Photovoltaic cells

Definition

Photovoltaic cells are devices that convert light energy directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. These cells play a crucial role in renewable energy systems, providing a sustainable power source for various applications, including embedded systems, by harnessing sunlight and converting it into usable electricity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photovoltaic cells can be made from various materials, including silicon, cadmium telluride, and thin-film technologies, each with different efficiencies and costs.
2. These cells have a wide range of applications, from powering small electronic devices to contributing to larger solar power installations for homes and businesses.
3. The efficiency of photovoltaic cells is influenced by factors such as temperature, light intensity, and the angle of sunlight exposure.
4. Innovations in technology, such as bifacial solar panels and tandem cells, aim to improve the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic systems.
5. Photovoltaic systems can significantly reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, making them an important part of sustainable energy strategies.

Review Questions

• How do photovoltaic cells operate to convert sunlight into electrical energy?
  • Photovoltaic cells operate based on the photovoltaic effect, where light photons strike the cell material and excite electrons, generating a flow of electricity. When sunlight hits the cell, it frees electrons from their atomic bonds, allowing them to flow through the material. This movement of electrons creates a direct current (DC) that can be harnessed for electrical power.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using photovoltaic cells in embedded systems for energy harvesting.
  • Using photovoltaic cells in embedded systems offers several advantages, including sustainability by harnessing renewable solar energy, reduced operating costs over time, and lower environmental impact. However, there are also disadvantages such as dependency on sunlight availability, potential high initial installation costs, and the need for adequate space for solar panels. These factors must be considered when implementing photovoltaic solutions in embedded designs.
• Evaluate the potential impact of advancements in photovoltaic technology on future embedded system designs and energy harvesting strategies.
  • Advancements in photovoltaic technology could greatly enhance future embedded system designs by improving efficiency and reducing costs. Innovations like multi-junction solar cells or enhanced light-trapping techniques may lead to higher energy conversion rates, making it feasible to power even more complex devices with less surface area. This could shift the paradigm for energy harvesting strategies by integrating solar power more seamlessly into everyday electronics, thus promoting a broader adoption of renewable energy solutions across various applications.

Related terms

Solar Panel: A solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells arranged in a framework that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity.

Photovoltaic Effect: The photovoltaic effect is the creation of voltage or electric current in a material upon exposure to light, which is the fundamental principle behind how photovoltaic cells operate.

Energy Harvesting: Energy harvesting refers to the process of capturing and storing energy from external sources, such as sunlight, vibrations, or heat, to power small devices and systems.