First self-tracking, flexible solar cell for urban environments
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Researchers in Korea have developed the first self-tracking flexible, flame retardant solar cell for urban environments
Dr. Seung-il Cha at the electric conversion material R&D team in Korea and Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) developed a self-tracking, flexible solar cell that is designed to avoid catching fire.
The module’s flexibility comes from encapsulating the individual cells in silicone, allowing for different form factors, such in bench or lighting shields.
The integral tracking is performed by attached shape memory alloy on the arrayed solar cells. This provides 60% more power per day compared to the previous flat modules.
Photovoltaic power generation’s efficiency is sharply declined by partial shading; buildings, plants and so forth and eventually the repetition clogs the generated current causing the cell to catch fire.
When the shade shrouds the photovoltaic module partially, the generated current can come in but can’t go out and cause the heat. The ignition point occurs by the given condition; partial shade, heat flocking and repetitions.
The solar cell developed by KERI uses a tempered glass-EVA-Cell array- EVA-polymeric back sheet laminated structure process with low-price materials.
Earlier photovoltaic modules were formed in laminated layers which means high cost with the tempered glass and plastics for solar cells protection. However, the team encapsulated each solar cells in silicone and then made electrical connections for glass-free applications to create flexible structures without needing flammable plastics.
Ultrathin fabric solar cells can turn any surface into a power source
The module’s electrical connectivity is enabled to a hybrid way for the applications. A serial/parallel connection gives more paths for the electricity to flow. This enables high power maintenance and prevents hot spot generations even though partial shading occurs on the photovoltaic module.
“Our technology will be enabling our life better with our natural resource solar energy and self-electrogeneration throughout cities” and “It will be the significant milestone for the carbon neutrality and energy security strengthening as we see as national issues today,” said Seung-il Cha.
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