
via Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Research demonstrates the potential of a solar unit that can hang on the outside of a structure
If builders could incorporate solar harvesting into the siding of a building, the amount of energy from the grid that a structure would need may significantly decrease.
In research published recently in Renewable Energy, a team of researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, led by Diana-Andra Borca-Tasciuc, a professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering, demonstrated the potential of wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). These efficient modular solar units could easily be hung on the side of a building.
The LSCs considered in this study are made of transparent plastic with a film of photoluminescent particles on the back, similar to those used in LEDS. Solar cells mounted on the larger edge of the LSC convert energy captured from the sun into electric power. The way these devices capture and concentrate sunlight enhances the power that is produced by each unit of surface area within a solar cell.
Before now, this unique shape and construction had only shown promise in theory. In this research, the team took that a step further and tested how these LSCs could function within the lab. The researchers also used light data from the field to help predict annual energy production if the LSCs were to be hung on walls. Based on data from Albany, New York, and Phoenix, Arizona, the annual energy production predicted for these devices was up to 40% more than the annual energy produced by solar panels, when both are installed vertically.
“While this technology is not meant to replace solar panels, it expands our capacity to efficiently harvest solar energy in the built environment,” Borca-Tasciuc said. “It works well for vertical wall applications where a solar panel does not perform as well.”
“As the world transitions toward carbon neutrality, using vertical surfaces effectively for solar power harvesting will be a necessity for the solar industry,” said Duncan Smith, a doctoral student in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer. “Particularly in urban settings, the roof area of taller buildings is usually dedicated to HVAC equipment and cannot be used for solar panel installations. In these same buildings, however, there is extra room on the walls.”
The team is now looking to optimize the shape of the LSC and is exploring ways it could engineer surface properties to more efficiently capture and retain the light entering the device.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Solar harvesting
- 'More connected': Researchers looking at growing food under solar panels
Lawns, backyards and roofs could be used to produce both solar power and fresh vegetables, University of Alberta researchers say.
- Blue Raven Solar Review: A Strong Reputation for Solar Satisfaction
It's now part of one of the oldest solar companies in the country, but still offers a hometown installer's touch.
- Current Climate: Solar Power Investments To Eclipse Oil In 2023
This week’s Current Climate, which every Saturday brings you the latest news about the business of sustainability.
- Clean Energy 24/7: Engineers Use Nanotechnology To Harvest Electricity “From Thin Air”
Engineers describe the “generic Air-gen effect”—nearly any material can be engineered with nanopores to harvest, cost-effective, scalable, interruption-free electricity. Researchers at the University ...
- Indian Scientists Develop New Method Of Harvesting Artificial Light Using Organic Nanotubes For Solar Cells, Optical Sensors
Indian researchers have developed a new method of harvesting artificial light using organic nanotubes, inspired by natural photosynthetic systems. The researchers, Dr Supratim Banerjee from the Indian ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Solar harvesting
[google_news title=”” keyword=”solar harvesting” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Luminescent solar concentrators
- The Dark Side Of Solar Power
Everybody loves solar power, right? It’s nice, clean, renewable energy that’s available pretty much everywhere the sun shines. If only the panels weren’t so expensive. Even better ...
- Making Hydrogen With Solar Energy, With Oxygen And Heat A Bonus
Inside the reactor, the deionized water is heated by light captured by a 7-meter diameter parabolic mirrored dish, which acts as a concentrator to maximise the solar energy that reaches the reactor.
- Solar Concentrator Market Strategic Plan For Positive Growth 2031
(MENAFN- EIN Presswire) Solar Concentrator Market Expected to Reach $24.6 Billion by 2031 - Allied Market Research PORTLAND, OREGON, UNITED STATE, May 3, 2023 /einpresswire.com / -- Solar ...
- Solar Concentrator Market Set To Reach USD 24.6 Billion By 2033 With 16.80% CAGR X Herald
The goal of solar concentrators is to increase the efficiency of solar energy systems and reduce energy production costs. By concentrating the sunlight onto a small area, the amount of solar ...
- Highway Barriers Block Noise, Generate Solar Energy
The technology used in the Den Bosch project are translucent, colored panels called luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). They harvest energy from sunlight and guide it to the side of the panels, ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Luminescent solar concentrators
[google_news title=”” keyword=”luminescent solar concentrators” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]