Integration of near-infrared harvesting transparent luminescent solar concentrators onto arbitrary surfaces

Abstract

Abstract Visibly transparent luminescent solar concentrators (TLSCs) can convert existing window glazing systems and non-window surfaces into solar energy harvesting resources, dramatically improving energy utilization efficiency. While there has been a significant interest in improving the power conversion efficiency, little attention has been focused on the challenges of integrating luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) onto non-window surfaces or windows with significant infrared absorption coefficients. In these situations, the total internal reflection (TIR) can be effectively disabled when LSCs are directly and seamlessly integrated onto surfaces that are highly absorptive or scattering to infrared light. To overcome this challenge, we utilize a low refractive index adhesive film with high transparency between the TLSC waveguide and the back surface, to maintain both the device functionality and aesthetic quality of the surface underneath. Photovoltaic measurements were conducted to show that the TIR is re-enabled with the presence of such a structure. Thus, this method can effectively improve LSC performance and scalability, and allows TLSCs to be integrated onto arbitrary surfaces such as automobiles, billboards, and buildings.