3 research outputs found
Chemically Converted Graphene as a Hole Transport Layer (HTL) Inorganic Photovoltaics (OPVS)
No full textoai:ojs.pkp.sfu.ca:article/170Concerns about Global Warming and diminishing fossil fuel reserves have accelerated the search for low cost sources of renewable energy. Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) could be one such source; however, they have a list of shortcomings, including low efficiencies, short lifetimes, and reliance on poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS), an expensive and highly acidic (pH = 1) hole transport layer. Replacing PEDOT: PSS with chemically derived graphene may eliminate one of the drawbacks associated with OPVs. This paper took the first step towards that goal by developing a process to synthesize and characterize inverted and normal poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), [6, 6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) solar cells. Although detrimental to the stability of the cells, ambient synthesis replicated the conditions required for large-scale, industrial production. The utilization of graphene oxide (GO) thin films as the hole transport and electron blocking layer in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is demonstrated. The incorporation of GO deposited from neutral solutions between the photoactive poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) layer and the transparent and conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) leads to a decrease in recombination of electrons and holes and leakage currents. This results in a dramatic increase in the OPV efficiencies to values that are comparable to devices fabricated with PEDOT: PSS as the hole transport layer. Our results indicate that GO could be a simple solution process able Alternative to PEDOT: PSS as the effective hole transport and electron blocking layer in OPV and light-emitting diode devices
The Advancement of Solid-State Transformer Technology and Its Operation and Control with Power Grids: A Review
No full textSolid-state transformer (SST) technology is one of the developing technologies that will be widely used in the future to integrate low-voltage and high-voltage networks with control circuitries and power electronics converters, facilitating renewables integration in smart grid applications. SST technology has crucial key advantageous features, including compact size and weight, low cost, and ease of connection in offshore applications. However, SST technology exhibits a few concerns, such as implementation, protection, economic, and communication compatibility, that need to be addressed. This paper aims to review SST technology with its advanced control schemes and provide future directions for research and development, applications, and prospects. In line with this, highly cited SST technology papers are examined to derive and summarize concerning issues related to its operation and control with further research development of power grids. Moreover, this review discusses the assessment and state-of-the-art technology of SSTs in different applications, focusing on configurations, control circuitry, and their drawbacks and benefits. Numerous issues and challenges of SST technology are explored to identify the existing knowledge gaps and potential future recommendations. All these critical analyses, information, and evaluations would benefit power engineers and researchers in developing and implementing advanced intelligent SST technologies for sustainable energy management in future power systems
The Advancement of Solid-State Transformer Technology and Its Operation and Control with Power Grids: A Review
No full textSolid-state transformer (SST) technology is one of the developing technologies that will be widely used in the future to integrate low-voltage and high-voltage networks with control circuitries and power electronics converters, facilitating renewables integration in smart grid applications. SST technology has crucial key advantageous features, including compact size and weight, low cost, and ease of connection in offshore applications. However, SST technology exhibits a few concerns, such as implementation, protection, economic, and communication compatibility, that need to be addressed. This paper aims to review SST technology with its advanced control schemes and provide future directions for research and development, applications, and prospects. In line with this, highly cited SST technology papers are examined to derive and summarize concerning issues related to its operation and control with further research development of power grids. Moreover, this review discusses the assessment and state-of-the-art technology of SSTs in different applications, focusing on configurations, control circuitry, and their drawbacks and benefits. Numerous issues and challenges of SST technology are explored to identify the existing knowledge gaps and potential future recommendations. All these critical analyses, information, and evaluations would benefit power engineers and researchers in developing and implementing advanced intelligent SST technologies for sustainable energy management in future power systems
