Supplementing amount of power generated by transparent solar energy collection device comprising luminophor

Abstract

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention generally relate to photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices, and in particular to transparent or translucent photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices, allowing sufficient visible light to pass therethrough to allow objects to be visible therethrough, the present invention relates to devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic and solar energy collecting devices that complement their primary near ultraviolet light absorption while maintaining their transparency with secondary and / or tertiary absorption of narrowband visible light. Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a single solar material having both primary ultraviolet absorption and secondary narrowband visible light absorption, while some embodiments of the present invention utilize a mixture of one or more materials to achieve primary ultraviolet absorption of light as well as secondary or even tertiary narrowband of visible light absorption. Means for manufacturing such photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices and uses and uses thereof will also be disclosed.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 123,779, filed March 20, 2023; U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 123,792, filed March 20, 2023; and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 123,817, filed March 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Government rights

[0004] This invention was completed with government support under grant number 2112279 from the National Science Foundation. The government holds certain rights to this invention. Technical Field

[0005] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention generally relate to photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices, and more specifically, various embodiments of the present invention relate to the combined use of ultraviolet solar energy materials with narrowband visible light solar energy materials. Background Technology

[0006] For many reasons, there is an increasing demand for optoelectronic devices using organic materials in a variety of applications. The materials used to construct organic optoelectronic devices are relatively inexpensive compared to their inorganic counterparts, offering a cost advantage over optoelectronic devices produced using inorganic materials. Furthermore, organic materials provide the necessary physical properties, such as flexibility, allowing them to be used in applications where rigid materials are not feasible. Examples of organic optoelectronic devices include organic photovoltaic cells, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic photodetectors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a transparent solar energy collection device includes one or more light emitters distributed in or on a transparent substrate. The one or more light emitters absorb light in both the UV and visible light regions, and emit visible light in the visible light region.

[0008] In one embodiment, a visually transparent luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) includes one or more light emitters in or on a transparent substrate. The one or more light emitters are configured to absorb light in both the ultraviolet (UV) and visible regions. The one or more light emitters are configured to use the absorbed light in the UV and visible regions to emit visible light in the visible region.

[0009] The visually transparent LSC further includes one or more photovoltaic cells configured to absorb visible light emitted by the one or more light emitters and to absorb solar radiation. The absorption of visible light and solar radiation by the one or more photovoltaic cells generates energy. The visually transparent LSC has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm, and the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first emitter among the one or more emitters may have a first absorption peak in the UV region at a wavelength between approximately 315 nm and 420 nm. Furthermore, a second emitter among the one or more emitters may have a second absorption peak in the visible light region at a wavelength between approximately 420 nm and 780 nm, and have a wavelength band with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between approximately 10 nm and approximately 50 nm. At least one of the one or more emitters may have the strongest light emission in the visible light region at a wavelength between approximately 420 nm and 780 nm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters of the visually transparent LSC may be organic materials. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more light emitters may include coronene, substituted coronene materials, coumarin, naphthalimide, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenebisimide, and bipyridine. Substituted coronene materials may include at least one of the following: hexabenzocoronene derivative, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzocoronene derivative, or tetrabenzothiophenyldibenzocoronene derivative.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more photovoltaic cells may be coupled to the edges and / or side surfaces of the transparent substrate. The visually transparent LSC may include a transparent waveguide adjacent to a transparent window material. The transparent waveguide may include at least one of glass, quartz, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyacrylate, alkyl polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, ionoplast polymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide-imide, or polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0013] In some embodiments, the one or more light emitters may be dispersed within the transparent waveguide. A transparent waveguide containing one or more dispersed light emitters may include a transparent film, a hard coating, or multiple film layers. The transparent waveguide may be sandwiched between two rigid plates of glass, plexiglass, or other polymers in any combination.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transparent film, the hard coating, or the plurality of film layers can be deposited on the transparent window material by thermal evaporation, solution treatment, melt treatment, organic vapor deposition, organic vapor jet printing, solid mixing, or crosslinking of liquid films. Furthermore, the transparent window material may include at least one plastic, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethyl methyl acrylate (PEMA), or (poly)butyl methyl methacrylate copolymethyl methacrylate (PBMMA), glass, plexiglass, PMMA, plastic sheet, or other transparent materials. Additionally, the transparent film, the hard coating, or the plurality of film layers may include cellulose acetate butyrate, acrylic acid, glass-based acrylates, ionomer polymers, acetate esters, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0015] In some embodiments, the visually transparent LSC may further include at least one dopant distributed in the transparent substrate. The at least one dopant may be configured to provide improved color coordinates and color neutrality of light transmitted through the LSC. The at least one dopant may be configured to provide improved color coordinates and color neutrality of light transmitted through the LSC and any components comprising the LSC.

[0016] In another embodiment, the visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) includes a visually transparent waveguide, at least one solar photovoltaic cell, and at least one light-emitting material embedded in the visually transparent waveguide. The at least one light-emitting material is configured to absorb light in both the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light regions. Furthermore, the at least one light-emitting material is configured to use the absorbed light in the UV and visible light regions to emit visible light in the visible light region.

[0017] The visually transparent LSC has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and the absolute values ​​of the CIE L*a*b* chromatic coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and 30.

[0018] Furthermore, at least one solar photovoltaic cell is configured to absorb visible light and solar radiation emitted from the at least one visually transparent light source, thereby enabling the at least one solar photovoltaic cell to generate electrical energy.

[0019] In some embodiments, the light-emitting material may include a single light-emitting material. The single light-emitting material may include a substituted halophenyl material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one luminescent material comprises two or more luminescent materials. The two or more luminescent materials may include at least two or more luminescent substances, including halophenyl, substituted halophenyl materials, coumarin, naphthylimide, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide, or bipyridine.

[0021] In some embodiments, the LSC further includes one or more circuits electrically connected to the at least one solar photovoltaic cell. The LSC may also include one or more electrical components selected from the group consisting of a light sensor, color sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, occupancy sensor, motion sensor, cellular signal amplifier, universal serial bus interface, energy storage device, or wireless communication elements electrically connected to the one or more circuits. The one or more electrical components may be powered by the at least one solar photovoltaic cell.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one solar photovoltaic cell may be coupled to at least one side surface or edge of the visually transparent waveguide. The at least one solar photovoltaic cell may be a first at least one solar photovoltaic cell. The LSC may also include a second at least one solar photovoltaic cell coupled to at least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the LSC. At least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the LSC may be perpendicular to the at least one side surface or edge of the visually transparent waveguide. The second at least one solar photovoltaic cell may be visually transparent. Furthermore, the at least one solar photovoltaic cell may be coupled to the LSC to form a combined visually transparent LSC / PV device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the combined visually transparent LSC / PV device can have an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the visible light transmitted through the combined visually transparent LSC / PV device can each be between -30 and +30.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first at least one solar photovoltaic cell can generate a first electrical energy connected to a first circuit; and the second at least one solar photovoltaic cell can generate a second electrical energy connected to a second circuit.

[0025] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) includes providing one or more light emitters distributed on a transparent substrate and optically coupling the one or more photovoltaic cells to the transparent substrate. The one or more light emitters are configured to absorb light in both the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light regions, and are configured to use the absorbed light in the UV and visible light regions to emit visible light in the visible light region. The one or more photovoltaic cells are configured to absorb the visible light emitted by the one or more light emitters and absorb solar radiation. The absorption of visible light and solar radiation by the one or more photovoltaic cells generates energy. The visually transparent LSC has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and the absolute values ​​of the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and 30.

[0026] In some embodiments, providing one or more light emitters distributed in a transparent substrate may include dispersing the one or more light emitters in a transparent waveguide material. Providing the one or more light emitters distributed in a transparent substrate may further include forming the transparent waveguide material having the one or more light emitters into a transparent waveguide; and may also include adhering the transparent waveguide having the one or more light emitters to a transparent window material. The transparent waveguide having the one or more light emitters may include a transparent film, a hard coating, or multiple film layers.

[0027] Adheding a transparent waveguide having one or more light-emitting elements to a transparent window material may also include depositing the transparent waveguide material having one or more light-emitting elements onto the transparent window material through thermal evaporation, solution treatment, melt treatment, organic vapor deposition, organic vapor jet printing, solid mixing, or liquid film crosslinking.

[0028] In another embodiment, the visually transparent photovoltaic device includes at least one photosensitive layer, an anode, and a cathode. The photosensitive layer has a first absorption peak between 315 nm and 420 nm, including both 315 nm and 420 nm, and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm, including both 420 nm and 780 nm. The anode is configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. The cathode is configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. The visible-transparent photovoltaic device has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30. The visually transparent photovoltaic device generates electricity. In some embodiments, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the second absorption peak is between 10 nm and 75 nm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the anode and the cathode may independently include one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire.

[0030] In some embodiments, the transparent conductive oxide may include indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), zinc oxide or gallium zinc oxide (GZO), and the transparent ultrathin metal may include Al, Au, Ag, Mo or Ni; the metal may include Al, Au, Ag, Ni, Cu or Mo; and the metal nanowire may include Al, Au or Ag.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one photosensitive layer may include an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor. The photovoltaic device may include a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of at least 1.4V.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one photosensitive layer may include: a first photosensitive layer containing an organic electron donor; and may include a second photosensitive layer containing an organic electron acceptor. Furthermore, the first and second photosensitive layers may form a bilayer planar heterojunction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first photosensitive layer may have a first absorption peak between 315 nm and 420 nm, and the second photosensitive layer may have a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first photosensitive layer may have a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm, and the second photosensitive layer may have a first absorption peak between 315 nm and 420 nm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the organic electron donor and / or the organic electron acceptor may include dibenzocoronene derivatives. The organic electron donor may include a first twisted hexabenzocoronene (cHBC) or a cHBC derivative. The electron acceptor may include a second cHBC or a cHBC derivative.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm may be due to a dopant dispersed in the at least one photosensitive layer. The dopant may include one or more of the following: coumarin; naphthalenedicarboximide; benzene; anthracene; rubrene; thiophene; fluorene; diazafluorene; fluorenone; dicyanomethylene; rhodamine; perylenediimide; or bipyridine.

[0037] In some embodiments, the organic electron donor and the organic electron acceptor may include at least one of a tetrabenzothiophene dibenzoxene derivative or a tetrabenzofuran dibenzoxene derivative.

[0038] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device may further include one or more electrical components selected from the group consisting of: a light sensor, a color sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, a motion sensor, a cellular signal amplifier, a universal serial bus interface, an energy storage device, and a wireless communication element. The one or more electrical components may be powered by the photovoltaic device.

