Korea Vertical Fiber Solar Cell Hybrid System

Scientists in South Korea have built a vertical three-dimensional fiber-optic solar cell system that surpasses planar structure solar cell modules with maximum efficiency and lower surface requirements.

Scientists from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) and Solar Optics, a Korean optical applied materials research company, have developed a new power generation system based on optical fibers and organic solar cells.

The advantage of this fiber optic solar cell system compared to a planar structure solar cell system is that as the fiber moves along its length, light is scattered inside the fiber, thereby providing more interaction between the inner surface of the solar cell and the cell itself. opportunities to generate more electricity. In addition, fiber-optic solar cells also require less surface area than planar-structure cells because long fibers can be embedded into building structures, much like electrical wires.

The research team adjusted the structure of the organic solar cell to optimize the scattering and absorption of light through nanopores on the surface of special optical side-illumination (OSD) fibers.

"This enables optical fibers and solar panels to be installed in vertical three-dimensional structures and maintain power generation efficiency for a long time, regardless of the angle of the panels," said the researchers. Increase to an average of six hours a day or more."

In unstable outdoor environments, they used side-emitting fiber optics to operate the system. "It is also possible for us to use high-efficiency solar panels that have not been used in the past because they are sensitive to the external environment such as heat, dust and humidity," they explained.

Researcher Dong Chan Lim pointed out that the proposed system configuration can be used for a wide range of high-efficiency products.

"Recently, organic solar cell materials with power generation efficiency of 20 percent or more have been developed, but the nature of organic materials that are easily affected by temperature or humidity is a concern," Dong said. This technology can significantly reduce about a fifth of the One or more solar power generation areas and can be used for portable solar generators, electric vehicles and distributed generation systems.”

Solar Optics and KIMS said they are now looking to commercialize the world's first high-efficiency OSD-based solar power facility, but they did not provide any further details.