Download Comparing the Current and Voltage Characteristics of a Dye

Comparing the Current and Voltage
Characteristics of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell to a
Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell
Sydney Laramie and Dr. Sitaraman Krishnan
Department of Chemical Engineering
Clarkson University
Silicon solar cells are currently the most common solar technology, due to their high power
conversion efficiency, but they are difficult to manufacture and therefore expensive. To lower the
costs of solar energy, alternative solar technologies are being developed. One of these alternatives
is a dye-sensitized solar cell, which uses a layer of dye to convert solar energy to electrical
energy. They are cheaper to produce and show considerable potential. This study tested the
current and voltage characteristics of a nanocrystalline titanium dioxide dye-sensitized solar cell
and compared them to a crystalline silicon solar cell. For the experiment a pre-made silicon solar
cell was used while the dye-sensitized solar cell was assembled in the lab. Both solar cells were
placed in direct sunlight where the current and voltage data was recorded. The experiment was
then repeated under the light of a halogen lamp and the information was graphed and compared.
Preliminary results show that the silicon solar cell is more efficient. In tests already given, the
silicon solar cell has surpassed the voltage of the dye-sensitized solar cell at all load resistances.
Projects are currently underway to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. To
accomplish this objective and help end the global energy crisis, novel electrolytes have been
synthesized and will be tested in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Chemical Engineering
Dr. Sitaraman Krishnan
2013
Honors