[0039] In some implementations, the presence of a second peak absorption in the visible portion of the solar spectrum can provide supplemental power to the photovoltaic device to compensate for the power generated by the first peak absorption in the UV portion of the solar spectrum, while keeping AVT above 35% and keeping the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates between -30 and +30 respectively.

[0040] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device may further include a transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) coupled to a visually transparent photovoltaic device. The transparent LSC may be coupled to the anode or cathode of the photovoltaic device.

[0041] In another embodiment, the window includes a rigid transparent panel comprising a transparent film. The transparent film includes a plurality of light emitters, which are operable to have a first peak absorption of light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and a peak emission of light in the visible spectrum. The window has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light in the full range of wavelengths from 400 nm to 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

[0042] In some embodiments, the window may also include one or more solar cells mounted on the edge or side surface of the window; or it may include a solar cell array comprising one or more solar cells embedded within the window.

[0043] In some embodiments, the window may also include one or more circuits electrically connected to one or more edge-mounted solar cells or solar cell arrays.

[0044] In some embodiments, the window may further include an electroluminescent assembly that modulates the transmission of visible light and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window, the window being electrically connected to the one or more circuits. The electroluminescent assembly may be powered by edge-mounted solar cells or a solar cell array.

[0045] In some embodiments, the window may also include a low-emissivity film layer to reduce the transmission of infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window.

[0046] In some embodiments, the window may also include a charge storage device electrically connected to a solar cell or solar cell array mounted on its edge.

[0047] In some embodiments, the window may also include one or more electrical components selected from the group consisting of: a light sensor, a color sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, a motion sensor, a cellular signal amplifier, a universal serial bus interface, and a wireless communication element that communicates with one or more circuits.

[0048] In some implementations, the window may be edge-mounted or mounted in a frame.

[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more circuits are powered by edge-mounted solar cells; or by a solar cell array embedded within the window. The one or more circuits are located in edge-mounted insulation or a frame.

[0050] In some embodiments, the rigid transparent panel may include any combination of film, plexiglass, polymer sheet, plastic sheet, glass, quartz, or stacks thereof.

[0051] In some embodiments, the window may include at least one of a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) or a visually transparent photovoltaic (PV) device.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame includes providing a rigid transparent panel comprising a transparent film. The transparent film includes a plurality of light emitters. The plurality of light emitters are operable to have a first peak absorption of light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and a peak emission of light in the visible spectrum. The plurality of light emitters are configured to emit visible light in the visible light region using absorbed light in both the UV and visible light regions. The rigid transparent panel has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light in the wavelength range between about 400 nm and about 780 nm, and the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

[0053] The method may further include coupling edge-mounted solar cells to the edge or side surface of the rigid transparent panel. The method may also include coupling a solar cell array to the rigid transparent panel.

[0054] The method may also include electrically connecting one or more circuits to an edge-mounted solar cell or solar cell array for electrical communication.

[0055] The method may further include electrically coupling an electroluminescent component that modulates the transmission of visible light and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window to the one or more circuits for electrical communication.

[0056] Coupled solar cell arrays to a rigid transparent panel can include coupling visually transparent photovoltaic devices to the rigid transparent panel. The visually transparent photovoltaic devices can include at least one photosensitive layer having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm, including both 350 nm and 420 nm, and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm, including both 420 nm and 780 nm. The second absorption peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm.

[0057] Visually transparent photovoltaic devices may also include an anode. The anode may be configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0058] Visually transparent photovoltaic devices may also include a cathode. The cathode may be configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0059] The anode and the cathode may independently include one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire.

[0060] Visually transparent photovoltaic devices can exhibit an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light can each range from -30 to +30. Visually transparent photovoltaic devices can generate electricity.

[0061] The plurality of light emitters may include at least two or more light emitters, including halobenzene, substituted halophenyl materials, coumarin, naphthylimide, anthracene, red fluorene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide or bipyridine.

[0062] In another embodiment, the window insert can modulate the transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the window and can be self-powered. For this purpose, the window insert can have a photovoltaic device with a photosensitive layer having 1) a peak absorption between 250 nm and 450 nm and 2) an average transmittance of at least 50% in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some embodiments, the photosensitive layer comprises a non-fullerene organic semiconductor. For example, the photosensitive layer can particularly have an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor. In this case, the photovoltaic device employs a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (V) of at least 1.4 V. The window insert can also have an electroluminescent component for modulating or regulating the transmission of visible light and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window insert. The electroluminescent component can be powered by the photovoltaic device, thereby simplifying the electrical architecture of the window insert. In some embodiments, the electrical infrastructure of the window insert is located in a wall panel or gasket connected to the periphery of the window insert.

[0063] In another embodiment, a modulation method arranges a window insert in the path of electromagnetic radiation passing through the window or facade. In this example, the window insert has an electroluminescent component and a photovoltaic device, the photovoltaic device having a photosensitive layer with peak absorption between 250 nm and 450 nm and an average transmittance of at least 50% in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Ultraviolet radiation is converted into electrical energy by the photovoltaic device, and the electroluminescent component is powered by the electrical energy to alter the transmission of visible light and / or infrared radiation through the window insert.

[0064] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a visually transparent photovoltaic device includes providing at least one photosensitive layer having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm and including both 350 nm and 420 nm, and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm and including both 420 nm and 780 nm. The method of manufacturing a visually transparent photovoltaic device further includes providing an anode configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. The method of manufacturing a visually transparent photovoltaic device further includes providing a cathode configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. The visible-light transparent photovoltaic device has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30. The visually transparent photovoltaic device generates electricity. The second absorption peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm.

[0065] Providing the anode may include electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire to the first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0066] Providing the cathode may include electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire to the second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0067] The at least one photosensitive layer may include an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor. The photovoltaic device may be a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of at least 1.4V.

[0068] The at least one photosensitive layer may include a first photosensitive layer comprising an organic electron donor. The at least one photosensitive layer may include a second photosensitive layer comprising an organic electron acceptor. The first photosensitive layer and the second photosensitive layer may form a bilayer planar heterojunction. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Those skilled in the art should more fully understand the advantages of various embodiments of the invention from the following “Description of Illustrative Embodiments”, which is discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are summarized below.

[0070] Figure 1A transparent solar energy collection device is schematically shown that absorbs solar radiation from the sun to generate electricity according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0071] Figure 2 An exemplary spectrum of solar irradiance versus wavelength according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0072] Figure 3A An organic photovoltaic (OPV) device having an absorber stack and electronic circuitry is illustrated schematically according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0073] Figure 3B An OPV photovoltaic device having an absorber stack and electronic circuitry according to an exemplary embodiment is schematically shown.

[0074] Figure 4 An OPV photovoltaic device having an absorber stack and electronic circuitry according to an exemplary embodiment is schematically shown.

[0075] Figure 5 A generalized sketch of an absorption spectrum having a main absorption peak and a secondary absorption peak, according to an illustrative embodiment, is shown graphically.

[0076] Figure 6A The chemical structure of the halophosphorescent material according to the illustrative embodiment is presented.

[0077] Figure 6B The chemical structure of the halophosphorescent material according to the illustrative embodiment is presented.

[0078] Figure 6C Examples of the absorption and emission spectra of an organic light emitter according to an illustrative embodiment are shown graphically. The organic light emitter strongly absorbs light <400 nm and has a secondary absorption feature at about 500 nm.

[0079] Figure 7 A transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to an illustrative embodiment is schematically shown;

[0080] Figure 8 An alternative transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to an illustrative embodiment is schematically shown.

[0081] Figure 9 Another alternative transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to an illustrative embodiment is shown schematically.

[0082] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a window insert according to an illustrative embodiment is shown schematically.

[0083] Figure 11AAnother cross-sectional view of a window insert according to an exemplary embodiment and the associated functional characteristics of various layers are schematically shown.

[0084] Figure 11B Another cross-sectional view of a window insert according to an exemplary embodiment and the associated functional characteristics of various layers are schematically shown.

[0085] Figure 11C Another cross-sectional view schematically illustrates the relevant functional characteristics of the window insert and various layers according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Figure 12 A perspective view of an edge mounting frame for accommodating one or more of the components is shown schematically according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0087] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a reversible installation of a window insert system according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0088] Figure 14 The diagram schematically illustrates a device that combines a visually transparent photovoltaic device with a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0089] Figure 15 The diagram schematically illustrates a device that combines a visually transparent photovoltaic device with a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0090] Figure 16 The steps of a method for manufacturing a visually transparent luminescent solar collector according to an illustrative embodiment are shown.

[0091] Figure 17 The steps of a method for manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame, according to an illustrative embodiment, are shown.

[0092] Figure 18 A method for manufacturing a visually transparent photovoltaic device according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0093] Figure 19 The chemical structure of a twisted form of 2,9,16,23-tetranonoxy-tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzoxene (UV-3) according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0094] Figure 20 The following is a graphical example illustrating the relationship between the external quantum efficiency of a UV3-containing extruded film mounted on a glass plate according to an illustrative embodiment and the distance (1 to 4 cm) of the illumination spot at the edge of the glass plate.

[0095] Figure 21The chemical structure of the twisted tetrabenzothiophene dibenzo[a]bromodi ... Detailed Implementation

[0096] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, the described embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and as defined by the appended claims.

[0097] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention generally relate to photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices, and more specifically to transparent or translucent photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices that allow sufficient visible light to pass through them to allow objects to be seen, and more specifically to supplement their primary near-ultraviolet absorption with secondary and / or tertiary absorption of narrowband visible light while maintaining their transparency. Various embodiments of the invention relate to a single solar energy material having both primary ultraviolet absorption and secondary narrowband visible light absorption, while some embodiments utilize mixtures of one or more materials to achieve primary ultraviolet absorption and secondary or even tertiary narrowband visible light absorption. Means for manufacturing such photovoltaic and solar energy collection devices, as well as their applications and uses, will also be disclosed.

[0098] Solar energy collection devices are a large class of devices that absorb a portion of solar radiation or light and convert it into electricity that can be used in an external circuit. This circuit can be a point-of-use application on the panel or window itself, or for broader electrical applications as part of an integrated power grid with other power transmission and generation systems. Solar energy collection devices can also charge energy storage systems such as batteries. In this disclosure, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used synonymously and are used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms “solar cell” and “photovoltaic device” are also used synonymously and are used interchangeably.

[0099] Silicon photovoltaic cells are one such example of solar energy collection devices, where broad-spectrum solar irradiance is absorbed and converted into electricity for distribution within a home power grid. However, solar energy collection devices do not need to be on such a scale, as they can be used to generate just enough power for small handheld devices or other limited local applications. Silicon photovoltaic devices are highly opaque in design.

