Scientists believe that artificial intelligence (AI) can find the optimal future material for solar cells by combining silicon with another material.
The information was stated at the seminar “Materials for a sustainable future” held during the Science and Technology Week of VinFuture Foundation 2024 on the morning of December 4 in Hanoi.
Professor Martin Green, Founding Director of the Center for Advanced Photovoltaics at the University of New South Wales (Australia), Member of the VinFuture Award Council, said that the technology used in manufacturing solar cells in the past decade has changed. change a lot. Panel efficiency has increased from 16% to 21.6%. Solar cell manufacturing technologies have developed rapidly with 4 main types: Topcon, HJT, IBC, Perc.
Professor Martin Green talked about changes in solar cell development technology on the morning of December 4. Image: Viet Hung
Professor Martin Green is the co-author of the VinFuture 2023 main prize of 3 million USD (equivalent to 73 billion VND), for a breakthrough invention, creating a foundation for green energy through the production of solar cells and solar storage. Lithium-ion battery. According to him, silicon solar cells are a reliable, popular, and effective platform material.
Over the past decade, solar panel prices have dropped sharply, from $1/W in 2009 to $0.10/W today. The efficiency of the panels also increased from 16% to 21.6%, thanks to the application of advanced technologies such as TOPcon, HJT, IBC and PERC. “As global energy demand reaches 1 terawatt (TW) next year, silicon will still play a key role thanks to its ability to produce low-cost products,” he said.
Although silicon is a superior material, to achieve higher performance, it is necessary to find ways to combine it with other materials. According to Professor Green, stacking layers of materials such as perovskite can improve efficiency from 30% to 40%. However, the combined material must meet the following requirements: available, non-toxic and compatible with silicon.
Professor Marina Freitag in the discussion session on the morning of December 4. Image: Viet Hung
Professor Marina Freitag, Royal Society Research Fellow (URF) at Newcastle University, UK, for that When developing new materials, there is the ability to adapt, but they also change over time.
She suggested combining perovskite – a potential material with performance equivalent to silicon and good regeneration ability. Combining perovskite with silicon not only reduces the amount of silicon needed by up to 80%, but also increases production efficiency and significantly reduces CO2 emissions as well as the amount of agricultural land required for solar cell systems.
And Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, Cambridge University, UK, recommends switching from silver to more common metals such as copper in solar cell production. This reduces dependence on precious metals and ensures solid sources.
He said that at a university in Hong Kong, AI has been applied to help cut time in the process of computer simulation of materials, arranging different layers on silicon, and providing research directions that are very time-saving. , creating shortcuts in materials research. “I support the role of AI in research,” he said.
Scientists in the morning discussion session on December 4. Image: Viet Hung
The future of solar energy lies not only in improving materials but also in applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology. AI simulates, screens material products and optimizes production processes, helping to save time and costs.
However, Professor Nguyen Thuc Quyen, University of California, USA noted that AI needs to go hand in hand with considerations about energy use and data centers. Standardizing data and improving the quality of information input are also essential for AI to be effective.
According to Professor Martin Green, the development of new materials for solar cells is a key factor in promoting the application of solar energy on a large scale, contributing to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and moving towards a sustainable future. clean energy future. “The third energy revolution could be a solar revolution, with new materials capable of converting solar energy into electricity with unprecedented efficiency and low cost,” he said.