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At least 307 records · Page 17

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DOE OSTI2021

Solar Photovoltaic Module Recycling: A Survey of U.S. Policies and Initiatives

Industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers in the United States are starting to develop policies for PV module recycling. Well-designed policies could reduce negative environmental impacts and resource constraints while opening new market and employment opportunities. This paper summarizes drivers, barriers, and enablers related to PV module recycling, which might be addressed via policy. It then analyzes existing and proposed U.S. policies that may affect PV module recycling. Among the global and national voluntary industry stewardship standards related to EoL PV management, this paper discusses a Solar Energy Industries Association program encouraging PV recycling among its U.S. membership. The paper concludes with a synthesis of policy-related factors that may encourage effective EoL PV module management.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1974

Terrestrial applications of FEP-encapsulated solar cell modules

The NASA-Lewis Research Center program of transferring the FEP-encapsulated solar cell technology developed for the space program to terrestrial applications is presented. The electrical power system design and the array mechanical design are described, and power systems being tested are discussed. The latter are located at NOAA-RAMOS weather stations at Sterling, Va., and Mammoth Mountain, Calif.; on the roof of the Lewis Research Center; on a NOAA-Coast Guard buoy in the Gulf of Mexico; in a U.S. Forest Service mountaintop voice repeater station in the Inyo National Forest, Calif., and in a backpack charger for portable transmitter/receivers being used in the same place. Preliminary results of testing are still incomplete, but show that rime ice can cause cracks in modular cells without damaging the FEP though, which keeps the grid lines intact, and that electrically active elements of the module must be completely sealed from salt water to prevent FEP delamination.

Forestieri, A. F.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Closing the Loops on Solar Photovoltaics Modules: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach for the Study of Circular Economy Strategies

Solar photovoltaics (PV) installed capacity have grown exponentially since the early 2000s (average annual growth rate of 50%). With 4,700 GW projected installed capacity by 2050, the volume of PV panels waste is also expected to become substantial. Though renewables are a sine qua non to the establishment of a truly circular economy (CE), the issue arising from their end-of-life management needs to be resolved. The management of PV end-of-life also represent a singular opportunity to create value, from recovered valuable, rare or critical materials (e.g. silver, tellurium, indium). Moreover, the PV case illustrates some of the current barriers to CE; for instance, the need for a common definition of waste (PV are defined as e-waste in the European Union but as general waste in the United States) and potential loss of innovations' advantages (PV average efficiency has continuously grown the past 10 years). In this study, an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach is proposed to simulate PV end-of-life management in the United States. The model explores how the decisions of the various actors involved in handling PV waste affect the quantities of PV that are reused, recycled, or land-filled. In the model, manufacturers, residential, and nonresidential PV owners, installers, and recyclers are represented by agents while governmental policies and regulations are treated as exogenous variables. PV-market data are used to define agents' characteristics (e.g., installed PV capacities or producing costs). Agents' decision rules draw on the literature related to industrial symbiosis (IS) and peoples' waste behaviors as they appear as the most widely used model to implement CE principles at a meso level. Specifically, the concepts of mutual trust between IS actors and knowledge about the IS philosophy are yielded to define the agents' decision process. The primary outputs of the ABM are the costs and volume of waste associated with each end-of-life pathway. Preliminaries results indicate recycling of residential PV is affected by the cost, perceived difficulty of recycling behaviors, and social norms. Moreover, the type of network connecting agents and the initial recycling rate strongly influence results. The model also highlights the crucial role of recycling behavior adoption: in case of early failure of PV, recycled volumes increase by about 40%. This represents an additional 5.7 billion USD from potential recovered silver. Finally, although results for the PV case are presented here, the developed ABM aims at being a general tool for the study of CE strategies and the CE transition. Furthermore, steps of this research include extending the model to encompass circular economy strategies (e.g., design for recycling or lifetime extension) and validating its general architecture from various case studies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development of High Efficiency (14%) Solar Cell Array Module

High efficiency solar cells required for the low cost modules was developed. The production tooling for the manufacture of the cells and modules was designed. The tooling consisted of: (1) back contact soldering machine; (2) vacuum pickup; (3) antireflective coating tooling; and (4) test fixture.

