Dye-sensitized Solar Module Research Articles

Mathematical improvisation of electrical equivalent circuit model for commercial dye-sensitized solar module with Gauss–Seidel, curve fit and theoretical approach

Mathematical improvisation of electrical equivalent circuit model for commercial dye-sensitized solar module with Gauss–Seidel, curve fit and theoretical approach

Performance and dye-stability of semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cell pavilion modules after six years of operation

A solar pavilion with 248 commercial 30 × 30 cm semi-transparent DSC modules were built at Roskilde University campus in 2016. After five years of operation under Danish climate conditions, and again one year later, two representative modules one from the south side and one from the north side of the pavilion facades were removed and their electrical performance relative to new modules was obtained. In addition, the respective dye degradation and triiodide bleaching was investigated. The south oriented module showed a decrease in efficiency of 85% and the north oriented module of 34% after 5 years. The degradation products of the applied ruthenium dye Z907 were typical thermal degradation products in which one or both of the thiocyanate ligands in Z907 had been substituted with the electrolyte components 3-methoxypropionitrile and or iodide. The degree of dye degradation in the south and north oriented modules after five years were 73% and 50% and the I3− concentration decreased 63% and 33%, respectively. The decrease in electrical performance Δη = 16%/year of the south module is within the same magnitude as performance loss of similar large-scale outdoor DSC installations. Such relatively high efficiency losses pr. year needs to be reduced if building integration photovoltaics based on the dye-sensitized solar cell technology should be commercially successful.

High‐Voltage Energy Harvesting and Storage System for Internet of Things Indoor Application

Energy Harvesting and Storage System In article number 2200245, Roberto Speranza, Andrea Lamberti and co-workers show, that a dye-sensitized solar module and an electrical double layer capacitor are integrated in the same device able to harvest and directly store energy from indoor illumination. The device achieves high output voltage even in low-light conditions and can work as a self-rechargeable energy source for Internet of Things sensor networks.

High‐Voltage Energy Harvesting and Storage System for Internet of Things Indoor Application

On the path toward independence from fossil fuels, solar energy is the most promising solution, but it needs a robust and reliable storage system to face its intrinsic fluctuations due to location, day cycle, and weather. The integration between energy harvesting and storage (H&S) technologies is a must toward clean energy production, and it becomes even more appealing considering the possibility of producing electricity not only from direct sunlight but also from diffuse light and indoor illumination. Herein, a dye‐sensitized solar module (DSSM) developed to harvest indoor illumination and directly store it into an electrical double‐layer capacitor (EDLC) is presented. Five series‐connected dye‐sensitized solar cells are fabricated on the same substrate and the module is integrated with a high‐voltage EDLC. The integrated device is characterized under indoor light sources such as light emitting diodes and fluorescent lamps. The results show one of the highest efficiencies ever reported for a high‐voltage DSSM under indoor illumination (16.27%), the largest voltage window ever reported for an indoor H&S device based on DSSM and EDLC—up to 3 V—and an overall photoelectric conversion and storage efficiency of 9.73% under indoor illumination.

Synthesis of polymer-gel electrolytes for quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells and Modules: A potential photovoltaic technology for powering internet of things (IoTs) applications

Dye-sensitized solar cells can display brilliant performance in artificial/indoor light, predominantly in various wireless sensor networks applications. The main objective of this work was to fabricate stable dye-sensitized solar cells/modules for the internet of things applications. The stability issue was addressed by developing polymer gel electrolytes. Polymer gel electrolyte with the highest ionic conductivity value was then employed as an electron transport mediator in the cells and modules. The photovoltaic performance of cells was affected by the conductivity of electrolytes. The results showed that the efficiency of quasi-solid state dye-sensitized solar cells remained stable for a week, while the efficiency of conventional cells approached zero after a day. Thus, the development of polymer gel electrolytes is an ultimate solution to enhance the stability of dye-sensitized solar cells and modules for the internet of things applications.

