Browsing by Author "Amin, Nowshad"

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A blockchain-secured 6G smartgrid framework for resilient renewable energy integration and intelligent anomaly detection
(Nature Portfolio Journal Scientific Reports, 2026-05-18) Hossain, Ismail; Shufian, Abu; Munny, Morium Akter; Amin, Nowshad; Alsisi, Rayan Hamza
The integration of intermittent renewable energy into smart grids introduces critical vulnerabilities in security, transparency, and real-time resilience. This paper presents a novel blockchain-secured 6G Smart grid framework that synergistically integrates sixth generation (6G) ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), distributed ledger technology, and ensemble machine learning to establish a secure, scalable, and intelligent energy ecosystem. The proposed architecture leverages adaptive 6G network slicing to support differentiated services-including peer-to-peer energy trading, grid control, and cybersecurity monitoring-while ensuring sub-30 ms latency and robust connectivity. A permission blockchain layer provides decentralized trust, immutability, and automated transaction validation via formally verified smart contracts. An ensemble learning model combining XGBoost, Random Forest, and LightGBM enables real-time multi-dimensional anomaly detection across energy, network, and transaction layers. The framework is evaluated using a synthetically generated dataset of 5000 hourly records encompassing energy generation, consumption, 6G network performance, and blockchain transactions. Experimental results demonstrate a blockchain transaction success rate of 95.16% and sustained network latency below 30 ms across all slices, even under cyberattack conditions. Reported using class-based anomaly-detection metrics, the model achieves a Recall of 0.93 and F1-score of 0.97 for the anomaly class, and a Recall of 1.00 and F1-score of 0.99 for the normal class, with an overall accuracy of 0.98. The proposed system provides a foundational architecture for resilient, autonomous, and secure renewable energy management in next generation decentralized smart grids.
An experimental investigation of spin-on doping optimization for enhanced electrical characteristics in silicon homojunction solar cells: Proof of concept
(Cell, 2024-06) Mohamad, Ili Salwani; Ker, Pin Jern; Chelvanathan, Puvaneswaran; Norizan, Mohd Natashah; Yap, Boon Kar; Tiong, Sieh Kiong; Amin, Nowshad
The pursuit of enhancing the performance of silicon-based solar cells is pivotal for the progression of solar photovoltaics as the most potential renewable energy technologies. Despite the existence of sophisticated methods like diffusion and ion implantation for doping phosphorus into p-type silicon wafers in the semiconductor industry, there is a compelling need to research spin-on doping techniques, especially in the context of tandem devices, where fabricating the bottom cell demands meticulous control over conditions. The primary challenge with existing silicon cell fabrication methods lies in their complexity, cost, and environmental concerns. Thus, this research focuses on the optimization of parameters, such as, deposition of the spin on doping layer, emitter thickness (Xj), and dopant concentration (ND) to maximize solar cell efficiency. We utilized both fabrication and simulation techniques to delve into these factors. Employing silicon wafer thickness of 625 μm, the study explored the effects of altering the count of dopant layers through the spin-on dopant (SOD) technique in the device fabrication. Interestingly, the increase of the dopant layers from 1 to 4 enhances efficiency, whereby, further addition of 6 and 8 layers worsens both series and shunt resistances, affecting the solar cell performance. The peak efficiency of 11.75 % achieved in fabrication of 4 layers dopant. By using device simulation with wxAMPS to perform a combinatorial analysis of Xj and ND, we further identified the optimal conditions for an emitter to achieve peak performance. Altering Xj between 0.05 μm and 10 μm and adjusting ND from 1e+15 cm−3 to 9e+15 cm−3, we found that maximum efficiency of 14.18 % was attained for Xj = 1 μm and ND = 9e+15 cm−3. This research addresses a crucial knowledge gap, providing insights for creating more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible silicon solar cells, thereby enhancing their viability as a sustainable energy source.