Iles, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Modulation of low energy electrons and protons near solar maximum

The intensities of cosmic-ray electrons in the energy range from 24 to 235 MeV and of protons in the ranges 40 to 150 MeV and greater than 700 MeV are compared with the neutron intensity data over the period 1968 to 1972. Correlation plots between these various components show a marked break following the June 9, 1969 Forbush decrease. The resulting hysteresis curve is best explained as a sudden change in the rigidity dependence of solar modulation. A variation in the size of the solar cavity is also possible but not likely.

Lheureux, J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

The isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray Li, Be, and B

New measurements are reported of the isotopes of cosmic-ray Li, Be, and B and of the elements C, N, and O, with cosmic ray telescopes on board the IMP-7 and IMP-8 satellites during 1973-74 in the energy range 35-210 MeV/nucleon. High mass resolution and stability together with a set of data more extensive than in previous experiments lead to a clear isotopic separation. The measured isotopic and chemical abundances provide a stringent test for models of interstellar propagation and solar modulation. We find not only that for a steady state propagation and solar modulation model all light isotopes and medium element abundances are explained by 5 g/sq cm average pathlengths, as was earlier found from element analysis, but that also these results, taken along with our Be-10 measurements, indicate a longer lifetime for cosmic rays than predicted by the usual assumption of an average interstellar density of 1 to 3 atoms/cu cm.

Garcia-Munoz, M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Wind Observations of Anomalous Cosmic Rays from Solar Minimum to Maximum

We report the first observation near Earth of the time behavior of anomalous cosmic-ray N, O, and Ne ions through the period surrounding the maximum of the solar cycle. These observations were made by the Wind spacecraft during the 1995-2002 period spanning times from solar minimum through solar maximum. Comparison of anomalous and galactic cosmic rays provides a powerful tool for the study of the physics of solar modulation throughout the solar cycle.

Reames, D. V.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Magnetic modulation of solar luminosity by photospheric activity

The behavior of slow changes in solar irradiance S is studied using measurements obtained with radiometers on the SMM and Nimbus 7 spacecraft. The general downtrend in the radiometer readings is examined by removing the influence of sunspot blocking and comparing the residual irradiance variations with changes in facular and network radiation as indicated by the He I 10830 and CaK indices. The time-integrated sunspot and facular contributions to irradiance variation and its implications for active region energetics are considered. The magnetic activity modulation of S over solar cycle 21 from daily data on sunspot blocking and the He I index are simulated, and this simulated irradiance variation is compared to radiometry since 1978. Other recent evidence for an irradiance modulation by magnetic activity is discussed.

Foukal, P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Solar Cycle Modulation of Total Irradiance: an Empirical Model from 1874 to 1988

Evidence acquired during the past decade indicates that over time scales of the solar cycle, enhanced emission from bright solar faculae cause significant variations in the sun's total irradiance even though, on shorter time scales, the most pronounced variations are those resulting from the passage of dark sunspots across the solar disc. An empirical model which accounts for the competing effects of dark sunspots and bright faculae has been developed from the available radiometry in cycle 21, and extended back to the beginning of solar cycle 12. According to this model, the largest 11-year modulation of total irradiance during the C20th occurred in the most recent cycle 21.

Lean, J.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Large Field-of-View KD*P Modulator for Solar Polarization Measurements

This paper will describe the evolution of the Marshall Space Flight Center electro-optical polarimeter with emphasis on the field of view characteristics of the its KD*P modulator. Understanding the field of view characteristics was essential to the success of the MSFC vector magnetograph. The paper will show how the field of view errors of KD*P look similar to the polarization patterns seen in simple sunspots and why the placement of the KD*P in a collimated beam was essential in separating the instrumental polarization from the solar signal. Finally, this paper will describe a modulator design which minimizes those field-of-view errors.

West, E. A.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Large Field-of-view KD*P Modulator for Solar Polarization Measurements

West, Edward A.↗

NASA NTRS1978

The quiet-time low energy nucleon spectrum during 1975

The paper reports measurements during quiet time periods in 1975 over the range of Ep from about 0.3 to 5 MeV for protons and E-alpha from about 0.7 to 11 MeV/nuc for helium nuclei. The data are obtained from the JHU/APL experiments on earth-orbiting IMP-7 and IMP-8 spacecraft. Both spacecraft are spinning, and data from the experiment are acquired in both spin-averaged and sectored form. It is shown that the earth's atmosphere continues to be a most important contributor to the proton population in the Ep range of 0.29-0.5 MeV, and that the 1975 intensities are virtually identical to those measured in 1973, suggesting the absence of solar modulation at these low (no more than about 5 MeV/nuc) energies. Lack of solar modulation argues against a galactic origin.

