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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Creating values from wastes: Producing biofuels from waste cooking oil via a tandem vapor-phase hydrotreating process

Here, this study is focused on producing biofuels from waste oils via a tandem vapor-phase hydrotreating process in a pressurized two-stage fixed bed reactor over a bifunctional Ni/Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 catalyst under 0.25 MPa H 2 . A 100% hydrodeoxygenation efficiency both in liquid and gas products was observed, yielding 83.9 wt% C 5 -C 19 n-alkanes which corresponds to a 7.4-fold increase compared with that obtained from non-catalytic conversion. The hydrodeoxygenation mechanism of waste cooking oil in the catalytic tandem hydrotreating process induced by Ni/Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 was proposed. The hydropyrolysis temperature in the first reactor, hydrogenation temperature in the second reactor, reaction pressure, catalyst to waste cooking oil mass ratio, and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) was optimized at 550 °C, 300 °C, 0.25 MPa, 3, and 56 s -1 , respectively. The application potential of this cascade vapor-phase hydrotreating process was evaluated by employing different waste oils such as palm kernel oil, woody oil (swida wilsoniana), soapstock, and waste lubricating oil as feedstock, giving C 5 to C 19 n-alkane yields ranging from 21.6 to 87.5 wt%. This work provides a novel and promising approach to upcycle waste oils into upgraded biofuels compared with conventional catalytic pyrolysis.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fabrication, Measurement, and Modeling of GaInP/GaAs Three-Terminal Cells and Strings

Three-terminal (3T) GaInP/GaAs solar cells are fabricated from inverted-grown monolithic tandems and processed with external metal contacts suitable for easy interconnection. Prototype 3T tandems both with and without tunnel junctions are demonstrated. They are characterized as a function of two independent variables in a variety of configurations, with each configuration holding one of the contacts common to two source-meter units (SMUs). Each of these different measurement configurations completely characterizes the device by transforming the results into 6 unique device parameters and plotting the total power parametrically in two dimensions. The performance is fit using a 3T optoelectronic model that includes luminescent coupling as well as important resistances. Eight of these devices are interconnected in various voltage-constrained configurations to form voltage-matched (VM) strings. Measurement and analysis of these III-V devices and strings are generally applicable to all 3T photovoltaics.

photovoltaics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Efficient tandem solar cells with solution-processed perovskite on textured crystalline silicon

Stacking solar cells with decreasing band gaps to form tandems presents the possibility of overcoming the single-junction Shockley-Queisser limit in photovoltaics. The rapid development of solution-processed perovskites has brought perovskite single-junction efficiencies >20%. However, this process has yet to enable monolithic integration with industry-relevant textured crystalline silicon solar cells. We report tandems that combine solution-processed micrometer-thick perovskite top cells with fully textured silicon heterojunction bottom cells. To overcome the charge-collection challenges in micrometer-thick perovskites, we enhanced threefold the depletion width at the bases of silicon pyramids. Moreover, by anchoring a self-limiting passivant (1-butanethiol) on the perovskite surfaces, we enhanced the diffusion length and further suppressed phase segregation. These combined enhancements enabled an independently certified power conversion efficiency of 25.7% for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These devices exhibited negligible performance loss after a 400-hour thermal stability test at 85°C and also after 400 hours under maximum power point tracking at 40°C.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Parallel-Processed Multi-junction Perovskite Solar Cells (Final Technical Report)

This report consolidates the findings from this Department of Energy supported project, which aimed to advance the manufacturing of high-efficiency perovskite photovoltaics. To facilitate the processing of tandem devices, and perovskite single-junction and multi-junction devices more generally, the project team developed a lamination process to integrate the subcells and cells, decoupling the processing from the restrictive requirements of serial manufacturing. The lamination approach enables independent and precise tailoring of interface properties for stability and performance.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tandem Electrocatalytic–Thermocatalytic Conversion of CO 2 to Aromatic Hydrocarbons

