Thermodynamics of solar energy conversion

The main aim of any energy conversion model is to establish upper limits for the conversion efficiency. The more detailed the thermodynamic model is, the more realistic upper bounds are obtained. However, the increase in the model's complexity is accompanied by more involved calculations. A generalized introduction to the fundamental principles of future solar energy systems, based on consistent physics is presented. In describing the various conversions, we make use of endo reversible thermodynamics - a subset of irreversible thermodynamics. In this way, readers are supplied with the information to enable them to calculate the explicit values for a broad class of processes. Throughout, general principles are illustrated using idealized models, and end-of-chapter Materials for Solar Cells are described and practical examples are merely presented so as to compare reality with theory.