Chronological progress in enhancing CIGS solar cell performance through window layer development: Fundamentals, synthesis, optimization
(Elsevier, 2024-11) Amin, Nowshad; Suhaimi, Nadia Hartini; Nur-E-Alam, Mohammad; Yap, Boon Kar; Khan, Sobayel; Miah, Md. Helal; Islam, Mohammad Aminul; Tiong, Sieh Kiong; Das, Narottam; Khandakher, Mayeen Uddin
Several factors, particularly the material of the window layer, contribute to the efficiency of CIGS solar cells. To optimize light absorption and reduce energy losses, it is critical to select the appropriate material for the window layer development. Thus, the main emphasis of this review is on the development of window layers, covering fundamental concepts, synthesis techniques, characterization methods, and optimization strategies. Metal oxides and doped metal oxides are critical materials for optimizing charge carrier flow, minimizing energy loss, and elevating sunlight transmission to the CIGS absorber. Despite tremendous progress, difficulties such as increased conductivity, transparency, stability, and cost-effectiveness remain. Discovering novel materials, specific combinations, and improved deposition techniques offers further details on the structure-property relationships of window layers. Addressing these difficulties is critical to improving the performance of CIGS solar cells, which are now approximately 23.6 % efficient. These enhancements are critical for progressing sustainable energy solutions.
Copper doping effect in the back surface field layer of CdTe thin film solar cells
(Elsevier, 2024-01) Ahmad, Nur Irwany; Sieh Kiong, Tiong; Doroody, Camellia; Rahman, Kazi Sajedur; Norizan, Mohd Natashah; Ahmad, Mohd Fairus; Kar, Yap Boon; Harif, Muhammad Najib; Amin, Nowshad
In this work, the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) is employed to evaluate the characteristics of CdTe thin films with ZnTe as the Back Surface Field (BSF) layer and estimate the effective copper doping ratio at both the atomic scale and the device operational response perspective. The electrical characteristics of ZnTe, at varying levels of copper doping, were derived using density functional theory (DFT) by applying the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and Hubbard U corrections (DFT+U). The performance of ZnTe with different Cu concentrations as a BSF layer was evaluated by analysing the values of four key parameters that are open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and conversion efficiency (η). The results indicate that an increase in Cu concentration from 0% to 3%, 6%, 10%, and 12% resulted in a reduction of the energy band gap. Specifically, the energy band gap decreased from 2.24 eV to 2.10 eV, 1.98 eV, 1.92 eV, and 1.88 eV, respectively. Optimal Cu doping promotes the favourable shift in the valence band maxima (VBM) and formation of p + -ZnTe, lowering thermionic emission and improving carrier lifetime, which results in an improved ohmic contact, η = 18.73% for 10% of Cu content. Excessive doping in contrast degraded the overall device performance by forming an unmatched carrier band offset at the front interface with CdS, increasing the acceptor type defect and CdTe compensation rate. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating a controlled level of Cu, which in this case is around 10%, promotes the efficiency and stability of the proposed CdTe device configuration to a certain extent.
Enhancement the Performance of Molybdenum Telluride Solar Cells with Zinc Telluride BSF
(IEEE, 28-Oct-2016) Dey, Mrinmoy; Dey, Maitry; Matin, M. A.; Amin, Nowshad
The binary semiconductor compound Molybdenum telluride (MoTe2) is For high efficiency and better thermal
First‑principles investigation on the impact of copper concentration on zinc telluride as the back contact for cadmium telluride solar cells
(Springer, 2024-01) Ahmad, Nur Irwany; Doroody, Camellia; Norizan, Mohd Natashah; Ahmad, Mohd Fairus; Rahman, Kazi Sajedur; Radzwan, Afiq; ALOthman, Zeid A.; Mohammedsaleh Katubi, Khadijah; Mohammed Alzahrani, Fatimah; Amin, Nowshad; Kar, Yap Boon
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells have attracted a lot of interest in recent years, attributed to their low cost and eco-friendly fabrication technique. However, the back contact is still the key issue for further improvement in device performance due to the work function difference between p-CdTe and metal contacts. In this study, the interatomic characteristics of zinc telluride (ZnTe) and Cu-doped ZnTe (ZnTe:Cu) as a back surface field (BSF) in CdTe structure is investigated using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) to overcome the Schottky barrier in CdTe solar cells. The incorporation of different doping levels of copper (Cu) in ZnTe on an atomic scale, where Zn1−xTe:Cux (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) as the potential back surface field layers is investigated. The effect of doping concentration on electrical characteristics such as bandgap structure and density of states (DOS) were examined via ab initio with the Hubbard U (DFT + U) correction. The results showed an interesting gradual decrease in the bandgap energy of ZnTe from 2.24 eV to 2.10 eV, 1.98 eV, 1.92 eV, 1.88 eV, and 1.87 eV for the incremented value of Cu content of 3.13%, 6.25%, 9.38%, 12.50%, and 15.63%, respectively. Accordingly, it has been found that controlling of the effective copper doping, i.e., concentration, is crucial for developing efficient back contact junctions for high-efficiency CdTe thin-film solar cells.