The reaction of CO 2 with H 2 O to produce aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers) (BTEX) represents a promising pathway for converting CO 2 to value-added liquid products. However, this reaction cannot be achieved in a single electrochemical or thermochemical process. This work utilizes tandem electrochemical-thermochemical reactors as a new paradigm by starting with CO 2 and H 2 O as the feed in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to produce C 2 H 4 , which subsequently undergoes thermochemical aromatization using a Gallium- and Phosphorus-modified zeolite ZSM-5 catalyst (Ga/ZSM-5/P) at ambient pressure to produce BTEX. The current study also demonstrates the potential advantage of the tandem strategy in mitigating negative effects of water by testing the tandem reactor system under different hydration conditions and by performing in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption (XAS) characterization of the aromatization catalysts. Finally, these results highlight the advantage of using the tandem process with the use of a water trap before the thermochemical reactor.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Moving beyond 90% Carbon Capture by Highly Selective Membrane Processes

A membrane-based system with a retentate recycle process in tandem with an enriching cascade was studied for >90% carbon capture from coal flue gas. A highly CO 2 -selective facilitated transport membrane (FTM) was utilized particularly to enhance the CO 2 separation efficiency from the CO 2 -lean gases for a high capture degree. A techno-economic analysis showed that the retentate recycle process was advantageous for ≤90% capture owing to the reduced parasitic energy consumption and membrane area. At >90% capture, the enriching cascade outperformed the retentate recycle process since a higher feed-to-permeate pressure ratio could be applied. An overall 99% capture degree could be achieved by combining the two processes, which yielded a low capture cost of USD47.2/tonne, whereas that would be USD 42.0/tonne for 90% capture. This FTM-based approach for deep carbon capture and storage can direct air capture for the mitigation of carbon emissions in the energy sector.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Polyethylene upcycling to fuels: Narrowing the carbon number distribution in n-alkanes by tandem hydropyrolysis/hydrocracking

The extensive use of plastics in modern life has resulted in a global waste crisis to the environment. Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most popular and hardest plastics to recycle because of its strong C(sp 3 )-C(sp 3 ) bonds. In this study, a tandem conversion process, i.e., hydropyrolysis and subsequent vapor-phase hydrocracking of primary intermediates (C n>5 alkenes and long-chain alkanes), was conducted via a two-step pressurized flow-through fixed-bed reactor over a CoAl 2 O 4 spinel-derived catalyst. The product distribution could be flexibly tuned by regulating operating parameters in the cascade fixed-bed reactor and Co/Al molar ratio in CoAl 2 O 4 spinel catalysts. Under optimal reaction conditions (0.2 MPa H 2 , 550 °C for hydropyrolysis in the 1st reactor, 300–325 °C for hydrocracking in the 2nd reactor, 20 s -1 of gas hourly space velocity), the maximum single-pass yields of gasoline (C 5 -C 12 ) and jet-fuel (C 8 -C 16 ) range n-alkanes reached 86.0 wt% and 68.1 wt%, respectively. The CoAl 2 O 4 spinel catalysts also gained high activity in degrading realistic post-consumer plastics such as linear low-, low-, and high-density PE, and a ~ 73.1 wt% gasoline yield and a ~ 54.7 wt% C 8 -C 16 yield were retained even after 3 cycles in-situ regeneration of deactivated CoAl 2 O 4 catalysts. This work provides an efficient and tunable approach to upcycle PE wastes into liquid fuels with an ideal carbon length.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Alkylation of monomeric, dimeric, and polymeric lignin models through carbon-hydrogen activation using Ru-catalyzed Murai reaction

