Harnessing light with hemispherical shells
New research proposes to redefine organic solar cells with a hemispherical shell design that offers expanded angular coverage, particularly advantageous for applications requiring flexible light capture, such as wearable electronics
spie.org reports:
In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the quest for more efficient solar cells is paramount. Organic photovoltaic cells have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based counterparts due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, optimizing their performance remains a significant challenge.
A hemispherical-shell-shaped organic active layer for photovoltaic application, to improve energy efficiency and angular coverage; (left bottom) spatial distribution of electric field norms. Credit: D. Hah, doi 10.1117/1.JPE.14.018501
In a pioneering move, new research from Abdullah Gül University (Türkiye) reimagines the structure of organic photovoltaic cells, opting for a hemispherical shell shape to unlock unprecedented potential in light absorption and angular coverage. As reported in the SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy (JPE), this innovative configuration aims to maximize light absorption and angular coverage, promising to redefine the landscape of renewable energy technologies. The study presents advanced computational analysis and comparative benchmarks to spotlight the remarkable capabilities of this new design.
In the study, Professor Dooyoung Hah of Abdullah Gül University probes the absorption spectra within the hemispherical-shell-shaped active layer, providing a detailed examination of how light interacts with the cell’s structure and materials through a computational technique known as three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). FEA can help solve complex engineering problems by dividing structures into smaller, more manageable parts called finite elements, which allows simulation and analysis of the entire structure’s behavior under various conditions, such as different light wavelengths and angles of incidence.
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