[0100] There has been considerable push for the use of visually transparent devices to enable window integration applications in buildings and vehicles. For transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, this can be achieved by selectively absorbing invisible ultraviolet (e.g., UV) or infrared (e.g., IR) light while primarily transmitting the visible portion (VIS) of the solar spectrum. Like all solar cells, OPV devices comprise materials that convert incident solar photons into free electrons and positive holes. When photons are absorbed by the solar cell material, electron / hole pairs, known as excitons, are formed. These excitons are then separated into free charges, which are transported to transparent electrodes on the device, generating a current in an external circuit. This current can be used to power window integration applications such as electroluminescent smart windows, sensors, integrated displays, and IoT connectivity in buildings and vehicles, and / or to charge batteries.

[0101] Transparent solar energy collection devices can also be implemented in transparent light-emitting solar concentrators (LSCs). Visible light is transmitted through the transparent LSC, while invisible solar radiation is absorbed, re-emitted, and waveguided to photovoltaic cells, which convert this energy into electrical energy. In such transparent LSCs, large windows can absorb invisible solar radiation and re-emit it to much smaller photovoltaic cells, typically located on the sides and edges of the window, thus significantly concentrating solar energy while allowing visible light to again be transmitted through the window unit to occupants in the room or vehicle behind the window.

[0102] Whether the energy harvesting device is implemented as a transparent OPV or a transparent LSC, the optical transparency and aesthetic appearance of the transmitted light are crucial to the occupant. The quality of the transmitted light needs to be carefully characterized and optimized to provide pleasant illumination of objects around the occupant while generating electricity from invisible radiation. The aesthetic performance of a light source (whether a bulb or a window) can be quantified by the following metrics: its correlated color temperature (CCT) relative to an ideal blackbody radiator, its CIE 1931 x, y color coordinates, and its CIE L*a*b* coordinates. (CIE 1931 refers to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) of 1931). All of these are commonly used metrics in the window and lighting industries. For something unique to windows, average visible light transmittance (AVT) can also be a useful metric, since the window itself is not the light source (like a bulb). Keeping such metrics within ranges that are beneficial and preferred by the occupants involved while generating electricity is crucial for the acceptance of window-based solar harvesting devices.

[0103] Overview

[0104] In various embodiments, the following disclosure relates to methods and systems for manufacturing transparent solar energy collection devices that absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation (e.g., light with wavelengths of 300 to 450 nm) to generate electricity, and optionally supplement their power output by absorbing additional narrow-band visible (VIS) light (in the range of 400 to 780 nm). This additional absorption provides a significant increase in the photocurrent of the device without significantly degrading its aesthetic performance (e.g., overall transparency and color neutrality). That is, these solar energy collection devices allow most visible light to pass through the device while generating electrical energy. A small amount of visible light within a narrow wavelength range (or several narrow ranges) can be absorbed to supplement the photovoltaic energy generated by the device. These transparent solar energy collection devices can be used as window glass in structures (e.g., window panes) that allow visible light to enter the structure while also converting the absorbed UV radiation and narrow-band visible radiation (e.g., light) into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated by the transparent solar energy collection devices can be used to power window integration applications and other applications.

[0105] Transparent solar collectors are a large class of devices designed to provide point-of-use power to power window-integrated applications such as electroluminescent smart windows, sensors, and integrated displays in buildings and vehicles. In some cases, they can also be used to provide general-purpose power through integration with other power delivery systems, such as the power grid or non-transparent solar panels and batteries.

[0106] The power output of a transparent solar collector can be increased by adding solar cell material that absorbs visible light. However, in order for the device to remain transparent to visible light, the solar cell material must not absorb so much light that the transparent device begins to lose its transparency. In other words, the transparency and color neutrality of the resulting device must be minimally affected by the absorption of this visible light-absorbing solar cell material to avoid compromising its aesthetic appearance.

[0107] To demonstrate the potential for additional power output even through thin (20 nm) broadband bands of the visible spectrum, Table 1 lists the irradiance contained within a 20 nm broadband of the solar spectrum (referencing irradiance for all wavelengths less than 400 nm), and the photon flux contained within these 20 nm broadband bands. For example, the energy contained in wavelengths between 540 nm and 560 nm of the solar spectrum is equivalent to 33% of the energy of UV and near-UV wavelengths less than 400 nm. This illustrates the potential for supplemental power generation through just one of these narrow 20 nm broadband bands of the visible spectrum.

[0108] Table 1: Decomposition of available additional energy and available additional photon flux in the 20 nm wide band of the solar spectrum (refer to energy and photon flux contained in all <400 nm wavelengths)

[0109] wavelength range Additional energy available Available additional photon flux 400-420 25% 33% 420-440 26% 33% 440-460 32% 41% 460-480 34% 44% 480-500 33% 44% 500-520 33% 44% 520-540 33% 46% 540-560 33% 47% 560-580 32% 48% 580-600 32% 49% 600-620 32% 49% 620-640 31% 48% 640-660 30% 47% 660-680 30% 47% 680-700 27% 47% 700-720 27% 46% 720-740 25% 45% 740-760 26% 44% 760-780 21% 44%

[0110] To collect these additional narrowband visible solar irradiances while still primarily collecting near-ultraviolet light (wavelength range of 300 nm to 450 nm) and maintaining overall transparency, the ideal material exhibits broad, strong absorption in the UV portion of the solar spectrum and narrowband absorption in the VIS region. The broad absorption in the UV region will be separated from the narrowband absorption in the VIS by a valley of near-complete transparency in the absorption spectrum.

[0111] Table 1 shows that for transparent solar collectors that primarily absorb UV light, increasing the absorption of just one of these 20 nm slices can represent a 21% to 34% increase in available power. The narrowness of any secondary absorption peaks, measured by their full width at half maximum (FWHM), should be less than 100 nm, more preferably less than 50 nm, and most preferably less than 20 nm. The lower intensity and narrower width of these secondary peaks are chosen to maintain the overall transparency of the resulting device by minimizing its aesthetic impact.

[0112] To understand and quantify the potential aesthetic impact of these narrow wavelength absorption bands on the transparency and color neutrality of the resulting devices, Table 2 shows the calculated effects for various aesthetic metrics. Here, an absorption band at half full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 20 nm was simulated, shifting through the solar emission spectrum (standard AM1.5G) in 20 nm increments. Two absorption intensities were used: one with an optical density of 0.3 (absorbing approximately 50% of the light at its peak) and the other with an optical density of 1.0 (absorbing approximately 90% of the light at its peak). The resulting average visible light transmittance (AVT, photometric weighted) and color coordinates (in the CIE L*a*b* and CIEx, y 1931 systems) were calculated and shown for each intensity. Typically, absorption at short and long wavelengths, which are weakly detected by the eye, does not significantly reduce transparency or color neutrality, while absorption at green wavelengths, to which the eye is more sensitive, has a significant impact. The color coordinates of the solar spectrum without absorption are also shown in the top row of Table 2.

[0113] Table 2: Changes in aesthetic measurements of transmitted AM1.5G sunlight

[0114] Assume the secondary absorption has optical densities of 0.3 and 1.0, a Gaussian shape, and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 20 nm, centered in the middle of each 20 nm band below. AVT is the average visible light transmittance, and the CIE L*a*b* and CIEx, y 1931 color coordinates of the transmitted light are listed.

[0115]

[0116] In some embodiments, the average visible light transmittance (AVT) should be greater than 50%, more preferably greater than 80%, and even more preferably greater than 90%. The absolute values ​​of the CIE L*a*b* components a* and b* should be less than 30, more preferably less than 20, and even more preferably less than 10. The CIEx, y 1931 coordinates should be within 0.100 of [0.332, 0.334], more preferably within 0.030, and even more preferably within 0.010 of each coordinate. The color difference ΔE or dE, defined in 1976, is the three-dimensional color difference calculated from the CIE L*a*b* coordinates according to the 1976 standard, and can also be used to describe the degree of difference between the color of the transparent layer and that of a normal window; therefore, dE should be less than 60, more preferably less than 20, and even more preferably less than 5. For example, dE 60 may correspond to the range of a* and / or b* between -30 and 30. The range of values ​​described above for transparency and color neutrality represents the aesthetic performance of transparent solar collectors, which are found to be pleasing.

[0117] Solar energy materials exhibiting absorption properties similar to those described above include derivatives of tetrabenzofuranyldibenzophenone. Materials such as these are employed in the various embodiments described herein. They are novel single materials used in the various device embodiments described in this disclosure. Representative absorption spectra of these materials include a major absorption in the near-ultraviolet region and a small, narrow absorption peak in the visible portion of the spectrum. The photoluminescence emission of these materials shows emission in the visible portion of the spectrum. These benzophenones exhibit absorption in both the UV and visible regions of the spectrum, as well as emission peaks in the visible portion of the spectrum. While these benzophenones exhibit these absorption and emission properties, they are by no means the only one or more materials exhibiting these properties. In illustrative embodiments, combinations of one or more materials that absorb in the UV and visible regions of the spectrum and emit in the visible portion of the spectrum may be used.

[0118] Transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV)

[0119] Transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) energy harvesting devices are solar cells (e.g., photovoltaic devices) that use organic materials to absorb UV light (e.g., radiation) and convert it into usable electricity. OPVs are transparent to visible light but absorb UV light. As used herein, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used synonymously and are interchangeable. Furthermore, the terms “solar cell” and “photovoltaic device” are also used synonymously and are interchangeable.

[0120] Like all solar cells, OPV photovoltaic devices consist of materials that convert photons from radiation impacting the solar cell into electrons and positive holes. In other words, electron / hole pairs are formed when photons are absorbed by the solar cell material. Electron / hole pairs can be referred to as excitons.

[0121] OPV solar cell materials consist of a photosensitive layer or a bilayer, a structure composed of two types of molecules (electron donors and electron acceptors). These two materials form a heterojunction with suitable energy levels to dissociate excitons into free charges that can be extracted from the device as an electric current. Excitons are generated in the photoactive layer or bilayer due to light absorption; therefore, the absorption spectrum of OPV can be altered by replacing or chemically modifying the donors and / or acceptors. In other words, the characteristics of the absorption spectrum of an OPV solar cell can be changed by altering the donors and / or acceptors.

[0122] Suitable electron donor materials include, but are not limited to, triarylamines, arylcarbazoles, fluorene, spirofluorene, benzo[a]benzene, thiophene, oligothiophene, benzo[a]thiophene, and benzo[a]dithiophene. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, TPD, NPB, m-MTDATA, TAPC, spiro-OMeTAD, BF-DPB, BF-DPP, BF-DPN, BF-DPA, mCP, TCTA, BTE-Cl, hexabenzo[a]benzene, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzo[a]benzene, and tetrabenzothiophene dibenzo[a]benzene.

