Thermomechanical model of solar cells

TL;DR

This paper develops a thermomechanical model of solar cells as open-cycle engines, linking thermodynamic processes to electrical output and proposing corrections to the Shockley-Queisser limit.

Contribution

It introduces a novel thermomechanical framework for solar cells, connecting thermodynamics with photovoltaic efficiency limits.

Findings

Voltage relates to thermodynamic availability.

Model predicts corrections to the Shockley-Queisser limit.

Provides a new perspective on solar cell efficiency.

Abstract

The paper considers a model for the solar cell as a mechanical open-cycle thermodynamic engine where the chemical potential is produced in an isochoric process corresponding to the thermalization of electron-hole pairs. Expansion of the beam under one-sun illumination and current generation are described as isothermal lost work. More generally, voltage produced in an open cycle process corresponds to availability, leading to a correction to the Shockley-Queisser detailed balance limit.