Optimization Algorithms for Improving the Efficiency of a Tandem Solar Cell

In this thesis, we discuss which optimization algorithm gives the best results regarding the efficiency of a tandem solar cell and the number of function evaluations needed. There are three optimization algorithms that we use, namely the simplex search method, the interior-reflective Newton method, and finally, the genetic algorithm. Each algorithm is discussed in detail, on which steps it takes in each iteration and when the algorithm terminates. Eventually, we discuss the application of each algorithm on a general solar cell. Finally, we give the results for a tandem solar cell. We obtain the highest value for the efficiency with the genetic algorithm. However, we need a lot of function evaluations for this optimization algorithm.Applied Mathematic