UNIK9460 – Photovoltaic devices, technology and system
Course description
Course content
Solar radiation fundamentals and design overview, various energy efficiencies processes, main focus on thin film fabrication techniques, detailed analysis of variety of solar cells (amorphous silicon and their alloys, CdTe-based thin film solar cells, CuInSe (CIS) based thin film solar cells, next generation of silicon based thin film solar cell, multijunction or heterojunction devices, Dye sensitized solar cells, organic semiconductors), photovoltaic cell interconnection and module manufacturing, photovoltaic system component, stand-alone and grid-connected photovoltaic system, photovoltaic applications.
Learning outcome
The course aims at providing a basic understanding of theory and practice of various photovoltaic technologies and design concepts. The course further focuses on developing an understanding of operational aspects of photovoltaic system design and finally analyse the performance.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
UNIK4450 – Solar cells (continued) is strongly recommended. Fundamental semiconductor physics (FYS2210 – Semiconductor Components (continued)) background is critical. Prior knowledge in other courses such as FYS2140 – Quantum Physics, MENA3200 – Energy Materials (continued) and FYS2160 – Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics is advantageous.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with UNIK4460 – Photovoltaic devices, technology and system (continued)
- 5 credits overlap with UNIK4830 – Solar energy systems (continued)
- 5 credits overlap with UNIK9830 – Solar energy systems (continued)
Teaching
Per week: 2 hours lecture and 1 hour project work.
One excursion to a module fabrication site to see the practical aspects of PV modules and their operation.
Phd-students will a be required to submit a report based on an in-depth analysis made during the course.
Examination
Oral examination (counts towards 80% of the final grade) and project work in class (counts towards 20% of the final grade).
There are mandatory projectreports that must be submitted and approved before the examination.
In the event that there are many candidates, a written examination may be held instead of the oral examination.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.