. The paper generalizes the known results of solving the problems of creating photoelectric converters. The design and operation principles of photoelectric converters are shown, single- and 3-stage elements are considered. Conditions for efficient operation of photoelectric converters are determined. Particular attention is paid to materials for creating elements of photoelectric converters. The paper considers the peculiarities of materials in which potential barriers are formed and pairs of electrons and holes are generated. In addition, the paper deals with the materials that are used for forming the constructions of photoelectric converters, namely, the materials of plates, contacts etc. These materials must provide a considerable barrier height in a semiconductor junction. The generated electrons and holes are effectively collected at contact electrodes. The considered conditions of efficient operation of photoelectric converters determine their practical importance. It is shown that the further increase of efficiency of photoelectric converters requires the development of technologies, improvement of structures, and application of physical principles that are not used yet, as well as new combinations of those that are already being used.