[0123] Suitable electron acceptor materials include, but are not limited to, phenanthroline, pyridinium-containing pyrimidine molecules, benzimidazole, quinoline aluminum complexes, triazine, oxides, arylphosphine oxides, triazoles, and fullerenes. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, BPhen, B4PyMPM, TPBi, Alq3, BTB, OXD-7, DPEPO, TAZ, and C. 60 C 70 PCBM.

[0124] Like other solar cells, OPV solar cells also require transparent conductive electrodes (e.g., transparent electrodes) to collect electrons and holes generated by photovoltaic (e.g., PV) materials when they absorb radiation. The transparent conductive electrodes (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO) or thin metal / metal mesh) are located below and above the device stack, which consists of an optional electron transport layer, a photoactive layer (or a double layer), and an optional hole transport layer.

[0125] Narrowband visible photovoltaic

[0126] The power output of a transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) energy harvesting device can be increased by adding a solar cell material that absorbs visible light to the device. However, in order for a transparent OPV device to remain transparent to visible light, the solar cell material that absorbs visible light must not absorb so much light that the transparent OPV begins to lose its transparency. In other words, the transparency and color neutrality of the resulting device must be affected only to a minimum by the absorption of this visible light by the solar cell material to avoid compromising its aesthetic performance, as described above.

[0127] Adding visible-light-absorbing solar cell materials to OPV devices with minimal impact on the resulting device's transparency and color neutrality can be achieved by adding the amount and / or composition of visible-light-absorbing solar cell materials that absorb only a narrow additional band of visible light. The presence of a narrow-band visible-light absorber that converts visible light into electrical energy will result in the absorption of only narrow-band visible light (e.g., VIS). The spectrum of a combined UV-VIS transparent OPV can represent the absorption spectrum of a single absorber, multiple absorbers, or a fully stacked transparent device.

[0128] Several embodiments exist for realizing PV materials that absorb only the narrow additional visible light band of OPV devices. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, an organic absorber (small molecule or polymer) that primarily absorbs invisible light but also has a secondary visible absorption peak can be incorporated to provide a narrow window for visible light absorption in combination with a UV absorber.

[0129] Another implementation may include adding novel visible-light-absorbing organic molecules or inorganic nanoparticles to a normally visually transparent device to make it sensitive to these wavelengths. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, a third organic absorber may be added to form a ternary blend. That is, in cases where two molecules form a dominant UV-absorbing organic heterojunction, a third molecule and / or compound may be added to the main organic absorber to make the device sensitive to the visible wavelength range.

[0130] Suitable organic absorbent materials include, but are not limited to, coumarin, naphthalene, benzene, anthracene, rubrogene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide, and bipyridine.

[0131] Another implementation may include using an organic material with visible absorption peaks as a donor or acceptor in an additional transparent organic heterojunction.

[0132] OPV device design and fabrication

[0133] OPV can be deposited by thermal evaporation under high vacuum (<10⁻⁵ Torr), organic vapor deposition under low vacuum (where a carrier gas delivers hot organic molecules to the substrate), organic vapor jet printing (where hot organic molecules are propelled through a nozzle by a carrier gas), or by solution processing techniques (including but not limited to drop coating, spin coating, slot die coating, slope coating, curtain coating, inkjet printing, flow coating, blade coating, and spray coating).

[0134] Many of these deposition processes are compatible with roll-to-roll deposition on flexible substrates and with batch coating on rigid substrates. In vacuum / vapor processing methods, the absorber (which may include a third component for visible light sensitization) is sequentially deposited in layers to form a “planar” heterojunction (bilayer) or simultaneously co-deposited to form a uniform “blended” heterojunction.

[0135] In solution processing techniques, the absorber is dissolved in one or more solutions prior to coating. The organic molecules themselves can be small monomers or polymer materials. The ratio of the organic absorber components (at least two heterojunction materials, and possibly a third visible light sensitizing component) can be tuned to provide optimal photovoltaic and optical / aesthetic performance when integrated into a fully stacked device. A 1:1 electron donor to electron acceptor ratio is common, although a ratio of up to 20:1 is also common. Or a 1:20 donor to acceptor ratio may be beneficial in certain material systems. Component and carrier materials can also be deposited in sequential layers to add different characteristics and functions to the absorbers in different layers.

[0136] The thickness of the organic absorber layer is typically 50-300 nm for hybrid heterojunction OPVs, but for some planar heterojunction OPVs, it can be as thin as 10 nm.

[0137] The required thickness of a visible light “band” absorbing material depends on its absorption intensity (e.g., absorption coefficient) within the desired wavelength range and the target absorption amount. Defining the effective optical thickness of a visible light absorber is useful; this effective optical thickness is essentially the total thickness of the material through which light passes in the path of the device. For example, in a 100 nm thick absorbing layer containing 10% visible light absorption, the effective optical thickness of that component is 10 nm. The effective optical thickness required to achieve a specific percentage of absorption at a specific wavelength can be calculated as: (Effective optical thickness) = (Absorption coefficient) / (Natural logarithm of the target absorption percentage).

[0138] In some implementations, transparent OPV devices may include devices that have primary absorption and PV performance in the near-infrared (e.g., near-IR) portion of the solar spectrum. That is, near-infrared PV devices primarily convert IR energy into electrical energy, rather than absorbing radiation in the UV portion of the solar spectrum. Narrow bands of VIS light absorption can be added to near-infrared transparent OPVs to supplement the power generation of the OPV device, in the same manner that VIS bands can be added to UV-absorbing devices.

[0139] Transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC)

[0140] A light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) is a device that generates electricity by collecting radiation over a region of a film, plexiglass, polymer plate, plastic sheet, glass, laminated glass, or flat substrate, converting the absorbed energy into photoluminescence, and guiding (waveguide) the in-plane re-emitted radiation (e.g., photoluminescent emission) to photovoltaic cells at the periphery of the film, plexiglass, polymer plate, plastic sheet, glass, laminated glass, or flat substrate. The film, plexiglass, polymer plate, plastic sheet, glass, laminated glass, or flat substrate can act as a waveguide for absorbing radiation, which is then concentrated into in-plane re-emitted light and collected at the periphery of the film, plexiglass, polymer plate, plastic sheet, glass, laminated glass, or flat substrate for use in generating electricity.

[0141] To make these LSCs transparent, their emitters should absorb primarily outside the visible spectrum, mainly absorbing near-ultraviolet (e.g., UVA) light, with the strongest absorption peak between 300 nm and 450 nm. In some embodiments, these emitters can typically emit radiation in the visible spectrum with peak values ​​between 400 nm and 780 nm via photoluminescence or phosphorescence. In some embodiments, a secondary band of visible light absorption (wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm) is intentionally introduced into the device to supplement power generation while maintaining excellent aesthetic performance in terms of overall transparency and color neutrality.

[0142] This can be achieved by carefully selecting the luminescent material or a combination or mixture of luminescent materials. A single luminescent material having a main absorption peak in near-ultraviolet light and one or more secondary peaks in visible light is suitable for this purpose. Specific, non-limiting examples of this type of luminescent material are novel halobenzenes, such as functionalized hexabenzohalobenzene, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzohalobenzene, or tetrabenzothiophene dibenzohalobenzene. Combinations, mixtures, or blends of previously known organic luminescent materials can be carefully selected to achieve a primary ultraviolet absorption and a carefully crafted secondary visible light absorption band. Suitable combinations or blends of luminescent materials may include, but are not limited to, two or more of the following: coumarin, naphthalenedicarboximide, halobenzene, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenediimide, and bipyridine. In some embodiments, these luminescent materials can be carefully mixed in mixtures or combinations to supplement power generation with the secondary visible absorption band while maintaining excellent overall transparency and color neutrality.

[0143] Furthermore, mixtures and combinations of light emitters can be used to allow for better spectral matching of their composite light re-emission with side-mounted photovoltaic devices, thereby generating electricity more efficiently. Moreover, this tuning of composite light re-emission can reduce self-absorption of the light emitters throughout the LSC and allow for improved dimensional scaling of these devices.

[0144] LSC device design and fabrication

[0145] In some embodiments, example materials used for the waveguide include, but are not limited to, glass, quartz, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyamide-imide, polyvinylidene fluoride, and may be amorphous or crystalline materials or combinations thereof. Transparent films or hard coatings on one or more surfaces of the waveguide may include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate, acrylic acid, acrylates on glass, ionomer polymers, acetates, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, or thermoplastic polyurethane, comprising one or more light emitters, including, but not limited to, all example light emitters previously listed for LSC. The refractive index of these waveguides, films, and coatings should be in the range of n = 1.2 to 1.9, more preferably in the range of n = 1.3 to 1.8. The thickness of the entire active LSC assembly can vary from 100 nm for individual films to 5 cm for a glass or plastic laminate as a waveguide with an intermediate layer, or even a solid 5 cm thick plexiglass plate.

[0146] The optical and aesthetic properties of an LSC substrate are determined by the type of emitting element embedded in the host material and its concentration in or on the LSC substrate. The concentration of the emitting element in the host material determines its effective optical thickness, as defined above. The concentration of the emitting element is typically 10.0 to 0.000001% by weight, and the typical effective optical thickness is 1.0 nm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 10 nm to 1.0 μm. To achieve a complementary band of visible absorption in an LSC, the primary invisible absorbing emitting element has secondary visible light characteristics or characteristics inherent to the emitting element, or additional visible light absorbing emitting elements can be added to the sample.

[0147] These LSC active layers containing the luminescent material can be fabricated via thermal evaporation; solid-solid or solution mixing to prepare for melt processing; or solution treatment to coat the interlayer or substrate. -5 Organic vapor deposition (EVD) under low vacuum (where a carrier gas transports hot organic molecules to the substrate) or organic vapor jet printing (where hot organic molecules are propelled through a nozzle by a carrier gas) can be used to deposit or co-deposit the luminescent material. Alternatively, the luminescent material can be mixed with monomers, polymers, binders, and other components via solid-state mixing; milling; dissolving and drying; or dissolved together and held in solution. These mixtures can be melt-processed into sandwich or impregnated rigid substrates by extrusion or injection molding. As another option, the luminescent material can be co-dissolved with monomers, polymers, binders, and other components and then directly deposited onto sandwich or rigid substrates using solution processing techniques, including but not limited to drop coating, spin coating, slot die coating, glide coating, curtain coating, inkjet printing, flow coating, blade coating, and spray coating. Many of these solution deposition processes are compatible with roll-to-roll deposition on flexible substrates and batch coating on rigid substrates. Components and carrier materials can also be deposited in sequential layers to add different features and functions to different layers.

