Booth Id:
EGSD017
Category:
Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design
Year:
2025
Finalist Names:
Rodriguez Munoz, Jose (School: Dr. Pedro Albizu Campus)
Abstract:
This study presents an innovative solar cell chip that integrates micro-capacitors and micro-converters directly into the cell architecture to streamline DC-to-AC energy conversion. Traditional solar systems rely on bulky external inverters, which can incur energy losses of up to 30% and generate significant thermal inefficiencies. By embedding the conversion components within the solar chip, the proposed design minimizes these losses and improves overall thermal performance. Simulations were run using tools such as PartQuest, LTSpice, and COMSOL Multiphysics, which reveal that the integrated system can achieve a 25–30% improvement in conversion efficiency while maintaining operational temperatures below 323.15°K (50°C). The waveform analysis confirms that the generated AC output exhibits minimal distortion, ensuring compatibility with standard grid requirements. Additionally, the physical prototype testing further validates the simulation results by demonstrating stable voltage and current profiles under variable load conditions and diverse environmental scenarios. In addition to performance enhancements, the compact design significantly simplifies installation and reduces system costs by eliminating the need for external inverters. The research also includes a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, addressing manufacturing scalability and long-term durability. Overall, this study underscores the potential of integrated solar chip technology to revolutionize renewable energy systems, providing a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to conventional solar energy conversion methods.
Awards Won: