Two major advancements in solar cell technology could vastly improve the way energy is extracted from the sun.
The two studies, published in Natural energy and Nature PhotonicsAccording to scientists, it will transform efficiency and significantly reduce the cost of producing solar cells.
The first advance is to “convert” low-energy, non-visible light to high-energy light to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
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Researchers from RMIT University and UNSW University in Australia and the University of Kentucky in the United States discovered that oxygen could be used to transfer low-energy light to molecules that can be converted to electricity.
“The sun’s energy is not just visible light. The spectrum is broad, including infrared light that gives us heat and ultraviolet light that can burn our skin, ”said Professor Tim Schmidt of UNSW Sydney.
“Most solar cells … are made of silicon, which cannot respond to light with less energy than near-infrared. This means that some parts of the light spectrum are not used in many of our current devices and technologies. “
The technique involves the use of small semiconductors known as quantum dots to absorb low-energy light and convert it to visible light to capture energy.
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A truly modern design for the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral would see a new roof that harnesses solar energy to provide enough energy to power nearby buildings.
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/12
Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architectures has designed a ceiling consisting of diamond-shaped glass panels propped up with laminated wooden beams
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The architects claim that the panels would store solar energy in hydrogen fuel cells, turning Notre Dame into a positive energy building. Since more than enough energy would be stored to power the Cathedral, the excess could be channeled to nearby buildings
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The roof would also house a garden in which cultivated fruits and vegetables would be distributed free of charge to poor and homeless Parisians.
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The west facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The east facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The north facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/9 Alternative designs
This earlier design is described by Italian architecture duo Studio Fuksas as “a glass spiral symbol of the fragility of history and spirituality.”
Studio Fuksas
12/10 Alternative designs
In this design by Slovak architect Vizum Atelier, the replacement needle would shoot a beam of light skyward
Vizum Atelier
12/11 Alternative designs
Alexandre Fantozzi believes that stained glass is the best feature of Notre Dame, therefore he proposes that the ceiling should consist only of stained glass
Alexandre Fantozzi
12/12 Alternative designs
Another earlier Studio NAB design for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral proposes that a conservatory be built instead of the old wooden roof.
Studio NAB
1/12
A truly modern design for the renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral would see a new roof that harnesses solar energy to provide enough energy to power nearby buildings.
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/12
Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architectures has designed a ceiling consisting of diamond-shaped glass panels propped up with laminated wooden beams
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/3
The architects claim that the panels would store solar energy in hydrogen fuel cells, turning Notre Dame into a positive energy building. Since more than enough energy would be stored to power the Cathedral, the excess could be channeled to nearby buildings
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
4/12
The roof would also house a garden in which cultivated fruits and vegetables would be distributed free of charge to poor and homeless Parisians.
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/5
The west facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
6/12
The east facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/7
The north facade of Notre Dame Cathedral with the proposed ceiling
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/8
Vincent Callebaut Architectures
12/9 Alternative designs
This earlier design is described by Italian architecture duo Studio Fuksas as “a glass spiral symbol of the fragility of history and spirituality.”
Studio Fuksas
12/10 Alternative designs
In this design by Slovak architect Vizum Atelier, the replacement needle would shoot a beam of light skyward
Vizum Atelier
12/11 Alternative designs
Alexandre Fantozzi believes that stained glass is the best feature of Notre Dame, therefore he proposes that the ceiling should consist only of stained glass
Alexandre Fantozzi
12/12 Alternative designs
Another earlier Studio NAB design for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral proposes that a conservatory be built instead of the old wooden roof.
Studio NAB
The second advance makes use of a type of material called perovskites to create next-generation solar modules that are more efficient and stable than current commercial solar cells made of silicon.
Solar cells made from perovskites are also cheaper to produce, as well as being flexible and lightweight. So far, the main problem with the material is that it is difficult to scale to create solar panels of several meters in length.
“Expanding is very demanding,” said Dr. Luis Ono, co-author of the study. “Any defect in the material becomes more pronounced, so you need high-quality materials and better manufacturing techniques.”
A new approach uses multiple layers to prevent energy loss or leakage of toxic chemicals as it degrades.
A 22.4 cm module achieved 16.6% efficiency, a very high efficiency for a module of that size, and maintained a high level of performance even after 2,000 hours of constant use.
The researchers now plan to test their techniques on larger solar modules, hoping to commercialize the technology in the future.
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