KD6042 - Advanced Photovoltaics

A range of learning and teaching approaches are used in this module. Lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning with initial information dissemination followed by a chance to practice the application of knowledge, using problem based learning and research case studies. This will allow students to understand the solar resource, photovoltaics applications and the theoretical concepts associated with photovoltaic devices. To support this learning journey, students are introduced to an online resource (www.pveducation.org) which contains a wealth of Java simulations that illustrate core concepts. Students have an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the subject through seminars that will be used to solve and discuss practical problems, provided to students in advance to promote independent learning and tackle key problems PV decvices. Students are provided with formative feedback to problems within the seminars that also provide an opportunity for peer-groups problem-solving.

Summative assessment is composed of an assignment (20% of the module mark) and a closed book written examination (80% of the module mark). The assignment is a literature review that provides an opportunity for the student to critically appraise current research in photovoltaics and structure their findings in an appropriate way. Formative assessment will be via problems set in advance of seminar sessions which are designed to provide students with a measure of their progress and knowledge. Verbal feedback will be provided during seminar sessions. Exam feedback will provided individually and also generically to indicate where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to examination questions. Written feedback will be provided on the coursework.

In addition to direct contact with the module team during lectures and seminars, students are encouraged to develop their curiosity by developing this contact either via email or the open door policy operated throughout the programme. Students will also be regularly referred to supporting resources including relevant texts and multimedia relevant to photovoltaics. References to these resources will be made available through the e-learning portal and in lectures and seminars.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Understand the physical principles of the operation of photovoltaic solar cells and new technologies in the advanced solar cells.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Critically evaluate the choice of materials used to make solar cells

• Analyse the loss mechanisms in solar cell devices

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Develop curiosity by proposing qualitative techniques to improve the efficiency of solar cell devices.

SUMMATIVE
1. Assessment (literature review) (20%) – KU1
2. Examination (80%) – ISA1, ISA2, PVA1

FORMATIVE
1. Seminar problems - ISA1, ISA2

Feedback is provided to students individually and in a plenary format both written and verbally to help students improve and promote dialogue around the assessment.

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You will lean the core knowledge of solar photovoltaic technologies through the four main themes: Solar resource and solar energy; relevant semiconductor theory; ideal Solar cells design and performance, commercially produced solar cells and latest new generation solar cells. You will be taught using a range of learning and teaching approaches in this module, lectures, seminars, problem-based learning and research case studies. To support this learning journey, you will be introduced to an online resource and provided the seminar questions in advance to promote independent learning and tackle key problems PV devices. You will be provided with formative feedback to problems within the seminars that also provide an opportunity for peer-groups problem-solving. The literature survey based coursework encourages you to independently research external resources and critically appraise current research in photovoltaics and structure their findings in an appropriate way which focuses on real research activities.