Spectral Changes by Dye Sensitized Solar Modules Influence the Pigment Composition and Productivity of Arthrospira maxima and Increase the Overall Energy Efficiency

AbstractThe integration of semi‐transparent photovoltaics (PVs) with photobioreactors (PBRs) is a promising strategy to increase photoconversion efficiency, ensuring simultaneous electricity and algal biomass production. In this study, Arthrospira maxima is cultivated in an integrated system with a dye‐sensitized solar module (DSSM) to the front of the PBR to assess the possible advantages for biomass and phycocyanin production. The application of the DSSM does not influence biomass production, with the remarkable advantage of producing additional electric energy. However, an acclimation of pigment is observed, as DSSM causes a change in the transmitted light spectrum. Further experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of light quality using monochromatic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) as controls. Phycocyanin‐targeted wavelengths exhibit a major impact on biomass growth and pigment productivity: low intensity enhanced process efficiency, suggesting that low light is preferable to enhance culture performance with respect to white light. The application of third‐generation PVs is only potentially advantageous if the transmission spectra of the module color and its aperture area are carefully designed. The application of monochromatic LEDs on PBRs also highlights the importance of properly managing the operative conditions to avoid energy losses.

The Golden Fig: A Plasmonic Effect Study of Organic-Based Solar Cells.

An optimization work on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on both artificial and natural dyes was carried out by a fine synthesis work embedding gold nanoparticles in a TiO2 semiconductor and perfecting the TiO2 particle sizes of the scattering layer. Noble metal nanostructures are known for the surface plasmon resonance peculiarity that reveals unique properties and has been implemented in several fields such as sensing, photocatalysis, optical antennas and PV devices. By embedding gold nanoparticles in the mesoporous TiO2 layer and adding a scattering layer, we were able to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 10.8%, using an organic ruthenium complex. The same implementation was carried out using a natural dye, betalains, extracted from Sicilian prickly pear. In this case, the conversion efficiency doubled from 1 to 2% (measured at 1 SUN illumination, 100 mW/cm2 under solar simulation irradiation). Moreover, we obtained (measured at 0.1 SUN, 10 mW/cm2 under blue light LED irradiation) a record efficiency of 15% with the betalain-based dye, paving the way for indoor applications in organic natural devices. Finally, an attempt to scale up the system is shown, and a betalain-based- dye-sensitized solar module (DSSM), with an active area of 43.2 cm2 and a PCE of 1.02%, was fabricated for the first time.

Performance and Dye-Stability of Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Pavilion Modules after 5 Years of Operation

Performance and Dye-Stability of Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Pavilion Modules after 5 Years of Operation

Stable Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Modules and Panels for Greenhouse Application

Our world is facing an environmental crisis that is driving scientists to research green and smart solutions in terms of the use of renewable energy sources and low polluting technologies. In this framework, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most worthy of interest. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are innovative PV devices known for their encouraging features of low cost and easy fabrication, good response to diffuse light and colour tunability. All these features make DSSCs technology suitable for being applied to the so-called agrovoltaic field, taking into account their dual role of filtering light and supporting energy needs. In this project, we used 40 DSSC Z-series connected modules with the aim of combining the devices’ high conversion efficiency, transparency and robustness in order to test them in a greenhouse. A maximum conversion efficiency of 3.9% on a 221 cm2 active area was achieved with a transparency in the module’s aperture (312.9 cm2) area of 35%. Moreover, different modules were stressed at two different temperature conditions, 60 °C and 85 °C, and under light soaking at the maximum power point, showing a strong and robust stability for 1000 h. We assembled the fabricated modules to form ten panels to filter the light from the roof of the greenhouse. We carried out panel measurements in outdoor and greenhouse environments in both sunny and cloudy conditions to find clear trends in efficiency behaviour. A maximum panel efficiency in outdoor conditions of 3.83% was obtained in clear and sunny sky conditions.

Graphene-Based Interconnects for Stable Dye-Sensitized Solar Modules

We present Z-Type Dye Sensitized Solar Modules (DSSMs) with screen printed graphene-based vertical interconnects. This prevents corrosion of interconnects in contact with electrolytic species, unli...