[0148] These active layers can directly comprise a rigid substrate serving as a waveguide, or they can be coated onto, adhered to, or laminated between rigid waveguides, which can be polymers, glass, or other materials. A functional LSC is then formed by mounting photovoltaic cells at the edges of the waveguides to convert absorbed and re-emitted light into electricity. These photovoltaic cells can be, for example, but not limited to, conventional monocrystalline silicon cells, amorphous silicon cells, gallium arsenide cells, cadmium telluride cells, copper indium gallium selenide cells, photovoltaic strips, dye-sensitized solar cells, or organic photovoltaic cells. The light-emitting composition can be tuned not only for the primary ultraviolet absorption and supplemental visible light absorption but also for their focused re-emission spectra to suit the photovoltaic cells selected for the edges of the LSC module.

[0149] In some embodiments, the LSC device may consist of a transparent waveguide body (e.g., an LSC substrate), such as a film, plexiglass, polymer sheet, plastic sheet, glass, or a stack thereof, with one or more light emitters contained within, on, or between portions of the substrate / stack, which absorb solar radiation and emit light during device operation. The emitted light travels through the dielectric of the waveguide LSC substrate to an edge, where it is absorbed by the photovoltaic device and converted into electrical energy.

[0150] In an illustrative embodiment, the light emitter may be contained in or on an intermediate layer, which is coated, adhered to, melted to, or laminated between the LSC waveguide substrates in the form of a film, plexiglass, polymer plate, plastic sheet, glass, or any combination thereof, to be incorporated into the resulting LSC device.

[0151] In an illustrative embodiment, one or more light emitters may be deposited together with other transparent materials via thermal evaporation or solution processing, such that the light emitters are dispersed within the other transparent materials in a film on the interlayer. This light-emitting film may be deposited on one or both sides of the interlayer, each side having a different light emitter or composition. This light-emitting film may also be subsequently deposited to form stacked films on the interlayer, each layer containing a different light emitter or transparent component. These coated interlayers can then be bonded to the LSC device as described above.

[0152] In an illustrative embodiment, the interlayer itself can be manufactured by embedding the light-emitting element into a liquid or molten host material, then extruding, injection molding, and / or laminating a sheet, and then curing or cooling it into a solid interlayer to be incorporated into the LSC device as described above.

[0153] In some embodiments, one or more light emitters can be deposited by thermal evaporation or solution treatment with other transparent materials, such that the light emitters are dispersed within other transparent materials in a film directly situated on the transparent rigid waveguide. This film containing the light emitters can be deposited on one or both sides of the waveguide substrate, each side having a different light emitter or composition of light emitters. This film containing the light emitters can also be subsequently deposited to form stacked thin films on the waveguide substrate, each layer containing a different light emitter or transparent component. These coated transparent waveguides can then be incorporated into an LSC device.

[0154] In some embodiments, the LSC substrate can be manufactured by embedding a light-emitting element into a liquid or molten host material, then extruding, injection molding, and / or laminating a sheet, and then curing or cooling it into a solid. The LSC substrate can then be used to fabricate an LSC device by mounting photovoltaic cells on its edges.

[0155] In some embodiments, the light emitter can be mixed with a monomeric component sandwiched between transparent waveguide substrates and crosslinked by adding energy (e.g., but not limited to heat, ultraviolet light, or microwaves) to create a 100% solid crosslinked layer between the two transparent waveguide substrates. The LSC stack can then be fabricated into an LSC device by mounting photovoltaic cells on its edges.

[0156] Applications in Smart Windows and Smart Windows Plugins

[0157] UV-absorbing OPV and LSC devices can be used in architectural windows, automotive glass, aerospace glass, display glass, and a wide range of other applications in the built environment, consumer devices, transportation vehicles and infrastructure, as well as military installations and infrastructure. When used in window products such as windows, doors, curtain walls, window frames, and perforated window units, OPV and LSC devices can be used as glass or acrylic glass in single, double, or triple-insulated glass units. LSC devices can be incorporated into glass or window products for new construction, renovation, or retrofitting. Such renovation or retrofitting can be accomplished with insulated glass unit inserts to allow existing windows and frames to accommodate this smart window system.

[0158] Electrochromic / colorable smart windows, such as those based on electrochromic films, represent a rapidly growing market. Due to the high cost of electrical wiring for such windows and the relatively low power required to operate them, UV-absorbing OPV and LSC offer potential solutions to provide localized point-of-use power without compromising the window's aesthetics. A common drawback of smart windows is their color, which reduces visual comfort and creates unnatural lighting conditions compared to neutral-colored windows.

[0159] As mentioned above, the optical properties of both LSC and OPV are highly tunable based on their composition and the chemical design of their absorbing materials. This tunability can be used to compensate for any undesirable coloration in smart windows (such as the absorption of additional blue light when paired with a smart window that displays blue), resulting in a flatter, more neutral transmission spectrum.

[0160] In some smart window applications, such as environmental sensing, IoT connectivity and control, and thermally regulated smart windows, supplemental power generation from visible light absorbers can provide additional internal power to these systems. The color tunability highlighted above for use with electroluminescent / colorable smart windows is also an added benefit for these applications, allowing greater flexibility in designing those components using the OPV or LSC devices disclosed herein to compensate for any compromises in their color neutrality.

[0161] As described herein, a window insert is provided for window designs that incorporate a unique combination of UV-absorbing / visually transparent photovoltaic devices and monolithically integrated electroluminescent thin films and / or low-emission films and / or environmental sensors. This results in solar modulation of visible and near-infrared light, making it a standalone product requiring no external power source. In some embodiments, the photoactive layers of the insert, in order of solar incidence, include: i) multilayered photovoltaic and / or luminescent solar concentrators that primarily collect UV light while transmitting most visible and near-infrared light; and ii) in some embodiments, an electroluminescent layer assembly that primarily modulates the transmission of visible and / or near-infrared light; and iii) in some embodiments, a low-emission layer assembly that primarily reflects infrared light. In some embodiments of the window insert, the visually transparent photovoltaic device layer that absorbs UV light also provides power to onboard hardware, including: i) sensors, such as temperature and humidity sensors; and / or ii) energy storage elements, such as batteries and / or capacitors; and / or iii) wireless communication devices, such as Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth adapters.

[0162] In some embodiments, the window insert allows for the integration of a transparent photovoltaic or transparent luminescent solar concentrator layer with onboard sensors and / or an electroluminescent layer and / or a low-emission layer. The transparent photovoltaic or transparent luminescent solar concentrator layer converts sunlight into onboard power, and the onboard sensors and / or electroluminescent layer and / or low-emission layer modulate sunlight transmission to optimize lighting conditions and control solar thermal gain. A technological advancement lies in the selective collection of invisible light for onboard power, monolithically integrated with complementary functional layers requiring power for operation, such as an electroluminescent layer. In some embodiments, the insert includes hardware components such as internal wiring; energy storage in the form of batteries and / or capacitors; a series of environmental sensors for temperature, light, humidity, etc.; and wireless communication components operating at frequencies between 200 MHz and 10 GHz.

[0163] When the aforementioned components are combined according to the designs detailed herein and provided in the accompanying drawings, the result is a standalone, self-powered smart window insert that can be used near and above existing window designs to provide onboard power for sensor-based environmental condition data collection and / or solar regulation of sunlight transmission, without requiring an external power source or installation by an electrician or window installer. Direct applications of these products include enhancing window designs in buildings, automobiles, aircraft, trains, and ships. Onboard transparent solar power generation uniquely enables standalone, retrofittable, window upgrade solutions for a wide range of applications. Using the described window insert, smart window functionality can be added to existing windows without the cost and complexity of replacing existing glass with externally wired double or triple-insulated smart glass window units. The inserts described herein include, in whole or in part, a layer or group of transparent photovoltaic or transparent luminescent solar concentrators for the purpose of providing onboard power.

[0164] In one embodiment, the window insert includes a light-collecting element, which is a single-junction photovoltaic device comprising an organic semiconductor as an active component. In such an embodiment, the organic electron donor and acceptor layers exhibit peak absorbance in the range of 250 nm to 450 nm. Therefore, the photovoltaic active layer is largely transparent to light in the visible and near-infrared regions. For example, the photovoltaic active layer can typically exhibit an average transmittance of 60% to 100% in the visible region. In such an embodiment, the ultraviolet absorber used in the single-junction organic solar cell can be fabricated using one or a combination of vacuum deposition, chemical vapor deposition, spin coating, blade coating, spray coating, or other solution or roll-to-roll processes. In some embodiments, suitable electron donor and acceptor layers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 577,965, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0165] In some embodiments, the light-collecting element includes a transparent light-emitting concentrator film comprising an organic semiconductor as an active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient primarily absorbs ultraviolet light and emits visible and / or near-infrared light. In such embodiments, the organic ultraviolet absorber exhibits peak absorbance in the 250 nm to 450 nm range and peak emission in the 500 nm to 1000 nm range. The light-emitting concentrator film region is largely transparent to light in the visible and near-infrared regions. For example, photovoltaic active layers can typically exhibit an average transmittance of 70% to 100% in the visible region. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet absorber utilized in the light-emitting concentrator film can be manufactured using one or a combination of drop casting, spin coating, blade coating, spraying, extrusion, injection molding, lamination, or other solution or roll-to-roll processes. Suitable organic ultraviolet absorbers may include one or more twisted hexabenzo[a]benzene (cHBC) derivatives. In some embodiments, for example, the emitting element is tetrabenzofuranyldibenzo[a]benzene. The emitting element can be dispersed in various polymer matrices to form the light-emitting concentrator film. Any suitable transparent polymer material can be used, including but not limited to polyacrylates, alkyl polyacrylates, polycarbonates, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0166] Various designs of the window insert are described in detail in the accompanying drawings, with two exemplary embodiments of the ultraviolet (UV) solar layer used to insert data for generating electricity for vehicle power. It is anticipated that the UV solar layer absorbs 50-100% of solar radiation with wavelengths <420 nm, and then the remaining solar photons i) are internally transmitted to adjacent monolayers (e.g., electroluminescent layers and / or low-emission layers); and / or ii) pass through the window insert.

[0167] For applications that previously utilized externally powered, electroluminescent double-glazed units installed via window installers and electricians, inserts with the composition and architecture described herein will significantly reduce the cost and complexity of providing dynamic sunlight transmission by decoupling these functions from the labor of electricians and window installers. Window inserts can potentially lead to extensive enhancements to existing window designs featuring electroluminescent glass or thin-film technologies not currently available in refurbishable window products.

