In order to improve solar cell efficiency, advanced technological solutions (micro-nano patterning and machining) will be developed and exploited, as well as advanced innovative materials, enabling a more effective use of wider portions of the solar energy spectrum (for instance by means of wavelength conversion mechanisms) and by increasing the energy conversion efficiency through photon-management techniques to concentrate solar radiation; the latter, in turn, will lead to a reduction in the size of the cells and consequently in the overall production costs. For instance, in the case of inorganic solar cells a specific patternin g of the cell surface, by exploiting ultra-short laser pulses in the femtosecond regime in a controlled atmosphere, will be used. In the case of silicon-based cells, the modified active material is named Black Silicon. The Black Silicon maximizes incident light absorption, as it features a strong reduction of the optical reflectivity at the Silicon/air input interface; in addition it boosts the absorption of the active material into the infrared region, as energy sub-bands are formed, what improves the exploitation of the solar spectrum and incre ases the optically generated current. By use of this technology, it will be possible to target the ultimate theoretical limits for photovoltaic conversion efficiency in Silicon-based solar cells (29%). Moreover, the use of Luminescent solar concentrators operating through cascade FRET will contribute to enlarge the portion of the absorbed solar spectrum. A parallel approach to overcome the high production costs of the solar cells presently available on the market relies on the development of the organic solar emerging technology. Third generation organic solar cells can be mainly classified into two families: thin film Bulk HeteroJunction (BHJ) solar cells and Dyesensitized solar cells (DSSC). Both kinds of devices are characterized by limited production costs, they are light and flexible, and can be easily processed in large areas. These features open solid possibilities to introduce ecologically sustainable energy at low-cost on the market, even obtained by using fully recyclable materials. The development of organic solar is based on the study of novel photo-active materials, both polymeric and molecular, and of novel device architectures, able to conjugate good energy conversion efficiency and industrial scalability
Il progetto ha come obiettivo lo sviluppo di nuove tecnologie e nuovi materiali ecostenibili e biocompatibili per il progresso delle key enabling technology in particolare sfruttando le caratteristiche uniche dei semiconduttori organici. Propone lo sfruttamento efficiente dell'energia solare attraverso la realizzazione di celle fotovoltaiche con maggiore efficienza e minore costo di produzione con particolare attenzione alle tematiche della sostenibilità sia nella preparazione dei nuovi materiali che nella preparazione dei dispositivi. I dispositivi che si svilupperanno, sia fotovoltaici che per illuminazione a basso consumo hanno costi di produzione contenuti, sono flessibili, leggeri e possono essere facilmente processate in aree elevate. Questo apre la possibilità di migliorare il risparmio energetico e avere sul mercato energia a basso costo, ecologicamente sostenibile, ottenuta con materiali totalmente riciclabili.L
Tecnologie e Materiali per l'Utilizzo Efficiente dell'Energia Solare
MAriacecilia Pasini;Vladimiro Dal Santo;
2014
Abstract
In order to improve solar cell efficiency, advanced technological solutions (micro-nano patterning and machining) will be developed and exploited, as well as advanced innovative materials, enabling a more effective use of wider portions of the solar energy spectrum (for instance by means of wavelength conversion mechanisms) and by increasing the energy conversion efficiency through photon-management techniques to concentrate solar radiation; the latter, in turn, will lead to a reduction in the size of the cells and consequently in the overall production costs. For instance, in the case of inorganic solar cells a specific patternin g of the cell surface, by exploiting ultra-short laser pulses in the femtosecond regime in a controlled atmosphere, will be used. In the case of silicon-based cells, the modified active material is named Black Silicon. The Black Silicon maximizes incident light absorption, as it features a strong reduction of the optical reflectivity at the Silicon/air input interface; in addition it boosts the absorption of the active material into the infrared region, as energy sub-bands are formed, what improves the exploitation of the solar spectrum and incre ases the optically generated current. By use of this technology, it will be possible to target the ultimate theoretical limits for photovoltaic conversion efficiency in Silicon-based solar cells (29%). Moreover, the use of Luminescent solar concentrators operating through cascade FRET will contribute to enlarge the portion of the absorbed solar spectrum. A parallel approach to overcome the high production costs of the solar cells presently available on the market relies on the development of the organic solar emerging technology. Third generation organic solar cells can be mainly classified into two families: thin film Bulk HeteroJunction (BHJ) solar cells and Dyesensitized solar cells (DSSC). Both kinds of devices are characterized by limited production costs, they are light and flexible, and can be easily processed in large areas. These features open solid possibilities to introduce ecologically sustainable energy at low-cost on the market, even obtained by using fully recyclable materials. The development of organic solar is based on the study of novel photo-active materials, both polymeric and molecular, and of novel device architectures, able to conjugate good energy conversion efficiency and industrial scalabilityI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