Prospective life cycle assessment of third-generation photovoltaics at the pre-industrial scale: A long-term scenario approach

The development of sustainable technologies for energy generation should necessarily undergo sustainability assessment. A well-recognized, valuable tool to accomplish this task is the life cycle assessment. In particular, prospective life cycle assessment can provide the useful methodological framework to calculate eco-profiles of third-generation photovoltaic technologies with a future-oriented perspective. In this paper, we present the life cycle assessment of a real semi-industrial production process of dye-sensitized solar modules performed by the Italian Dyepower consortium.Due to the unique availability of primary data at the semi-industrial scale, an extensive inventory is built and a long-term approach is implemented based on predictive scenarios featuring technological development and energy mix evolution. The aim is to evaluate of the potential of this technology from an environmental sustainability perspective as a renewable source for electricity generation in the future European energy market, namely, for building integrated applications.The results demonstrate the well-performing environmental footprint of the device and its pre-industrial fabrication process that, coupled with architectural versatility and remarkable performance in low intensity and diffuse light, make this technology suitable for different niches of the energy market. This analysis also highlights challenges in the fabrication process and identifies the technological improvements, alternative materials and engineering solutions that would further improve the environmental footprint of dye sensitized solar modules. Finally, the proposed life cycle assessment approach, provided that detailed and robust primary data are available, is valid for the investigation of the eco-profile of third generation photovoltaic technologies in terms of environmental sustainability in the European context.

Portable High Voltage Integrated Harvesting-Storage Device Employing Dye-Sensitized Solar Module and All-Solid-State Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitor.

A dye-sensitized solar module (DSSM) and a high voltage all-solid-state electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC) are, for the first time, implemented in a compact Harvesting-Storage (HS) device. Conductive glass is employed as current collecting substrate for both DSSM and EDLC, leading to a robust and portable final structure. The photovoltaic section is constituted by a 4 series cells W-type module, while in the storage section an EDLC employing an ionic liquid-based polymeric electrolyte (a mixture of polyethylene oxide and N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, PEO-Pyr14TFSI) and activated carbon electrodes is used. The solid state EDLC is first characterized individually to determine its electrochemical performance before successfully proving the integration with the DSSM. The harvesting-storage properties of the integrated photo-capacitor are evaluated through photo-charge and subsequent discharge protocols performed at two different discharge currents, showing that in this configuration the EDLC unit can be effectively charged up to 2.45 V.

Photoelectrochemical and spectrophotometric studies on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and stable modules (DSCMs) based on natural apocarotenoids pigments

We present a study on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and we fabricate dye-sensitized solar modules (DSCMs) based on natural apocarotenoids extracted from the achiote's seeds (annatto). Use of less polar solvent such as diethyl ether improves the bixin concentration in the annatto extract which, was employed as sensitizer in the devices. We measure IPCE max (∼33%) and estimate ϕinj ≥ 0.438 for annatto. By accurate and progressive optimization of both TiO2 multilayer photoanode and of electrolyte composition an efficiency (η) around 1.6%, is achieved, with an improvement of about ∼742% compare to the best performance for annatto extract, so far reported. DSCM shows stability which overcomes 1000 h (shelf-life test), under 1 sun, and produces a battery capacity of ∼46.8 Ah, the equivalent to ∼15 type AAA standard battery, in a similar time period. Although annatto based DSCMs are still below the efficiency requirements for practical applications for large scale industry, our encouraging results, testify the potentiality of this pigment in the production of non-toxic, cheap, long term stable and environmentally friendly vegetable based solar devices, as alternatives to batteries for small electronic goods market.

Comparative study on deposition of fluorine-doped tin dioxide thin films by conventional and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis methods for dye-sensitized solar modules

Fluorine-doped tin dioxide (FTO) thin films were produced via conventional spray pyrolysis and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) methods using alcohol-based solutions. The prepared films were compared in terms of crystal structure, morphology, surface roughness, visible light transmittance, and electronic properties. Upon investigation of the grain structures and morphologies, the films prepared using ultrasonic spray method provided relatively larger grains and due to this condition, carrier mobilities of these films exhibited slightly higher values. Dye-sensitized solar cells and 10×10 cm modules were prepared using commercially available and USP-deposited FTO/glass substrates, and solar performances were compared. It is observed that there exists no remarkable efficiency difference for both cells and modules, where module efficiency of the USP-deposited FTO glass substrates is 3.06% compared to commercial substrate giving 2.85% under identical conditions. We demonstrated that USP deposition is a low cost and versatile method of depositing commercial quality FTO thin films on large substrates employed in large area dye-sensitized solar modules or other thin film technologies.

