Abstract
The number of interconnected devices, often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT), is increasing at a considerable rate. It is inevitable therefore that so too will the energy demand. IoT describes a range of technologies such as sensors, software, smart meters, wearable devices, and communication beacons for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Often not located near a mains supply power source, these devices may be reliant on primary battery cells. To avoid the need to periodically replace these batteries, it makes sense to integrate the technologies with a photovoltaic (PV) cell to harvest ambient light, so that the technologies can be said to be self-powered. Perovskite solar cells have proven extremely efficient in low-light conditions but in the absence of ambient and low-light testing standards, or even a consensus on what is defined by “ambient light”, it is difficult to estimate the energy yield of a given PV technology in a given scenario. Ambient light harvesting is complex, subject to spectral considerations, and whether the light source is directly incident on the PV cell. Here, we present a realistic scenario-driven method for measuring the energy yield for a given PV technology in various situations in which an IoT device may be found. Furthermore, we show that laboratory-built p-i-n perovskite devices, for many scenarios, produce energy yields close to that of commercial GaAs solar cells. Finally, we demonstrate an IoT device, powered by a mesoporous carbon perovskite solar module and supercapacitor, and operating through several day–night cycles.
Highlights
The rise in connectivity through the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to an increased demand for an efficient, off-grid power supply [1,2,3]
Of all available ambient energy sources, visible light has the greatest power density [11,12] and so photovoltaic (PV) devices are a prime candidate for self-powered IoT nodes, with the added advantage that they can be discretely integrated into the device design [13]
We show that perovskite solar cells can be competitive with commercial incumbents
Summary
The rise in connectivity through the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to an increased demand for an efficient, off-grid power supply [1,2,3]. The movement of the Sun with respect to the location on Earth and local meteorological conditions are known sufficiently so that simulation software such as PV*Sol [34] can accurately predict the energy yield of a particular PV panel over a given period of time This information is not readily available for predicting ambient light energy-yields as in most cases the lux level is not constant and unlike natural sunlight is less subject to predictable fluctuations, usually due to human factors. We show that perovskite solar cells can be competitive with commercial incumbents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