[0168] Figure 1 A transparent solar energy collection device 100 is schematically shown, which absorbs solar radiation from the sun 105 to generate electricity. The transparent solar energy collection device 100 includes a transparent substrate 110, which includes transparent organic solar energy collection materials (organic photovoltaic OPV or light-emitting solar concentrator LSC). These OPV or LSC materials and systems convert solar radiation energy into electrical energy that can be collected by circuitry 130.

[0169] OPV or LSC materials include materials that convert UV radiation into electricity or re-emit light to a waveguide and then to a photovoltaic cell to convert it into electricity. Therefore, substrate 110 is opaque to UV light, but it absorbs the UV radiation that reaches the substrate.

[0170] OPV or LSC materials can also include materials that absorb narrow bands of visible light. The narrow band can be on the order of 5 nm to 100 nm, which is the wavelength of solar radiation illuminating the substrate. This narrow absorption band may reduce the visible light transparency of the substrate to only a minimal degree.

[0171] Solar radiation includes at least ultraviolet (e.g., UV) radiation 140, visible (e.g., VIS) light 150 and 155, and infrared (e.g., IR) radiation 160. As used in this disclosure, radiation and light are interchangeable and synonymous. Solar radiation irradiates a substrate 110 comprising a transparent OPV or LSC material. The transparent OPV or LSC material absorbs UV radiation 160, as indicated by UV radiation 160 that does not penetrate the substrate 110. IR radiation 160 penetrates the substrate 110.

[0172] The transparent OPV or LSC material may also include a certain amount of visible light absorbing photovoltaic or luminescent material. Some visible light radiation 150 passes through the substrate 110 as visible light. However, some visible light is absorbed by the visible light absorbing photovoltaic or luminescent material, as shown by visible light ray 155. Similar to UV photovoltaic or luminescent materials, the visible light absorbed by the visible light absorbing photovoltaic or luminescent material is converted into current in circuit 130 by the material, or re-emitted for edge-mounted photovoltaic cells to be converted into current in circuit 130. The current can be used by other devices or can be stored in a storage medium such as a battery. The transparency and color neutrality of the resulting device are minimally affected only by the absorption of a narrow band of visible light from 5 nm to 100 nm, which is absorbed by the visible light absorbing photovoltaic or luminescent material present in the OPV or LSC material.

[0173] Figure 2 This schematically illustrates an implementation of a spectrum showing the relationship between spectral irradiance and wavelength for solar spectra with wavelengths between 300 nm and 1,000 nm. The grayscale legend at the top of the spectrum is scaled to the wavelength along the x-axis. Figure 2 This demonstrates how the UV and near-UV portions 240 of the solar spectrum can be used for power generation, while the visible portion 250 of the spectrum is used for illumination. In other words, the transparent OPV energy harvesting device allows visible light to enter the structure through windows, while simultaneously harvesting UV and near-UV radiation 240 for electricity generation. Additionally, the near-infrared 260 passing through the transparent OPV device can be used for heating.

[0174] In an illustrative embodiment, the transparent solar energy collection device can utilize a solar energy absorber in the near-infrared portion of the solar spectrum. That is, a near-infrared OPV material can be used to collect near-infrared solar radiation while allowing the visible light portion of the solar spectrum to enter the structure. Furthermore, in an illustrative embodiment, the transparent near-infrared OPV material may also include a certain amount of visible light absorbing photovoltaic material. Some of the visible light radiation 150 passes through the substrate 110 as visible light, while some of the visible light radiation 155 is absorbed by the narrow band of the visible light absorbing photovoltaic material.

[0175] Figure 3A An embodiment of an OPV photovoltaic device 300, including an absorber stack 305 and electronic circuitry 340, is schematically illustrated. The absorber stack includes a UV-absorbing anode material 320, a UV-absorbing cathode material 330, and a transparent conductive electrode of indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass. The UV-absorbing anode material 320 and the UV-absorbing cathode material 330 form a heterojunction with suitable energy levels to dissociate excitons into free charges, which can be extracted from the device as current.

[0176] Suitable electron donor materials for use as UV absorbing anode material 320 include, but are not limited to, triarylamines, arylcarbazoles, fluorene, spirofluorene, benzo[a]benzene, thiophene, oligothiophene, benzo[a]thiophene, and benzo[a]dithiophene. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, TPD, NPB, m-MTDATA, TAPC, spiro-OMeTAD, BF-DPB, BF-DPP, BF-DPN, BF-DPA, mCP, TCTA, BTE-Cl, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzo[a]benzene, and tetrabenzothiophene dibenzo[a]benzene.

[0177] Suitable electron acceptor materials for use as UV absorbing cathode material 330 include, but are not limited to, phenanthroline, pyridinium-containing pyrimidine molecules, benzimidazole, quinoline aluminum complexes, triazine, oxides, arylphosphine oxides, triazoles, and fullerenes. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, BPhen, B4PyMPM, TPBi, Alq3, BTB, OXD-7, DPEPO, TAZ, and C. 60 C 70 PCBM.

[0178] Figure 3BAn embodiment of an OPV photovoltaic device 302, including an absorber stack 307 and electronic circuitry 340, is schematically illustrated. The absorber stack includes a UV-absorbing anode material 350, a UV-absorbing cathode material 360, and a transparent conductive electrode of indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass. The UV-absorbing anode material 350 includes a certain amount of VIS absorbing material 370 mixed into the UV absorber, and the UV-absorbing cathode material 360 also includes a certain amount of VIS absorbing material 380 mixed into the UV absorber. The UV-absorbing anode material 350 and the UV-absorbing cathode material 360 form a heterojunction with suitable energy levels to dissociate excitons into free charges that can be extracted from the device as current. Furthermore, the suitable energy levels of the VIS absorbing material dissociate excitons into free charges that can be extracted from the device as current. In this embodiment, the power generated by the UV absorber materials 350 and 360 is supplemented by the power generated by the additional bands of the visible light absorbing materials 370 and 380.

[0179] Suitable electron donor materials for use as UV absorbing anode material 350 include, but are not limited to, triarylamines, arylcarbazoles, fluorene, spirofluorene, benzo[a]benzene, thiophene, oligothiophene, benzo[a]thiophene, and benzo[a]dithiophene. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, TPD, NPB, m-MTDATA, TAPC, spiro-OMeTAD, BF-DPB, BF-DPP, BF-DPN, BF-DPA, mCP, TCTA, BTE-Cl, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzo[a]benzene, and tetrabenzothiophene dibenzo[a]benzene.

[0180] Suitable electron acceptor materials for use as UV-absorbing cathode materials 360 include, but are not limited to, phenanthroline, pyridinium-containing pyrimidine molecules, benzimidazole, quinoline aluminum complexes, triazine, oxides, arylphosphine oxides, triazoles, and fullerenes. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, BPhen, B4PyMPM, TPBi, Alq3, BTB, OXD-7, DPEPO, TAZ, and C. 60 C 70 PCBM.

[0181] Suitable organic absorbent materials for use as VIS absorbent material 380 include, but are not limited to, coumarin, naphthalene, benzene, anthracene, rubrogene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide and bipyridine.

[0182] Figure 4An embodiment of an OPV photovoltaic device 400, including an absorber stack 405 and electronic circuitry 340, is schematically illustrated. The absorber stack includes a UV-absorbing anode material 420, a UV-absorbing cathode material 430, an electrolyte material 480, and a transparent conductive electrode of indium tin oxide (ITO) 410 on glass. In this embodiment, the electrolyte material 480 provides physical separation between the cathode 430 and anode 420 materials and provides a medium through which charge carriers can move.

[0183] Suitable electron donor materials for use as UV absorbing anode material 420 include, but are not limited to, triarylamines, arylcarbazoles, fluorene, spirofluorene, benzo[a]benzene, thiophene, oligothiophene, benzo[a]thiophene, and benzo[a]dithiophene. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, TPD, NPB, m-MTDATA, TAPC, spiro-OMeTAD, BF-DPB, BF-DPP, BF-DPN, BF-DPA, mCP, TCTA, BTE-Cl, tetrabenzofuranyldibenzo[a]benzene, and tetrabenzothiophene dibenzo[a]benzene.

[0184] Suitable electron acceptor materials for use as UV absorbing cathode material 430 include, but are not limited to, phenanthroline, pyridinium-containing pyrimidine molecules, benzimidazole, quinoline aluminum complexes, triazine, oxides, arylphosphine oxides, triazoles, and fullerenes. Specific representative examples include, but are not limited to, BPhen, B4PyMPM, TPBi, Alq3, BTB, OXD-7, DPEPO, TAZ, and C. 60 C 70 PCBM.

[0185] Suitable electrolyte materials 480 for use as electrolytes in OPV photovoltaic devices 400 include, but are not limited to, aqueous and organic solutions of iodide / triiodide, iodine solutions in iodide-containing ionic liquids, imidazole iodides, iodine / iodide-doped polymer matrices such as poly(ethylene oxide), poly(N-alkyl-4-vinylpyridine), iodine / iodide-doped mesoporous titanium dioxide, and ion-doped triarylamine derivatives.

[0186] Figure 5A schematic sketch of a generalized absorption spectrum 500 is shown, featuring a main absorption peak "P1" 510 absorbing UV and near-UV light, and a narrow-band secondary absorption peak "P2" 520 absorbing visible light. This generalized representative spectrum can be the absorption spectrum of a single absorber, multiple absorbers, or a fully stacked transparent device. The visible absorption peak P2 520 has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) 530 as shown, and the two absorption features are separated by a valley "V1" 540 with little or no absorption. The main absorption peak "P1" 510 strongly absorbs UV and / or near-UV light (wavelength range 300 nm to 450 nm), while the weaker secondary absorption peak "P2" 520 absorbs in the visible wavelength band (range 400 nm to 780 nm). This is not limited to a single secondary absorption peak "P2," as two or more secondary, tertiary, and other narrow-band absorption peaks can exist in the visible region of the spectrum. In some implementations, these peaks can be separated by valleys, such as those denoted by "V1" 540, which can have absorption at least 50% weaker than any adjacent absorption peaks "P1", "P2", etc. The absorption of any such visible light band (e.g., P2) does not need to be as strong as the dominant absorption feature, nor does it need to be "strong" in any absolute sense. Even a small amount of absorption, resulting in a quantum efficiency of only 5% or 10% in that band, can have a meaningful impact on power generation. The potential for power generation using narrowband visible light is shown in Table 1 above.

[0187] Figure 5 The schematic absorption spectrum illustrates an implementation of an OPV photovoltaic device or LSC luminescent solar concentrator device that absorbs radiation in the UV and near-UV portions of the solar spectrum, with a broad absorption band P1 510 between approximately 300 nm and 400 nm. Figure 5 It was also shown that the OPV photovoltaic device is largely transparent in the VIS portion of the wavelength spectrum V1 540, but does have a narrow absorption band P2 520 at wavelengths less than 780 nm.

[0188] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The chemical structure of an example halobenzene derivative, namely a functionalized tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzohalobenzene, is presented, which can be used in the various embodiments described herein. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The two structures are presented as illustrative examples of single molecules that can be used in the OPV and LSC embodiments of this disclosure, but are by no means intended to be limiting.

[0189] Figure 6A It is the chemical structure of tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzofuran (“MOEO-TBF”), which is a tetra-derived form of benzofuran with a 2-methoxyethoxy substituent at the 5-position.

[0190] Figure 6B It is the chemical structure of tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzo[a]cobalamin, which is tetra-derived from benzofuran at the 5-position by a nonoxy group.

[0191] Figure 6C The absorption and emission spectra of a tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzoxylbenzene derivative embedded in a polymer matrix are presented. The polymer matrix strongly absorbs light <400 nm, with an absorption band at approximately 365 nm 610 nm and secondary absorption features at approximately 500 nm 630 nm. Similar to... Figure 6A and Figure 6B The molecule shown combines strong UV absorption with a wide region of low absorption in the VIS region 620 and a narrow absorption band in the solar spectrum around 500 nm in the 630 portion.

[0192] In addition to the absorption spectrum, Figure 6C The emission spectrum of this benzene derivative material was also presented. That is, it not only absorbs in the UV and VIS regions, but also emits visible light with wavelengths between about 500 nm and about 575 nm.

[0193] Figure 7 An embodiment of a transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (e.g., LSC) 700 is schematically illustrated. This embodiment of the transparent LSC 700 includes a film, plexiglass, or glass substrate 720 that can be used as a waveguide to absorb radiation. Radiation can be focused into re-emitted light in a plane and / or collected at the periphery (e.g., side surfaces or edges) of the film, plexiglass, or glass substrate for use in generating electricity.

[0194] A photovoltaic device 730 is located at the side edge of the LSC substrate 720 to collect radiation emitted from the substrate waveguide 720. The photovoltaic device 730 can include any type of device that converts radiation into electricity. Examples include, but are not limited to, thin-film, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous photovoltaic devices. Solar energy materials can include, but are not limited to, silicon, CdTe (cadmium telluride), GaAs (gallium arsenide), CGIS (copper gallium indium sulfide), transparent OPV, etc.

[0195] In the illustrative embodiment, one or more embedded light emitters that absorb and emit light during device operation may be embedded in the substrate. The embedded light emitters may be, but are not limited to, one or a combination of two or more of the following: coumarin, naphthalenedicarboximide, benzophenone, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenebisimide, and bipyridine, serving as a UV-absorbing light emitter 740 (absorbing near-ultraviolet light with a peak absorption between 300 nm and 450 nm), which may emit photons 745 at a different wavelength than the absorption wavelength (emitting visible light with a peak wavelength between 400 nm and 780 nm). The photons 745 emitted from the UV-absorbing light emitter 740 may be reflected 760 from within the surface of the LSC substrate 720 and guided to the photovoltaic device 730 for conversion into electricity.

[0196] In an illustrative embodiment, the embedded light emitter may be a visible light absorber 770 with a narrow wavelength band of visible light absorption. The embedded light emitter may be, but is not limited to, one or a combination of two or more of the following: coumarin, naphthalenedicarboximide, benzophenone, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylenediimide, and bipyridine. For example, the embedded light emitter may be a VIS absorber 770 (with an absorption peak in the visible light range of 400 nm to 780 nm) that can emit photons 775 at wavelengths different from the absorbed wavelengths (emitted in the visible and near-infrared ranges with peak wavelengths of 400 nm to 1000 nm). The photons 775 emitted from the VIS absorber 770 may be reflected from within the surface of the LSC substrate 720 and guided to the photovoltaic device 730 for conversion into electricity.

[0197] Figure 8 An embodiment of a transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (e.g., LSC) 800 is schematically illustrated, wherein a substrate waveguide 720 is sandwiched between two rigid transparent materials (such as glass, plastic, or plexiglass) 760. In some embodiments, the substrate waveguide 720 has a UV-absorbing light emitter 740 and a visible light-absorbing light emitter 770, as shown above. Figure 7 As described above. Furthermore, the LSC 800 includes a photovoltaic device 730, as mentioned above. Figure 7 As described in [the text].

[0198] In the illustrative embodiment, the rigid transparent material 760 may have a thickness between 1 mm and 20 mm. Furthermore, the substrate waveguide 720 may be a flexible film, a rigid film, a rigid substrate, etc.

[0199] Figure 9This is a perspective view of a reversibly installable smart window insert, which includes one or more supplementary glass panels, acrylic sheets, or other transparent substrates 910 having edge-mounted thermal insulation or frames 920, such as insulating foam, gaskets, or thermal edge spacers, for creating a thermally insulating air gap between the removable smart window insert and the permanently installed glass facade.

[0200] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a reversibly installable smart window insert 1000, which includes one or more supplementary glass panels, acrylic sheets, or other transparent substrates 1010, having edge-mounted thermal insulation or frames 1020, such as insulating foam, gaskets, or thermal edge spacers, for creating a thermally insulating air gap between the removable smart window insert and the permanent glass facade. One or more ultraviolet solar layers 1030, including transparent organic photovoltaic cells or cell arrays or transparent luminescent solar concentrator films or energy harvesting devices, are located closest to the permanent glass facade. One or more electrochromic layers 1040 are located behind the one or more ultraviolet solar layers relative to the permanent glass facade. The electrochromic layer may be an electrochromic film encapsulated in a glass panel and monolithically laminated to the ultraviolet solar layers, or the electrochromic layer 1040 may be separable from one or more ultraviolet solar layers 1030 via an air gap. The low-emissivity film 1050 can be monolithically deposited or laminated as the final layer of the electroluminescent layer 1040, or deposited or laminated separately onto glass or other transparent substrates (located behind the electroluminescent layer 1040 relative to the permanent glass facade). The edge-mounted insulation or frame 1020 can house one or more electrical components 1060, including sensors, energy storage elements, wireless communication elements, light sensors, color sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, cellular signal amplifiers, universal serial bus interfaces, and wireless communication elements communicating with one or more circuits. The edge-mounted insulation or frame 2 can house conventional opaque photovoltaic solar cells 1070 for collecting indirect solar radiation and / or collecting light emitted by the ultraviolet solar layer 2 and waveguided to the edge of the smart window insert through one or more glass or other transparent substrates 1.

[0201] Figures 11A to 11C The cross-sectional view illustrates the function of each optically active layer or glass panel in exemplary embodiments of smart window inserts with various arrangements and glass or transparent substrate configurations. In all configurations, the ultraviolet photovoltaic layer, “UV PV,” is the optically active layer, located closest to the permanent glass facade. The smart window insert may include a monolithically integrated UV PV and an electroluminescent or electrochromic layer or glass panel, such as… Figure 11AAs shown, the electroluminescent or electrochromic layer can be terminated by one or more low-emission layers. Smart window inserts may include a UV PV and an electroluminescent or electrochromic layer or glass panel, spatially separated by an air gap, such as... Figure 11B As shown. The smart window insert may include a monolithic UV PV layer, such as an acrylic sheet with a thickness of 1 mm to 6 mm, having embedded ultraviolet-absorbing dyes, which are spatially separated from one or more electrochromic or electroluminescent layers or glass panels by air gaps, such as... Figure 11C As shown.

[0202] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of an edge-mounted frame for housing one or more smart insert layers, which can be housed within the frame to allow for electrical connections both inside and along the frame. The frame perimeter may be reinforced with insulating foam and / or bonded edge spacers to create one or more thermally insulating air gaps between the permanent glass facade and the one or more smart window inserts. By housing one or more electrical components within and along the frame, the hardware can be concealed from view. The purpose of the edge-mounted frame is to temporarily attach the smart window inserts to the permanent glass facade in a removable manner while providing thermal insulation between the building interior and the permanent glass facade. One or more insert layers can be housed within the insert frame to allow for electrical connections both inside and along the frame.

[0203] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a reversibly installed smart window insert system comprising an ultraviolet photovoltaic (UV PV) glass panel and an electrochromic (EC) glass panel held by an edge-mounted frame, the "insert frame," which is fitted within an installed facade frame. The smart window insert system is spatially separated from the permanent glass facade by an air gap, with the UV PV glass panel located closest to the installed glass facade. The smart window insert frame is installed within the installed facade frame and must be smaller than the installed facade frame in length, width, and depth. Therefore, the purpose of the smart window system is to collect ultraviolet light to power electrical components and / or electrochromic dimming layers or glass panels within the window. This smart window insert system differs from existing technologies that detail integrated photovoltaic and electrochromic insulating glass units for new construction or building renovations, permanently installed by window installers and, in some cases, electricians. The present invention allows for reversible installation and / or replacement or upgrade without requiring specialized labor including window installers or electricians. This invention extends the lifespan of the original building facade by enabling reversible upgrades to installed windows, which have supplemental glass panels that can be periodically maintained or replaced in a non-destructive manner.

[0204] Figure 14 An embodiment of a device is schematically illustrated in which a visually transparent photovoltaic (PV) device 1410 is combined with a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) 1420 to form a combined visually transparent LSC / PV device 1400. In this embodiment, the PV device is coupled to the top or bottom surface of the LSC, and incident light illuminates the combined visually transparent LSC / PV device.

[0205] As described above for a visually transparent LSC, the LSC incorporates a light-emitting element that absorbs UV light and emits visible light. In some embodiments, portions of the embedded light-emitting element absorb visible light and emit visible light. Visible light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements is guided by waveguides to PV cells mounted on the side surfaces and / or edges of the LSC, and converted into electrical energy in a first circuit 1430 electrically connected to the LSC.

[0206] As described above for visually transparent PV devices, PV devices include UV photosensitive materials that convert UV photons into electrical energy in a second circuit 1440 electrically connected to a UV PC.

[0207] The first circuit 1430 and the second circuit 1440 can be combined into a single circuit at the visually transparent combined LSC / PV device 1400, or they can each point to a separate circuit. One or both of the first and second circuits can be electrically connected to one or more electrical components, including light sensors, color sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, cellular signal amplifiers, universal serial bus interfaces, energy storage devices, or wireless communication elements. Furthermore, the first circuit and / or the second circuit can be connected to the power grid.