Thermal and Electrical Characterization of a Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Photovoltaic Module under Real Operating Conditions

Dye-sensitized solar cell technology is having an important role in renewable energy research due to its features and low-cost manufacturing processes. Devices based on this technology appear very well suited for integration into glazing systems due to their characteristics of transparency, color tuning and manufacturing directly on glass substrates. Field data of thermal and electrical characteristics of dye-sensitized solar modules (DSM) are important since they can be used as input of building simulation models for the evaluation of their energy saving potential when integrated into buildings. However, still few studies in the literature provide this information. The study presented here aims to contribute to fill this lack providing a thermal and electrical characterization of a DSM in real operating conditions using a method developed in house. This method uses experimental data coming from test boxes exposed outdoor and dynamic simulation to provide thermal transmittance (U-value) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of a DSM prototype. The device exhibits a U-value of 3.6 W/m2·K, confirmed by an additional measurement carried on in the lab using a heat flux meter, and a SHGC of 0.2, value compliant with literature results. Electrical characterization shows an increase of module power with respect to temperature resulting DSM being suitable for integration in building facades.

High energy and high voltage integrated photo-electrochemical double layer capacitor

Harvesting–storage device composed of a dye-sensitized solar cell-based module and a high voltage supercapacitor with impressive discharge capacity (0.1 mA h cm−2).

A large, ultra-black, efficient and cost-effective dye-sensitized solar module approaching 12% overall efficiency under 1000 lux indoor light

A large, ultra-black, efficient and cost-effective dye-sensitized solar module reaches an overall efficiency of ∼12% under 1000 lux of T5 fluorescent light.

Optimum Design of Dye-Sensitized Solar Module for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Optimum Design of Dye-Sensitized Solar Module for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar modules based on a prototyping pilot line and their integration into energy storage microsystems

We successfully developed a prototyping pilot line for dye-sensitized solar modules up to 23×23cm2. Dedicated ceramic materials were studied for large area application: we formulated a lead-free glass frit sealant with low softening point based on the ternary system Bi2O3-B2O3-ZnO and a TiO2 anatase screen-printable paste for semi-transparent photoanodes. Alongside traditional screen-printing, specific machines among which a thermal press, a dye injection equipment and an automatic electrolyte filler were designed and realized. A silver-free layout was adopted and the solar modules reached an efficiency close to 2%. Photovoltaic glass panels composed by interconnected DSSC modules were interfaced with custom integrated circuits to realize energy storage microsystems for two self-powered prototypes: a USB solar table for recharging of portable devices and a novel LED glass parapet for active night lighting are here presented.

Technology Options for the Built Environment in Kenya: Dye-Sensitized and Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaics for Application in NZE Buildings

Background: The performance of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Module (DSSM) has been investigated under different outdoor air mass (AM), irradiance intensity and temperature conditions in Wajir, Kitui, Vihiga and Kajiado Counties in Kenya. Methods: The performance was thereafter compared with that of Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) devices undertaken under similar weather conditions in Nigeria. The DSSM's good response to short wavelength radiation made it perform better at increased AM values than what has been reported of a- Si PV modules. Results: Studies on a-Si showed that their performance favors low AM conditions. The DSSM generally performed better than what is reported of a-Si, based on irradiance and temperature dependence. Nonetheless, a-Si devices performed better at higher irradiance intensities. These results show that Dye-Sensitized and a-Si technologies complement each others’ performance when subjected to the outdoor field AM, irradiance and temperature conditions. Conclusion: These findings can be applied in PV sizing, especially for application in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in the tropics. Keywords: Amorphous silicon, building integrated photovoltaics, complimentarily, dye-sensitized, geo-thermal, solar PV.