In this study, we have assessed directed carbon-hydrogen activation (CHA) for alkylation of monomeric, dimeric, and polymeric lignin models using Murai's catalyst [RuH 2 (CO)(PPh 3 ) 3 ]. Based on related work from our laboratory showing that isolated organosolv lignin bears benzylic directing groups ideal for CHA reactions, this approach could offer new methodology for the valorization of biorefinery lignin. Monomeric and dimeric models bearing a keto group at the benzylic position undergo Ru-catalyzed alkylation in good to excellent yield. Similarly, models bearing a benzylic OH group also undergo alkylation via a tandem oxidation/alkylation process enabled by the Ru catalyst. Polymeric models show low levels of functionalization as a result of the poor solubility of the starting polymer. With unsymmetrical models, functionalization occurs first at the least sterically hindered ortho-site, but a subsequent alkylation, leading to disubstituted products can occur at the more sterically hindered site, leading to hexasubstituted arenes. The reaction shows sensitivity to free phenolic OH groups, which appears to reduce the yield in some reactions, and is also a contributing factor to the low yields observed with polymeric lignin models. Finally, combining CHA methodology with lignin isolation technology able to introduce appropriate directing groups for catalytic functionalization will form the basis for improved conversion of lignin to high value chemical products.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Hybrid Tandem Photovoltaics

Tandem solar cell structures are the only strategy demonstrated to surpass the detailed balance efficiency limit of high-quality single-junction solar cells. To continue to improve the efficiencies of cost-effective terrestrial solar power, hybrid tandems of dissimilar subcells are being considered by many around the world, especially designs that incorporate silicon solar cells as a bottom subcell. In this project, we studied a wide variety of tandem design possibilities including those with three-terminal (3T) and four-terminal (4T) configurations. The use of 3T and 4T designs could be useful for efficient and economical hybrid tandem designs that utilize the best available subcell materials such as emerging perovskite materials. Three-terminal configurations, in particular, have not been sufficiently studied previously. We have laid the foundational groundwork in this project for understanding the operation of 3T tandems: developing a taxonomy for naming, a methodology for measuring and interconnecting, and models for simply characterizing 3T tandems. Electrical and optical subcell coupling between the subcells was also measured and modeled. An important part of this work was the fabrication of novel example tandem structures, including 4T GaAs/Si, 3T GaInP/Si, 3T GaAs/Si, and 3T GaInP/GaAs devices. Using these high-quality tandem cells, we have been able to clearly demonstrate the achievability of high-efficiencies, and subtle physical effects such as photon recycling and luminescent coupling. We have developed and demonstrated essential building-block tools such as transparent conductive adhesives (TCA) and 3T silicon bottom cells with interdigitated back contacts (IBC) that can also be used in many other tandem designs. We have tested the reliability of these tools and devices under standardized testing and outdoor measurements. We have found 4T GaAs/Si tandems to be relatively straightforward to fabricate and robust in real-world outdoor conditions. While we have demonstrated working hybrid 3T III-V/TCA/Si IBC tandems, we experienced low yields even with our best process flows yet. Further work is still needed to improve the processing yield of these devices. We therefore also created tandem cells using an all-III-V 3T tandem process which was very robust with high yields, allowing for the creation of voltage-matched strings in many different configurations using 8 nearly identical 3T tandems. Using these robust 3T tandem examples, we were able measure and precisely characterize 3T tandem behaviors to predict their operation under changing spectrum and temperature. The optoelectronic equivalent-circuit model was shown to be very general and applicable to hybrid tandems, and encompassed the operation 3T Si IBC cells. This general model has been distributed to the public in as open-source Python-based software called PVcircuit. We have calculated the implications of these new tandem device designs on the real-world energy production and shown how the relative performance of different tandem configurations is situational and can be engineered using the tools developed here.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unconventional solitonic high-temperature superfluorescence from perovskites

Fast thermal dephasing limits macroscopic quantum phenomena to cryogenic conditions and hinders their use at ambient temperatures. For electronic excitations in condensed media, dephasing is mediated by thermal lattice motion. Therefore, taming the lattice influence is essential for creating collective electronic quantum states at high temperatures. Although there are occasional reports of high-T c quantum effects across different platforms, it is unclear which lattice characteristics and electron–lattice interactions lead to macroscopically coherent electronic states in solids. Here we studied intensity fluctuations in the macroscopic polarization during the emergence of superfluorescence in a lead halide perovskite and showed that spontaneously synchronized polaronic lattice oscillations accompany collective electronic dipole emission. We further developed an effective field model and theoretically confirmed that exciton–lattice interactions lead to a new electronically and structurally entangled coherent extended solitonic state beyond a critical polaron density. The analysis shows a phase transition with two processes happening in tandem: incoherent disordered polaronic lattice deformations establish an order, while macroscopic quantum coherence among excitons simultaneously emerges. Recombination of excitons in this state culminates in superfluorescence at high temperatures. Our study establishes fundamental connections between the transient superfluorescence process observed after the impulsive excitation of perovskites and general equilibrium phase transitions achieved by thermal cooling. By identifying various electron–lattice interactions in the perovskite structure and their respective role in creating collectively coherent electronic effects in solids, our work provides unprecedented insight into the design and development of new materials that exhibit high-temperature macroscopic quantum phenomena.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sustainable valorization of waste tires: Selective hydrotreating for renewable p-cymene production