Green Synthesis of Lead Sulphide Nanoparticles for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cell Applications
(Daffodil International University, 2022-06-05) Islam, Mohammad Aminul; Dilip Kumar Sarkar, Dilip Kumar; Shahinuzzaman, Md.; Wahab, Yasmin Abdul; Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin; Tamam, Nissren; Sulieman, Abdelmoneim; Amin, Nowshad; Akhtaruzzaman, Md.
In this study, lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical precipitation method using Aloe Vera extract with PbCl2 and Thiourea (H2N-CS-NH2). The synthesized nanoparticles have been investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM results confirm that the films are in the cubic phase. The crystallite size, lattice constant, micro-strain, dislocation density, optical bandgap, etc. have been determined using XRD and UV-Vis for investigating the quality of prepared nanoparticles. The possible application of these synthesized nanoparticles in the solar cells was investigated by fabricating the thin films on an FTO-coated and bare glass substrate. The properties of nanoparticles were found to be nearly retained in the film state as well. The experimentally found properties of thin films have been implemented for perovskite solar cell simulation and current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics have been investigated. The simulation results showed that PbS nanoparticles could be a potential hole transport layer for high-efficiency perovskite solar cell applications.
Integrated renewable energy and demand-side management for low-carbon commercial buildings in tropical climates: A matched-configuration benchmark with predictive control and a multi-agent DRL architecture
(Elsevier, 2026-05-09) Shatil, Abu Hena; Shakeri, Mohammad; Amin, Nowshad; Chisty, Nafiz
Commercial buildings account for a major share of global energy use, particularly in tropical regions where high cooling demand, intermittent renewables, and grid instability complicate effective management. A persistent confound in the renewable-enabled BEMS literature is that proposed advanced controllers are compared against rule-based controllers operating on different physical assets, conflating the contribution of the renewable hardware with that of the control strategy. We address this by introducing a matched-configuration baseline (RBC-Full-RE) operating on the same renewable asset set as the proposed system: a 250 kWp solar PV array, 500 kW h battery, 200 m2 solar thermal, 800 kW heat pump, and 30 kW biogas CHP. Against this matched baseline we evaluate a 12-step receding-horizon model predictive controller (MPC-Full-RE) on a 10-story, 12 500 m2 commercial office building in Chittagong, Bangladesh, using a calibrated 3R2C thermal model and a synthesised weather year matching the local climatology. Full-year simulation gives a clean decomposition of savings: renewable hardware contributes 28.2% reduction in annual grid electricity (Baseline 2,030 MWh/yr → RBC-Full-RE 1,457 MWh/yr) under identical rule-based control, and MPC contributes a further 2.8 percentage points on the same hardware (1,411 MWh/yr), totalling 30.5% relative to the all-electric baseline. Peak demand falls 34.3% (612 kW → 402 kW); thermal comfort improves from 94.8% to 97.8% of occupied hours within the ASHRAE 55 Cat. II band. Simple payback is 12.1 years at 2024 pricing. We additionally specify a Safe Multi-Agent DRL controller with MPC safety filtering (SMA-DRL-MPC); the MPC-Full-RE result establishes a principled lower bound on what the proposed DRL extension must improve upon. Simulation code is released for reproducibility.
Integration of Multiple Simulation Tools for Photovoltaic System Design and Analysis
(Taiwan Association of Engineering and Technology Innovation, 2024-10-31) Mazumder, Gour Chand; Sarker, Sanjay Kumar; Hossain, Tamim; Parvez, Md. Shahariar; Hazari, Md. Rifat; Hossain, Chowdhury Akram; Zishan, Md. Saniat Rahman; Amin, Nowshad
This research aims to develop a photovoltaic (PV) project assessment method by integrating four simulation tools to maximize potential benefits from multidimensional scopes of projects. The proposed method combines output parameters and the cost databases of selected tools to overcome individual limitations by facilitating complementary strengths. Most simulations require more analytical results while using single or multiple tools separately. Also, it combines HelioScope, RETScreen, HOMER, and PVsyst software to simulate entire generation export, self-consumption, and impact of load shedding with sensitivity analysis. The method employs the capability of HelioScope to find maximum installation capacity based on available space, the carbon-trading feature of RETScreen, HOMER’s optimization, and PVsyst’s viability analysis. The results demonstrate that carbon trading shortens the project’s payback period while maximizing installation capacity and performance improvement by energy export with a stable capacity factor and performance ratio. The method proffers a promising technique for PV system assessment.
