Application deadline

Type of course

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification and Mathematics R1+R2 and Physics 1 or Preliminary Course for Engineers.

Application code: 9391 for individual courses in engineering; 5198 for individual courses in engineering, online.

Course content

The course gives a broad, detailed, but yet basic introduction into solar cell technology and vacuum technology 

Part 1 Solar cell technology

• Photons in, electrons out: The principles behind the photovoltaic, and photoelectric effect
• The role of solar energy in the world
• Basics of sun-earth physics, and solar angles
• Basics of crystals and semiconductor theory
• Doping, drift and diffusion
• pn-diode 
• Solcellens prinsipielle virkemåte 
• Hetero-, and homo junctions
• Material properties
• Manufacture of silicon  
• Design and fabrication of crystalline silicon solar cells  
• Equipment for the manufacture of solar cells
• Basic solar cell measurements; IV, Voc, Isc, FF, efficiency, resistance, parasitics
• Measurement equipment for characterisation of solar cells
• Classification of solar cells
• Computer simulation of solar cells and systems
• Components of a solar cell system

Part 2 Vacuum technology

• The history of vacuum science and technology  
• Units, nomenclature, and terminology
• Working principles of different vacuum pumps and their application
• Principles of some common vacuum based processes used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and in metallurgy   
• Vacuum build components and measurement instruments
• Dimensioning of a vacuum pumping system
• Process development
• Residual gas analysis and leak detection
• Contamination and maintenance
• Safety aspects

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

After passing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding:

• Explain the behaviour of a solar cell
• Understand the difference between photovoltaic effect and photoelectric effect
• Elaborate on important electrical and geometrical design parameters for solar cells
• Understand and interpret a measured IV-characteristic of a solar cell
• Describe important differences between different types of solar cells
• Describe the manufacturing sequence for crystalline silicon solar cells
• Elaborate on factors important for the optimal placement of solar cell panels
• Explain the purpose of different components in a solar cell system
• Explain the principal design features of a solar cell panel
• Elaborate on the consequences of cells with different characteristics in a solar cell panel
• Elaborate on different types of production errors and defects
• Understand how solar cells are sorted and classified
• Understand the purpose of the individual production processes used in the manufacture of solar cells and panels
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of different vacuum pump principles
• Explain the most common principles for measuring vacuum pressure
• Explain the methods for leak detection
• Identify different types of common vacuum components
• Understand the importance of avoiding contamination of production equipment
• Locate possible environmental, or safety hazards in solar cell systems and in vacuum systems
• Name relevant technical standards

Skills:

• Perform calculations of the performance of solar cells, and of solar cell modules  
• Analyse the measured characteristics of a solar cell, and a solar cell module
• Classify a solar cell based on its measured characteristics
• Distinguish between a bad solar cell and a good solar cell
• Understand technical data sheets for solar cells & modules, and for vacuum pumps
• Design a crystalline silicon solar cell
• Simulate the performance of a silicon solar cell for different design parameters using a computer program
• Design an optimally functional solar cell system comprised of non-identical modules
• Select most suitable vacuum pump for different vacuum based processes
• Design a vacuum pump system numerically
• Determine a vacuum system's status from a residual gas spectrum

Competence:

• Elaborate on advantages and disadvantages of solar cell systems for the production of electrical energy
• Reflect on the role of solar energy in the world's energy system
• Reflect on how to store energy produced by solar cells
• Assess the suitability of different types of solar cell panels in different environments
• Communicate environmental, and/or safety related concerns and consequences of solar cell manufacture and their use
• Communicate with the public as well as with professionals in the fields of solar cells and vacuum technology
• Reflect on advantages and disadvantages of different vacuum pumps

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Lectures and exercises in 4 sessions/week distributed evenly between the two parts of the course. Compulsory tasks comprised of numerical calculations, design work, and home laboratory exercise and reporting.

All organized teaching, course literature, and handouts are considered as course material. Exam questions are based upon this. 

Guest lectures may occur. Voluntary quizzes may occur. An introduction to the use of PC1D/PC2D simulation program will be given. This is a free downloadable Windows program which will be made available to participants.

Audio and video of what takes place in the classroom will be recorded by Mediasite, and will be made available live to course participants. Relevant links will also be published on Canvas.

Exams are not held in semesters when there is no teaching.

Off-campus practice work: No.

Evaluation: Course evaluation using questionnaire or via the elected class representative.

Teaching and Examination Language:

Language of instruction

Norwegian, but some English can be used. Most literature will be in English, but some will be in Norwegian. In the event exchange students participate in the course instruction can be in English if asked for, and pursuant to acceptance by the other students.

Examination language

Norwegian. Exchange students can have the examination text in English, provided a 4 weeks notice is given.

Reduction of credits

ITE1905 Solar cell technology and fuel cells , 5 credits (ECTS)

Assessment

Coursework / Course requirements

The following compulsory course work must be completed and all be passed in order to obtain examination rights.

Course part 1 solar cell technology:

Three (3) compulsory tasks comprised of one numerical exercise, one design task, and one home lab exercise with a written report. In the home lab exercise a solar cell is to be simulated and optimized using the PC1D/PC2D program.

Course part 2 vacuum technology:

Three (3) compulsory tasks comprised of two numerical exercises, and one design task (design of a pumping system according to given specifications).

Examination and assessment: 

Two (2) writtten exams, each of 4 hours duration.

The grading scale is A - F, where F is not passed, for both partial exams. Both partial exams must be passed for a final passing grade. The two results are weighed together with a 50/50 weight factor.

Note that the exam in Solar cell technology is identical to that given in course ITE1905 Solar cell technology and fuel cells, part 1.

Approved exam aids

Book formula collection "Formler og tabeller" by John Haugan. A collection of relevant formulas will be appended to the examination text.

No other handwritten or printed text is allowed.

Calculator: Any handheld calculator with an empty memory at the start of the examination, and without the ability to communicate is allowed.

Re-sit exam

A re-sit exam will be arranged for both parts of this course for students who did not pass one or both most recent partial exams. It is sufficient to re-sit only the partial exam which was not previously passed.

Recommended reading/syllabus