The escalating global concern over waste tire management driven by the surge in automobiles necessitates sustainable and innovative solutions. Here, this study posits a novel approach by introducing a selective catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation process using a tandem two-stage pressurized fixed-bed reactor, aiming to convert waste tires into valuable sulfur-free p-cymene. The experimental results indicate that among the studied catalysts including Pt/C, Pd/C, Ru/C, and Ni/Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 , the Pd/C exhibits concomitant hydrogenation and dehydrogenation functionalities, achieving full conversion and displaying 100 % selectivity towards p-cymene from limonene model compound. Furthermore, the Pd/C catalyst demonstrates remarkable efficiency in converting real-world waste tires into p-cymene, yielding up to 134.8 mg/g at optimal conditions. Importantly, this catalyst also facilitates complete hydrodesulfurization activity, addressing environmental concerns by producing sulfur-free liquid products. This innovative method not only optimizes p-cymene synthesis from waste tires but also contributes to environmental sustainability, showcasing both economic and ecological viability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Polymers for Extreme Conditions Designed Using Syntax-Directed Variational Autoencoders

We report the design/discovery of new materials is highly nontrivial owing to the near-infinite possibilities of material candidates and multiple required property/performance objectives. Thus, machine learning tools are now commonly employed to virtually screen material candidates with desired properties by learning a theoretical mapping from material-to-property space, referred to as the forward problem. However, this approach is inefficient and severely constrained by the candidates that the human imagination can conceive. Thus, in this work on polymers, we tackle the materials discovery challenge by solving the inverse problem: directly generating candidates that satisfy desired property/performance objectives. We utilize syntax-directed variational autoencoders (VAE) in tandem with Gaussian process regression (GPR) models to discover polymers expected to be robust under three extreme conditions: (1) high temperatures, (2) high electric field, and (3) high temperature and high electric field, useful for critical structural, electrical, and energy storage applications. This approach to learn from and augment) human ingenuity is general and can be extended to discover polymers with other targeted properties and performance measures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

In situ Stress Monitoring Reveals Tension and Wrinkling Evolutions during Halide Perovskite Film Formation

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are promising candidates for next-generation thin film photovoltaics and high-performance tandems. Solution-processed MHP films are susceptible to residual stress that can induce undesirable surface wrinkles. However, the origins and evolution of stress during solution processing remain elusive. Here, in this work, we utilize multimodal in situ characterizations, including substrate curvature, reflectance, absorbance, and photoluminescence, to monitor stress and morphology evolution during MHP film formation. A film formation model emerges, consisting of a perovskite top crust on a semirigid sol with the ability to transfer mechanical forces. The phase transformation induces tension in the MHP crust, while shrinkage of the sol causes additional compression and surface wrinkles. Wrinkle-free films are formed through dynamically balancing forces between the crust and the sol. This study provides a powerful toolkit for the fast-growing area of stress engineering in MHP photovoltaics to achieve dynamic control of film stress and surface morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

One-step production of renewable adipic acid esters from mucic acid over an Ir–ReO x /C catalyst with low Ir loading

