ENERGY: SDSU research team developing solar energy efficiencies

ENERGY: SDSU research team developing solar energy efficiencies The South Dakota Board of Regents has provided South Dakota State University in Brookings, D. We can use a computer simulation to clearly predict process details. The project is slated to last at least 18 months and could lead to the establishment of an advanced materials process and characterization facility that can fabricate solar cells. Fan is being joined by co-principal investigators David Galipeau, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, and Zhongu, associate professor of mechanical engineering, to develop high-density, plasma-based, thin-film deposition technology, according to a news release from SDSU's University Relations office. South Dakota is considered one of the premier states focusing on solar technology because it is one of the top states with the most days of sunlight, Fan states. The grant allows the research team to develop the technology. Fan adds that this program creates much higher density plasma, which enables the fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells. "New technologies involved with plasma can provide cost saving in material fabrication. u will be working with the plasma simulation portion of the project, Fan will be developing the plasma source and materials process and Galipeau will use his experience of semiconductor devices to assist with that end. The news release also states that "The research is part of continual efforts at SDSU and other research institutions to assist the nation become energy independent of fossil fuels. In order for such devices to reduce sustainable energy, they must use materials that are abundantly available and environmentally benign. Fan says that currently, the cost of using solar energy is four-to-five times the cost of using conventional electricity. "If this happens a generation of new companies will be producing solar panels. u believes this can certainly help reduce the dependence on fossil fuel. If the tests are successful, the technology would be transferred to a company, who would in turn, be ready to produce solar panels. Fan started working with solar energy more than five years. "Current dominant plasma technology has disadvantages like the plasma density is too low, which makes the process very slow," he says. The second thing is cost," he says. Solar panels are used to produce electricity. The research team is working with an industry partner to establish the high density plasmas system. We are attempting to promote the process and our research capability. ENERGY: SDSU research team developing solar energy efficiencies Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 02/03/2012