Indoor photovoltaics: A numerical model of dye-sensitized solar cells based on indoor illumination for the Internet of Things applications

Abstract

Since dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have a suitable efficiency in the invisible region, they present a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation, particularly in the context of indoor environments where ambient lighting prevails. This paper proposes a novel numerical model tailored to assess the performance of DSSCs under indoor lighting conditions, with a specific focus on their potential application in powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By considering factors such as radiation intensity and spectral composition, particularly from common indoor light sources like Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Fluorescent lights, the model offers insights into the efficiency and viability of DSSCs in indoor settings. Since empirical analyses are difficult and expensive, the existence of a numerical model that investigates cell behavior under indoor illumination can be beneficial for developing such cells. In conducting verifying analyses under varying lighting conditions, the study demonstrates notable efficiencies of DSSCs, with LED 3000 K illumination at 1000 lux intensity yielding the highest performance. While DSSCs may appear less economically viable in environments with readily available electricity, their potential significance lies in providing sustainable energy solutions for IoT devices, thus reducing dependency on conventional power sources and contributing to environmental sustainability. The scientific significance of this research lies in its contribution to understanding the behavior of DSSCs under indoor lighting, offering insights into their potential applications in powering IoT devices. By providing a numerical model for evaluating DSSC performance under realistic indoor conditions, this study opens avenues for further research in optimizing DSSC technology for indoor energy harvesting applications, thereby advancing the field of renewable energy and sustainable technology integration.