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Photovoltaic Systems
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 12 hours
  • Course by Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
  • Offered by

About

This course offers you advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology. We'll learn about the solar resource and how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. From this fundamental starting point we'll cover the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies, the various photovoltaic system components, how to design a photovoltaic plant and carry out energy yield simulations, essentials in energy economics, O&M and reliability assessment, as well as the role of photovoltaic energy in sustainable energy systems. This course is unique in that it takes you from the nanoscale physics of a solar cell to the modelling of a utility scale solar farm. The course is made up of 9 sections with an estimated workload of 2-3 hours each. The academic level is targeted at master students at technical universities and engineers from the energy industry. Passing this course offers you a great basis for a career in the field of photovoltaics.

Modules

Welcome to the Course

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Welcome

Fundamentals of Photovoltaics

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Fundamentals of PV

3 Videos

  • The Terminology of PV
  • A Brief History of PV
  • The PV Learning Curve

The Solar Resource

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • The Solar Resource

5 Videos

  • Introduction: The Sun
  • The Solar Spectrum
  • Components of Solar Radiation
  • Solar Resource Facility at DTU Risø
  • Example: Estimation of PV Power Production

Modelling of Solar Radiation

    • 1 Plugin
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Semiconductors and the pn-junction

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Intrinsic Semiconductors
  • The Working Principle of Solar Cells

5 Videos

  • Formation of Solids and Electronic Band Structures
  • Light Absorption and the Photovoltaic Effect
  • Recombination and Transport of Charge Carriers
  • Doping of Semiconductors and pn-Junctions
  • Working principles of Solar Cells

IV-curves and Equivalent Circuit Models

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The IV-curve

3 Videos

  • Introduction: The IV-curve
  • The Maximum Power Point
  • The Non-ideal Diode Equation

Series/Parallel Connections and Shading

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Plugin
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Cell Interconnection and Shading

2 Videos

  • Electrical Cell Interconnection
  • Mismatch Losses and Bypass Diodes

Module Design and Fabrication

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Assignment
Show info about module content

2 Assignment

  • Module Components and Fabrication
  • Module Design and Advanced Concepts

6 Videos

  • Module Components
  • Module Fabrication Process
  • Module Fabrication Facilities at DTU Risø
  • Module Design Guidelines and Qualification Tests
  • Cell Cutting
  • Advanced Module Designs

Extracting Energy from a PV Panel

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Extracting Energy from a PV Panel

3 Videos

  • PV Power Characteristics
  • PV loading techniques
  • Maximum power point tracking

PV Power Conversion

    • 6 Videos
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • PV Power Conversion (DC-DC)
  • PV Power Conversion (DC-AC)

6 Videos

  • Power Converters in PV Applications
  • DC-DC Converters
  • PV Inverters
  • Efficiency of power converters
  • PV inverter types
  • Interfacing PV Systems with the Electric Grid

Other Balance of System (BOS) Components

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Balance of System (BOS)

3 Videos

  • Introduction to Balance of System
  • Electrical Balance of System
  • Mechanical Balance of System

End of the course

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • End of the Course

Auto Summary

Elevate your expertise in photovoltaic system technology with this comprehensive course designed for those passionate about renewable energy. Delve into the science and engineering of solar power, exploring everything from the nanoscale physics of solar cells to the design and simulation of large-scale photovoltaic plants. This course covers crucial topics such as solar energy conversion, solar cell fabrication, system components, energy yield simulations, and the economic and reliability aspects of photovoltaic installations. Guided by Coursera, this professional-level course is structured into 9 in-depth sections, each requiring a commitment of 2-3 hours. With a total duration of approximately 720 minutes, it's tailored for master’s students at technical universities and engineers in the energy sector, providing a solid foundation for a career in photovoltaics. Subscribe to the Starter plan to begin your journey towards mastering the future of sustainable energy systems.

Rasmus Nielsen
Instructors

Rasmus Nielsen

Sune Thorsteinsson
Instructors

Sune Thorsteinsson