“Photovoltaic, commonly known as PV, devices directly convert sunlight into electricity,” said Qi Hua Fan, principal investigator and associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science at SDSU. “The availability of high-efficiency, low-cost PV devices is critical to our nation’s future clean, renewable energy infrastructure.”
Strong support of the regents and SDSU has allowed collaboration with an industry partner to develop an innovative plasma technology.
“The new technology will allow high-rate fabrication of thin-film silicon PV devices with performance superior to that achieved by conventional processes,” said Fan. “This grant will significantly promote PV research in South Dakota.”
Fan is joined by co-principal investigators David Galipeau, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and Zhong Hu, associate professor of mechanical engineering, to develop high-density, plasma-based, thin-film deposition technology. Their research will provide exponential opportunities for students to explore new materials and processes.
Plasma technology is widely used in manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuits, flat panel displays and flexible electronics. SDSU researchers have been working to establish a novel magnetically-enhanced plasma system capable of producing high density plasma that is two to three times greater in magnitude than current dominant technologies. The BOR grant will enable SDSU researchers to explore high-efficiency solar cells that use better quality, thin-film silicon materials produced by the new plasma technology.
The research is part of continual efforts at SDSU and other research institutions to help the nation become energy independent of fossil fuels. SDSU has engaged in numerous projects that use photovoltaic materials and devices. In order for such devices to produce sustainable energy, they must use materials that are abundantly available and environmentally benign. Performance and cost of materials needed to make the devices must also be competitive.
Because no fuels are used for combustion to generate electricity from PV technologies, emissions associated to create electricity are minimal. Thin-film silicon-based solar cells are among the most promising ways to produce sustainable, affordable electricity. BOR and industry grants will help SDSU researchers develop technology to make solar cells more efficient and cost effective.
About South Dakota State University
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state’s Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education. SDSU confers degrees from eight different colleges representing more than 175 majors, minors and specializations. The institution also offers 29 master’s degree programs, 12 Ph.D. and two professional programs.
The work of the university is carried out on a residential campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City, and through Cooperative Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across the state.
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