Integration of Multiple Simulation Tools for Photovoltaic System Design and Analysis
(Advances in Technology Innovation, 2024-10-10) Mazumder, Gour Chand; Sarker, Sanjay Kumar; Hossain, Tamim; Parvez, Md. Shahariar; Hazari, Md. Rifat; Hossain, Chowdhury Akram; Zishan, Md. Saniat Rahman; Amin, Nowshad
This research aims to develop a photovoltaic (PV) project assessment method by integrating four simulation tools to maximize potential benefits from multidimensional scopes of projects. The proposed method combines output parameters and the cost databases of selected tools to overcome individual limitations by facilitating complementary strengths. Most simulations require more analytical results while using single or multiple tools separately. Also, it combines HelioScope, RETScreen, HOMER, and PVsyst software to simulate entire generation export, self-consumption, and impact of load shedding with sensitivity analysis. The method employs the capability of HelioScope to find maximum installation capacity based on available space, the carbon-trading feature of RETScreen, HOMER’s optimization, and PVsyst’s viability analysis. The results demonstrate that carbon trading shortens the project’s payback period while maximizing installation capacity and performance improvement by energy export with a stable capacity factor and performance ratio. The method proffers a promising technique for PV system assessment.
Low-temperature sol-gel synthesized TiO2 with different titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) molarity for flexible emerging solar cell
(Springer, 2024-02) Noorasid, Nur Syamimi; Arith, Faiz; Vinasha Aliyaselvam, Omsri; Salehuddin, Fauziyah; Mustafa, Ahmad Nizamuddin; Chelvanathan, Puvaneswaran; Azam, Mohd Asyadi; Amin, Nowshad
The tetragonal crystal structured anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been conventionally used as an electron transport layer in emerging solar cells. Conventionally, a high-temperature process above 450 °C is indispensable to form crystallized TiO2 films with a well-defined mesoporous structure. Due to the temperature limitations of the flexible polymer substrates, notably below 150 °C, such a high-temperature process is ineffective for flexible emerging solar cells. Currently, cutting-edge and high-potential solar cells are flexible dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells which are preeminent in mass production due to their roll-to-roll printing technique. Hence, this study explores a low-temperature synthesis of crystallized TiO2 layers using the sol-gel method with various precursor concentrations of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP). Then, the crystallized TiO2 was deposited with a simple yet low-cost spin-coat technique on flexible substrates (ITO/PET). A thorough scrutinization of TTIP concentration is crucial in identifying the potential of TiO2 films through comprehensive studies of elements aspects of structural, optical and electrical properties. The synthesized TiO2 films with a TTIP concentration of 0.5 M demonstrated a high porosity microstructure with exceptional transmittance, allowing a large number of photons to penetrate and thereby resulting in an enhanced charge carrier conduction mechanism. In addition, the direct optical bandgap is reduced with increasing TTIP molarity, proving the involvement of particle factors influencing photocatalytic activities. Moreover, electrical analysis proved that all the correlation features resulted in remarkably low sheet resistance and conductivity of 0.4 MΩ/sq and 0.1194 mS/cm, respectively. It can be conjectured from this study that the synthesis of crystallized TiO2 at low-temperature conditions with a certain TTIP molarity is successful and has resulted in an enhancement of the electron conduction mechanism, particularly for flexible emerging solar cell applications.