Krimigis, S. M.↗

NASA NTRS2023

Charge-Sign Dependent Cosmic-Ray Modulation Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

We present the observation of a charge-sign dependent solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope onboard the International Space Station over 6 yr, corresponding to the positive polarity of the solar magnetic field. The observed variation of proton count rate is consistent with the neutron monitor count rate, validating our methods for determining the proton count rate. It is observed by the Calorimetric Electron Telescope that both GCR electron and proton count rates at the same average rigidity vary in anticorrelation with the tilt angle of the heliospheric current sheet, while the amplitude of the variation is significantly larger in the electron count rate than in the proton count rate. We show that this observed charge-sign dependence is reproduced by a numerical “drift model” of the GCR transport in the heliosphere. This is a clear signature of the drift effect on the long-term solar modulation observed with a single detector.

O. Adriani↗

DOE OSTI2023

Self‐Assembly of 0D/3D Perovskite Bi‐Layer from a Micro‐Emulsion Ink

Abstract 2D/3D bilayer perovskite synthesized using sequential deposition methods has shown effectiveness in enhancing the stability of perovskite solar devices. However, these approaches present several limitations such as uncontrolled chemical processes, disordered interfacial states, and microscale heterogeneities that can chemically, structurally, and electronically compromise the performance of solar modules. Here, this work demonstrates an emulsion‐based self‐assembly approach using natural lipid biomolecules in a nonionic solution system to form a 0D/3D bilayer structure. The new capping layer is composed of 0D‐entity nanoparticles of perovskite encapsulated by a hydrophobic lipid membrane, analogous to a cell structure, formed through a molecular self‐assembly process. This 0D layer provides a strong water repellent characteristics, optimum interface microstructure, and excellent homogeneity that drives significant enhancement in stability. Solar modules with a large active area of 70 cm 2 fabricated using films comprising of 0D/3D bilayer structure are found to show consistent efficiency of >19% for 2800 h of continuous illumination in the air (60% relative humidity). This emulsion‐based self‐assembly approach is expected to have a transformative impact on the design and development of stable perovskite‐based devices.

0D/3D bilayers↗

NASA NTRS1985

Intermediate load modules for test and evaluation: Flat-Plate Solar Array Project

Two versions of a 36 stainless steel solar module were built. The first version was built as a commercial module for marine applications and was purchased for evaluation by JPL. Design deficiencies were identified as a result of the evaluation. The second version was built and the improvements that resulted from design changes are described. Assembly problems, electrical performance, and qualification test results are provided.

Bower, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Asymmetries in the modulation of protons and helium nuclei over two solar cycles

Measurements of proton and helium spectra over two cycles of solar modulation show large asymmetries in modulation. These effects are apparent at sunspot minimum conditions in 1965 and 1977, where a much larger intensity is observed in 1977, and also at sunspot maximum conditions where a much lower intensity is observed in 1981 relative to 1970. The details of this asymmetry are discussed and possible causes are considered.

Webber, W. R.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Advancements in Manufacturing of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules Using Printing Technologies

Perovskite photovoltaic technology carries immense opportunity for the solar industries because of its remarkable efficiency and prospect for cost-effective production. However, the successful deployment of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in the solar market necessitates tackling stability-based obstacles, scalability, and environmental considerations. This paper unveils a comprehensive examination of the cutting-edge advancements in the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules, with an emphasis on high-speed, large-area printing. The paper underscores the substantial progress achieved in printed PSCs and PSMs, demonstrating promising electrical performance and long-term device durability. This review paper categorizes printing techniques compatible with large-area high-speed manufacturing into three distinct families: blade coating, slot die coating, and screen printing, as these common printing practices offer precise control, scalability, cost-effectiveness, high resolution, and efficient material usage. Additionally, this paper presents an in-depth investigation and comparison of superior PSCs and PSMs fabricated by printing on power conversion efficiency (PCE), stability, and scalability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1978

Solar-heating module

Comprehensive set of engineering drawings and instructions for installation, operation, repair, and maintenance are available for module that provides hot-air or hot-water needs for residence or commercial building. It can accommodate solar collectors of various sizes and types. It can provide utility, workshop, or storage space, in addition to providing hot water or hot air. Extensive insulation minimizes heat losses in structure and in storage and fluid-handling subsystems.

Christensen, D. L.↗