ESI6912 Grand Challenge Solar Energy

ESI6912 Grand Challenge Solar Energy........................................................1

Lit Base Summary.......................................................................................2
Questions to Answer.....................................................................................3
Avenue 1: Solar Cell / Battery Integration..........................................................4
Avenue 2: Increased Light Spectrum Absorption..................................................5
Avenue 3: Transparent Panels.........................................................................6
Avenue 4: Organic Solar Cells.........................................................................7

Lit Base Summary

Solar energy has experienced a boom in research and development since the mid-1900s
when it was first noted as a potential renewable energy source. Despite this growth in the
solar sector, there are still significant obstacles that are preventing the widespread
acceptance of solar energy. Some of these obstacles are on the supply side of the table
whereas others are on the technology itself. Supply obstacles include a highly variable
availability of the sun throughout the day to clouds, rainfall, and the inevitable nighttime.
Additionally, the solar energy technology needs significant improvement. Conversion of
solar energy into electricity is still terribly inefficient, with some solar panels only
successfully converting 10% of the energy into electricity. The implementation of devices
called micro-inverters has recently revolutionized the industry by allowing a solar
panel to produce electricity independent of the other panels in its grid. While the supply
side of solar energy can be altered without altering the weather, the technology can be
improved through research. Current research has begun focusing on the following
aspects:
Improvement of solar panel efficiency
Development of better batteries and energy storage for solar power
The areas are being researched and studied in order to find new manufacturing methods
for panels to decrease costs, better materials to use for harnessing solar energy, and better
materials for storage of the energy harnessed by the panels. New technologies include the
use of molten salts as an energy conveyer in order to allow for the use of the energy
during nighttime-this is done through the use of the molten salt as a heater for steam
turbines. Additionally, carbon nanotubes have begun their entry into the solar energy
industry representing a potential panel material. Further advances include the use of a
transparent, glass-like, solar cell which is being marketed for its ability to function as
both a window and a solar cell.

Questions to Answer
What we need to solve:
1. How to reduce the construction expenses?
1.1 Increase the production scale;
1.2 Import from developing countries;
1.3 Conduct international cooperation research;
2. How to increase the production efficiency?
2.1 Improve the enterprise management system;
2.2 Choose better places with more sufficient solar energy;
3. How to reduce the maintenance expenses?
3.1 Introduce more reliable equipment;
3.2 Establish global standard system for solar energy system;
3.3 Buy insurance and reduce the risk;
4. How to let more people benefit from solar energy?
4.1 Commercialize and advertise;
4.2 Tax reduction or other policy;
5. How to earn more support from the government?

Avenue 1: Solar Cell / Battery Integration

http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2014/141003/ncomms6111/full/ncomms6111.html
Abstract
With a high theoretical specific energy, the non-aqueous rechargeable lithium
oxygen battery is a promising next-generation energy storage technique. However, the
large charging overpotential remains a challenge due to the difficulty in electrochemically
oxidizing the insulating lithium peroxide. Recently, a redox shuttle has been introduced
into the electrolyte to chemically oxidize lithium peroxide. Here, we report the use of a
triiodide/iodide redox shuttle to couple a built-in dye-sensitized titanium
dioxide photoelectrode with the oxygen electrode for the photoassisted charging of a
lithiumoxygen battery. On charging under illumination, triiodide ions are generated on
the photoelectrode, and subsequently oxidize lithium peroxide. Due to the contribution of
the photovoltage, the charging overpotential is greatly reduced. The use of a redox shuttle
to couple a photoelectrode and an oxygen electrode offers a unique strategy to address the
overpotential issue of non-aqueous lithiumoxygen batteries and also a distinct approach
for integrating solar cells and batteries.
Summary
Potential to be a commercial solar cell that functions as its own battery. Taking a
cue from prior research*, Yu et al have combined a high-efficiency air-powered battery
(that discharges by chemically reacting potassium with oxygen) with solar poweran
advancement with the potential to drop industry costs by 25%.
* http://energy.gov/national-clean-energy-business-plan-competition-2014/kair-battery
How it Works
http://news.osu.edu/news/2014/10/03/batteries-included-a-solar-cell-that-stores-its-ownpower/

Avenue 2: Increased Light Spectrum Absorption

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201403302/abstract
Abstract
A metallic dielectric photonic crystal with solar broadband, omni-directional, and
tunable selective absorption with high temperature stable (1000 C, 24 hrs) properties is
fabricated on a 6 silicon wafer. The broadband absorption is due to a high density of
optical cavity modes overlapped with an anti-reflection coating. Results allow for largescale, low cost, and efficient solar-thermal energy conversion.
Summary
It should absorb virtually all wavelengths of light that reach Earths surface from
the sun but not the longer-wavelength infrared portion of the solar spectrum, since that
would increase the energy that is re-radiated by the material, and thus lost to the
conversion process. It can also be made cheaply at large scales.
How it Works
http://www.kurzweilai.net/mit-researchers-design-perfect-solar-absorber

Avenue 3: Transparent Panels

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adom.201400103/abstract
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) harvesting transparent luminescent solar
concentrators (TLSC) with non-tinted transparency are demonstrated by exploiting the
excitonic nature of organic luminescent salts that provide perfectly tuned NIR-selective
absorption and even deeper NIR emission. NIR TLSCs provide an entirely new route to
more aesthetically pleasing light harvesting systems that can be widely deployed in
energy scavenging windows and displays.
Summary
Previous transparent solar harvesting glass has been colored, which limits the
potential for widespread usage. While limited by a low efficiency (~1%, hoped to one day
become ~5%), the uses for a low profile solar cell are clear (HAH). This avenue also has
potential to be cheaper and more mass producible than the inorganic solar cells that
currently saturate the market.
How it Works
http://www.citymetric.com/new-transparent-solar-panels-could-fit-invisibly-overwindows-and-phone-screens
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/24/transparent-solarconcentrator_n_5700544.html

Avenue 4: Organic Solar Cells

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201402072/abstract
Abstract
Tandem solar cells have the potential to improve photon conversion efficiencies
(PCEs) beyond the limits of single-junction devices. In this study, a triple-junction
tandem design is demonstrated by employing three distinct organic donor materials
having bandgap energies ranging from 1.4 to 1.9 eV. Through optical modeling, balanced
photon absorption rates are achieved and, thereby, the photocurrents are matched among
the three subcells. Accordingly, an efficient triple-junction tandem organic solar cell can
exhibit a record-high PCE of 11.5%.
Summary
For the past decade, the organic solar cell technology, with particular emphasis
on polymer-based material, has garnered a great deal of attention within the material and
chemistry research society. The organic material is known for its solution processibility,
which enables high volume, non-vacuum based roll-to-roll printing production.
How it Works
http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/organic-polymer-tandem-cell-reachesrecord-115-efficiency_100015832/#axzz3B2Pg4YVK