Modeling of Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells with Bismuth Sulphide as a Potential Buffer Layer
(IEEE, 13-May-2016) Dey, Mrinmoy; Dey, Maitry; Biswas, Tama; Alam, Samina; Das, N. K.; Matin, M. A.; Amin, Nowshad
The Cu2ZnSnS4 is a quaternary semiconductor compound has recently been drawn the attention of extensive research as a potential absorber layer since its offers favourable optical and electronic properties along with low cost material. In this research work, the deep level defects on the performance of CZTS solar cells with Bismuth Sulphide (Bi2S3) buffer layer was carried out by numerical analysis using SCAPS 2802 simulator. In the proposed cell, the CZTS absorber layer was reduced that minimized the cost, saving process time and energy required for fabrication. In this study, it was found that the feasibility of this proposed ultra thin CZTS solar cells and showed higher efficiency of 17.89% (Jsc = 31.05 mA/cm2, Voc = 1.03V and FF = 0.562). Moreover, the thermal stability of the CZTS solar cell was examined and found that the normalized efficiency of the proposed cell was linearly decreased with the increased of operating temperature at the gradient of -0.41%/0C.
MoS2 thin film hetero-interface as effective back surface field in CZTS-based solar cells
(Elsevier, 2024-11-16) Islam, Md Saiful; Doroody, Camellia; Sieh Kiong, Tiong; Rahman, Kazi Sajedur; Mahmood Zuhdi, Ahmad Wafi; Yap, Boon Kar; Alam, Mohammad Nur-E; Amin, Nowshad
In this review article, we explore the insertion possibility of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin-film heterostructures into copper, zinc, and tin sulfide (CZTS) based thin film solar cells for improved performance. CZTS has gained prominence as a naturally occurring, non-toxic alternative to conventional solar energy system materials, necessitating a focus on the study of integrating MoS2 (as a back contact) with thin-film solar cells with CZTS integration, as well as understanding the impact on device efficiency and stability to advance, upscale, and commercialize products. By analyzing the MoS2-CZTS interface, critical insights into MoS2's functioning in optimizing charge carrier dynamics, lowering recombination losses, and enhancing overall device performance have been framed in this work. Furthermore, the necessity of optimizing process parameters and characterizing MoS2 back contacts in the context of CZTS-based solar cells is discussed. This thorough study intends to highlight the revolutionary potentials of MoS2 back contact structures, pave the way for future developments in optoelectronics, and contribute to the continued-evolution of sustainable energy technology. This article will be a valued resource for understanding and coupling the synergies between MoS2 back surface field (BSF) and CZTS in thin film solar cell applications for future advancement.
Navigating Challenges and Promises for Next-Generation CsPbIBr2 Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
(Wiley, 2024-09) Aamir, Muhammad; Hossain, Mohammad Ismail; Akhtaruzzaman, Md.; Rafij, Junayed Hossain; Uddin, Jamal; Akhtar, Javeed; Amin, Nowshad; EL Ganaoui, Mohammad; Nunzi, Jean-Michel; Taima, Tetsuya; Shahiduzzaman, Md.
Given the increasing demand for electricity due to modernization and population growth, there is an urgent need to develop renewable energy conversion technologies such as photovoltaics. Among these technologies, CsPbIBr2, an all-inorganic lead halide-based perovskite, has shown promise due to its thermal stability, phase stability, and ease of fabrication. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing device hysteresis and stability. Novel materials and optimized device designs could help overcome these challenges. This comprehensive review discusses strategies such as interface engineering, film quality improvement, compositional engineering, defect passivation, band alignments, and metal ion doping to enhance the performance of CsPbIBr2-based perovskite films and, in turn, their potential for photovoltaic applications.
Revealing the full potential of CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells: advancements towards enhanced performance
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024-06) Hossain, Mohammad Ismail; Shahiduzzaman, Md.; Rafij, Junayed Hossain; Tamang, Asman; Akhtaruzzaman, Md.; Hamad, Almohamadi; Uddin, Jamal; Amin, Nowshad; Nunzi, Jean-Michel; Taima, Tetsuya
Cesium lead iodide bromide (CsPbIBr2) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have improved stability compared to other perovskite compositions. However, they still face significant challenges due to their poor photovoltaic performance parameters, which limit the devices’ power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). This study proposes a novel device design to tailor the potential of CsPbIBr2 PSCs by improving their optoelectronic properties. An advanced 3D multiphysics approach was rigorously used to investigate the optics and electrical properties of the proposed CsPbIBr2 PSCs. This approach combines finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) techniques with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The outcome from the adapted numerical approach is in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimized CsPbIBr2 PSC demonstrates a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 16.4%, associated VOC of 1.53 V, FF of 80.6%, and JSC of 13.4 mA cm2. Therefore, the potential of CsPbIBr2 perovskites could be further explored with continued research and development in material science and device physics.