Next Generation Photovoltaics: Routes to High Efficiency and Advanced systems for space

Oct. 11, 2018

Next Generation Photovoltaics: Routes to High Efficiency and Advanced systems for space

Brockman Hall for Physics - Room 200
Brockman Hall for Physics
Houston, Texas 77005

Description

Date: October 11th (Thu) 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Venue: Brockman Hall 200
Speaker: Prof. Ian Sellers, Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, the University of Oklahoma

Title: Next Generation Photovoltaics: Routes to High Efficiency and Advanced systems for space

Abstract: 
To enable the large-scale implementation of solar cells for utility-scale energy applications improvements in power conversion efficiency and system cost reductions must be achieved. To circumvent the fundamental limitations of single energy-gap solar cells, devices based on third generation (3G) processes have been proposed. In this presentation I will introduce such concepts, and describe several projects we are currently undertaking at the University of Oklahoma that are focused on developing such systems based on quantum dots and quantum wells.  I will also briefly discuss our recent work aimed at investigating the suitability of both CIGS and perovskite solar cells for space applications; programs that have evolved from the recently formed Oklahoma Photovoltaics Research Institute, a statewide PV center aimed at developing sustainable PV programs within Oklahoma.

Bio:
Ian Sellers received his Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Liverpool in 1999, a Master Degree from the Department of Physics at Imperial College London in 2001, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Sheffield in 2004. Between 2004 -2006 Dr. Sellers was a Marie Curie Fellow at CRHEA-CNRS in Valbonne, France, a position that was followed by a three-year postdoctoral position at the University at Buffalo SUNY. Following his position at SUNY Buffalo, Dr. Sellers joined the Solar Energy and Technology Group as a Senior Research Scientist at Sharp Laboratories of Europe in Oxford, UK, where he was also a Visiting Academic Fellow in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. After spending four years in industry Dr. Sellers returned to the academic environment taking a position in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Oklahoma in 2011. In addition to his academic position at OU, Dr. Sellers is also the Associate Director of the Oklahoma Photovoltaics Research Institute. As head of the Photovoltaics Materials & Devices Group at OU, Dr. Sellers’ research focuses on the investigation of novel quantum-engineered materials and devices for next generation photovoltaics with a specific emphasis on hot carrier systems and novel thin film solar cells for deep space missions.

 

Featured Speakers

Speaker Prof. Ian Sellers

Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, the University of Oklahoma

Date and Time

Thu, Oct. 11, 2018

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
(GMT-0500) US/Central

Location

Brockman Hall for Physics - Room 200

Brockman Hall for Physics
Houston, Texas 77005