The production of adipic acid, a large-volume platform chemical, from biomass represents a petroleum-free route to manufacturing nylon and other polymers more sustainably. In this study, a one-step conversion of bioderived mucic acid to adipates is reported over a heterogeneous, bifunctional Ir–ReO x /C catalyst via deoxydehydration (DODH) and catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using isopropanol as a green solvent and reductant. With very low Ir content (0.05 wt%), the catalyst provides a low-cost option for the tandem DODH–CTH process, while still enabling reuse and regeneration for at least five cycles. The reported catalytic system generates adipates in good yield (63%) without the need for additives (acids or halogens) or high pressure H 2 . Through model reactions and spectroscopic analyses, a bifunctional DODH–CTH mechanism was supported, with the Re VI/IV redox pair as the active DODH species and Ir0 saturating the dialkene intermediate via CTH. Thermal treatment in catalyst preparation and regeneration was optimized to limit metal leaching while maintaining good activity. Further, the present work outlines a one-step deoxygenation of an aldaric acid substrate from biomass using a bimetallic catalyst of low noble metal content to an important monomer for the polymer industry. This system facilitates use in future syntheses of sustainable chemicals from renewable oxygenates where the catalyst is reusable and affordable.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scalable Manufacturing of Efficient Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Modules

Crystalline-Si (c-Si) technology produces excellent solar cells with conversion efficiencies of up to 26.7%—nearly their practical limit of 27%—and has been commercialized extensively to produce panels below $\$0.40$/W. Techno-economic analysis shows that module efficiency will continue to be a primary cost driver because of high balance-ofsystems costs, and there is no path to higher efficiencies with single-junction silicon cells. In this project, three research teams from University of North Carolina, Arizona State University and National Renewable National Laboratory worked together to develop perovskite-silicon tandem cells with a high throughput process which can handle 5000 wafers per hour, enabled by very low added CAPEX of ~$20k for a doctor-blade coater. This can potentially increase the module efficiency to 30% (with grid) with small increase of cost, which will drive down the cost of silicon modules to be at least 16% cheaper than present silicon PERC modules. We also explored the alternative narrow bandgap perovskites as silicon replacement for all perovskite tandem cells. This project has substantially advanced the progress of solution-process perovskitessilicon tandem solar cells and perovskite-perovskite tandem solar cells with many inventions and discoveries, evidenced by 18 publications and 6 invention disclosures. Several notable examples include 1) we developed the new idea of small pyramid in combination with solution grown perovskites and demonstrated record-efficiency of 28.5% for 1 cm2 on textured silicon bottom cells and 25.2% for 24 cm2 on chemically etched silicon bottom cells for perovskite-silicon tandem cells. 2) We developed perovskite ink that can coat perovskites onto texture silicon without voids;, and new device structure to enhance the yield of fabrication by reducing shunting 3) We identified the origin of open circuit voltage on mixed halide wide bandgap perovskites, and came with a solution for this problem, reducing the voltage loss to a record small value, which can potentially push the perovskite-silicon tandem cell efficiency to over 31%; 4) We have developed efficient alternative low bandgap semiconductors, i.e. gradient-doped Sn based perovskites by Ba ions, new oxide hole transport layers which increase the efficiency of perovskite/perovskite tandem cells reached record efficiency of 26.3%; 5) We developed bifacial perovskite/perovskite tandem cells by overcoming contacts issues and regaining light absorption, further boosting the equivalent efficiency to 29.3% under 1 sun illumination with 30% albedo light; 6) We developed the first all perovskite tandem module fabricated in air by discovery a combination of oxidization and reduction couples, yield an aperture efficiency of 21.6% for all perovskite mininodules, exceeding that of single junction perovskite minimodules. These discoveries not only accelerate the commercialization of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, but also provide guidance in designing other type of perovskite solar cell technologies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Photoactivated p-Doping of Organic Interlayer Enables Efficient Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Solution-processed organic semiconductor layers on rough surfaces tend to vary widely in thickness, significantly hindering charge extraction in relevant optoelectronic devices. Herein, we report the photoactivated p-doping of hole-transporting material (HTM) to enhance hole extraction for (textured) perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, making the device performance less sensitive to the variation of hole transport layer thickness. We used the ionic compound 4-isopropyl-4'-methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis(penta-fluorophenyl-borate) (DPI-TPFB) as a p-type dopant in poly(triaryl amine) (PTAA), which we used as the HTM. We observed that light soaking DPI-TPFB-doped PTAA shows approximately 22 times higher conductivity compared with an undoped PTAA film, which translated into an improved fill factor (FF) for tandem solar cells. Our tandem solar cells achieved an ~80% FF and 27.8% efficiency and operated at their maximum power point for 200 h without loss of performance, in addition to retaining ~83% of initial performance over a month of operation in an outdoor environment.

CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS,S↗
DOE OSTI2026

Localized Heterogeneous Nucleation for Vapor‐Assisted Sequential Deposition of Metal Halide Perovskites

Vapor-assisted hybrid two-step deposition, which combines thermally evaporated inorganic layers with solution-processed organic halides to form halide perovskites, has emerged as a scalable and industry-compatible route for textured tandem photovoltaics. However, this process is often hindered by reaction-limited phase formation, particularly when compact, non-porous, and highly crystalline inorganic layers formed by thermal evaporation restrict subsequent conversion, resulting in incomplete reaction and pronounced depth-dependent heterogeneity. In this study, we introduce a strategy to regulate the inorganic precursor layer by incorporating localized heterogeneous nucleation sites. Sparsely distributed hydrophilic metal oxide species serve as effective nucleation centers during vapor deposition, enabling effective control over film morphology and crystal orientation from the early stages of growth. This tailored inorganic framework facilitates the subsequent incorporation of organic halides, alleviating reaction limitations and suppressing residual unreacted precursors. Consequently, the perovskite films exhibit improved stoichiometric uniformity and enhanced optoelectronic quality, enabling wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells with markedly improved performance and operational stability. This work provides important mechanistic insight into crystal growth engineering of vapor-deposited perovskite thin films.

nucleation↗
DOE OSTI2026

Tandem Photovoltaics Core Program Final Technical Report

The Tandem Photovoltaics Core Program was a multi-year initiative aimed at advancing hybrid tandem solar cell technologies to enhance solar module efficiency beyond the limits of single junction devices. This project focused on the development, testing, and scaling of prototype photovoltaic devices, with the goal of achieving commercial relevance and driving industry adoption. The work was divided into three tasks: 1) Comparative Analysis of Tandem Technologies: This task focused on quantifying energy yield under real-world conditions and assessing economic viability of tandems relative to silicon-based modules. The project's modeling framework incorporated performance data, cost of materials, and manufacturing process impacts to optimize tandem designs 2) Tandem Integration and Prototyping: In this task, we developed innovative tandem designs by combining metal halide perovskite (MHP) top cells and silicon (Si) bottom cells. The project focuses on both mechanical integration and direct deposition techniques to enable compatibility with commercially relevant Si technologies, such as passivated contact or PERC cells. 3) Scale-up and Reliability: This task addressed the challenges of large-area fabrication by developing scalable deposition methods and robust interconnection schemes for tandems. The project looked at different accelerated testing such as thermal cycling, damp heat exposure, and potential induced degradation, to ensure long-term stability of devices in field conditions. Tandem solar cells can greatly increase module efficiency beyond conventional single junction (SJ) devices, which are approaching their theoretical limit. There are many ways to fabricate a tandem cell or module in terms of materials used, configuration, and terminal connection. This SETO core project focused critical factors in enabling tandems to enter the market, including hardware integration, technoeconomic analysis (TEA), and energy yield analysis. We focused on MHP/Si hybrid tandem solar cells and modules as a model system for their versatility in module design comparisons, providing valuable insights for other tandem options. While champion cells with areas <1cm2 are regularly demonstrated by groups around the world, it is significantly more challenging to translate these advances into modules, and fewer institutions and companies are working at the module level. This project addressed questions about module fabrication, testing, and reliability that are hard to answer without actually fabricating prototypes. We also performed analysis and road-mapping activities to understand the potential for a wider variety of tandems, including all-perovskite tandems fabricated in collaboration with the Perovskite PV core program. Detailed technical results from this project are described for each task in Section 7.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