[0208] Figure 15 An embodiment of a device that combines a visually transparent photovoltaic (PV) device 1510 with a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) 1520 to form a combined visually transparent LSC / PV device 1500 is also schematically illustrated. The LSC 1520 is similar to... Figure 14 The device described in the text. However, in this embodiment, the PV device 1510 includes a visible light photosensitive material having a UV photosensitive material.

[0209] In the illustrative embodiment, the visible light photosensitive material can be in one layer, and the UV photosensitive material can be in different layers, and they can be stacked on top of each other, such as... Figure 15As illustrated schematically, this stacking of two different materials can create a heterostructure in which each material absorbs different bands of incident light (e.g., radiation). In some embodiments, the visible light photosensitive material can be mixed with the UV photosensitive material to form a hybrid visible / UV photosensitive material that converts visible light and UV photons into electrical energy in a circuit electrically connected to a PV device.

[0210] Visible light emitted from each of the light emitters is waveguided to PV cells mounted on the side surface and / or edge of the LSC, and converted into electricity in a first circuit 1530 electrically connected to the LSC.

[0211] As described above for a visually transparent PV device, the PV device includes a UV photosensitive material that converts UV photons into electrical energy in a second circuit 1540 electrically connected to a UV PC.

[0212] The first circuit 1530 and the second circuit 1540 can be combined into a single circuit at the visually transparent LSC / PV device 1500, or they can point to separate circuits.

[0213] Figure 16 The steps of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a visually transparent luminescent solar collector (LSC) are shown. It should be noted that this method is significantly simplified from a typically lengthy process. Therefore, Figure 16 The method shown may have many other steps that might be used by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, some steps may be performed in a different order than shown, or simultaneously. Moreover, in some embodiments, some of these steps may be optional. Therefore, process 1600 is merely an example of a process according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify this process.

[0214] At 1610, one or more light emitters are provided distributed on a transparent substrate. One or more light emitters are configured to absorb light in both the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light regions. Furthermore, one or more light emitters are configured to use the absorbed light in the UV and visible light regions to emit visible light in the visible light region.

[0215] Providing one or more light emitters distributed on a transparent substrate may include dispersing one or more light emitters in a transparent waveguide material. The providing step may further include forming the transparent waveguide material having one or more light emitters into a transparent waveguide. Furthermore, the providing step may include adhering the transparent waveguide having one or more light emitters to a transparent window material. In some embodiments, the transparent waveguide having one or more light emitters may include a transparent film, a hard coating, or multiple film layers.

[0216] In some embodiments, attaching a transparent waveguide having one or more light emitters to a transparent window material may include depositing the transparent waveguide material having one or more light emitters onto the transparent window material by means of thermal evaporation, solution treatment, melt treatment, organic vapor deposition, organic vapor jet printing, solid mixing, or liquid film crosslinking.

[0217] At 1620, one or more photovoltaic cells are optically coupled to a transparent substrate. The photovoltaic cells are configured to absorb visible light emitted by one or more light emitters and to absorb solar radiation.

[0218] Visually transparent light-emitting solar collectors (LSCs) generate energy by absorbing visible light and solar radiation through one or more photovoltaic cells.

[0219] Visually transparent LSCs exhibit an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. Furthermore, for visually transparent LSCs, the absolute values ​​of the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and 30.

[0220] Figure 17 The steps of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a window with a rigid, transparent panel fixed in a frame are shown. It should be noted that this method is significantly simplified from a typically lengthy process. Therefore, Figure 17 The method shown may have many other steps that might be used by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, some steps may be performed in a different order than shown, or simultaneously. Moreover, in some embodiments, some of these steps may be optional. Therefore, process 1700 is merely an example of a process according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify this process.

[0221] At 1710, a rigid transparent panel including a transparent film is provided. The transparent film includes a plurality of light emitters. The plurality of light emitters, when in operation, may have a first peak absorption rate of light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and a peak emission rate of light in the visible spectrum. Furthermore, the plurality of light emitters are configured to emit visible light in the visible light region using absorbed light in the UV region and the visible light region.

[0222] The rigid transparent panel has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 780 nm; and the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

[0223] In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame further includes coupling edge-mounted solar cells to the edge or side surface of the rigid transparent panel, or coupling a solar cell array to the rigid transparent panel.

[0224] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame further includes electrically coupling one or more circuits to be electrically connected to edge-mounted solar cells or solar cell arrays.

[0225] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame further includes electrically coupling an electroluminescent component that modulates the transmission of visible and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window to one or more circuits.

[0226] Figure 18 The steps of an embodiment of method 1800 for manufacturing a window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame are shown. It should be noted that this method is greatly simplified from a typically lengthy process. Therefore, Figure 18 The method shown may have many other steps that might be used by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, some steps may be performed in a different order than shown, or simultaneously. Moreover, in some embodiments, some of these steps may be optional. Therefore, process 1800 is merely an example of a process according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify this process.

[0227] At position 1810, at least one photosensitive layer is provided, having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm, including both 350 nm and 420 nm, and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm, including both 420 nm and 780 nm. The second absorption peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm. A visually transparent photovoltaic device can have an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light can each be between -30 and +30. A visually transparent photovoltaic device can generate electricity.

[0228] At 1820, an anode is provided, the anode being configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. Providing the anode may include electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal, or metal nanowire to the first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0229] At 1830, a cathode is provided, the cathode being configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer. Providing the cathode may include electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal, or metal nanowire to the second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

[0230] At least one photosensitive layer may include an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor, and the photovoltaic device may include a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of at least 1.4V.

[0231] Example

[0232] Example 1. Hexabenzobenzene is extruded into PMMA as a light-emitting layer.

[0233] A small amount of distorted 2,9,16,23-tetranonoxy-tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzo[3]benzene (UV3) was pulverized and ground into a large sample of purified polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) powder, and then subjected to high-temperature injection molding at over 100°C to obtain a film approximately 3.0 mm thick doped with about 0.00038 wt% distorted 2,9,16,23-tetranonoxy-tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzo[3]benzene (UV3). Figure 19 The structure 1900 is shown. This doped polymethyl methacrylate sheet has a small 7 mm × 22 mm solar cell mounted to its edge to collect waveguide light. These show a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of approximately 4% at 395 nm, indicating its primary absorption near-UV (NUV), and a secondary peak EQE of 1.5% at 510 nm. Both absorption peaks are inherent to the halobenzene doped throughout the plexiglass. This extruded sheet represents a functional transparent luminescent solar concentrator. Figure 20 The graph showing the relationship between the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the 2000 functional luminescent solar concentrator and the incident wavelength is presented.

[0234] Example 2. A benzene solution coated onto a polymer film for lamination between glass plates.

[0235] 2 mg of distorted tetrabenzothiophene dibenzophenone was mixed under vigorous stirring. Figure 21Structure 2100 (cTBTDBC) shown was dissolved in 75 mL of 2-butanone, to which 4 g of cellulose acetate butyrate powder was added. The resulting solution was filtered through a submicron filter to remove suspended particles, and then coated onto a 630 μm thick polyvinyl butyrate membrane using a Meyer rod to form a coating approximately 1.5 μm thick. This coated polymer membrane was then laminated between two 4 inch × 4 inch glass plates, and a pressure of 80 psi was applied at 70 °C for 10 minutes to produce laminated glass. A silicon photovoltaic strip was mounted to the edge of this laminated glass using a refractive index matching fluid. The device was then placed in an AM1.5G solar simulator for measurement and produced 0.07 W / m² of power as a functioning transparent luminescent solar concentrator device. Its average visible light transmittance from 400 nm to 780 nm was approximately 90%, with its primary absorption in ultraviolet light (peak at 380 nm) and secondary absorption peak in visible light (peak at 480 nm), both of which are inherent to the benzene used.

[0236] Example 3. A mixture of two coumarin dye solutions coated on a polymer film used for lamination between glass plates.

[0237] 15 mg of 7-(ethylamino)-4,6-dimethylcoumarin (also known as coumarin 2) and 15 mg of 3-(2-N-methylbenzimidazolyl)-7-N,N-diethylaminocoumarin (also known as coumarin 30) were dissolved in 250 mL of 2-butanone, and 16 g of cellulose acetate butyrate powder was added. The resulting solution had a viscosity of 18 cP (centipoise). This solution was coated onto a 630 μm thick polyvinyl butyrate film using a Meyer rod and dried at room temperature to obtain a coating approximately 1.9 μm thick containing the coumarin dye mixture. This coated polymer film was then laminated between two 4-inch × 4-inch glass plates and subjected to a pressure of 80 psi at 70°C for 10 minutes to produce laminated glass. A silicon photovoltaic strip was mounted to the edge of this laminated glass using a refractive index matching fluid. The device was then measured in an AM1.5G solar simulator and produced 0.20 W / m² of power, making it suitable as a functional transparent luminescent solar concentrator device. Its average visible light transmittance from 400 nm to 780 nm is about 85%, with its main absorption in ultraviolet light (peak at 375 nm) and secondary absorption peak in visible light (peak at 435 nm).

[0238] Example 4. A mixture of two coumarin dyes and acrylate monomers sandwiched between glass plates and photocured.

[0239] 2.5 mg of 7-(ethylamino)-4,6-dimethylcoumarin (also known as coumarin 2) and 2.5 mg of 3-(2-N-methylbenzimidazolyl)-7-N,N-diethylaminocoumarin (also known as coumarin 30) were dissolved in 52 g of pure acrylate monomer, and then 1 mg of photoinitiator was added. After stirring, the liquid mixture was spread with a spatula and then pressed between two 4-inch × 4-inch glass plates and cured with a strong UVA lamp for 5 seconds. This produced a laminated glass, and a silicon photocell was mounted to the edge of the laminated glass using a refractive index-matching fluid. The device was then measured in an AM1.5G solar simulator and produced 0.31 W / m² of power, suitable as a functional transparent luminescent solar concentrator device. Its average visible light transmittance from 400 nm to 780 nm is approximately 90%, with its main absorption in ultraviolet light (peak at 375 nm) and secondary absorption peak in visible light (peak at 435 nm).

[0240] Example 5. A planar heterojunction transparent organic photovoltaic device containing hexapenylbenzene.

[0241] 5 nm of molybdenum oxide (VI) (MoO3, 99.97%, from Sigma-Aldrich), 23 nm of twisted tetrabenzothiophene dibenzoxanthoxybenzene (cTBTDBC), 17 nm of twisted 1,3,6,8,13,15,18,20-octachlorohexabenzoxanthoxybenzene (8Cl-cHBC), and 5 nm of copper bath (BCP, 99.99%, from Sigma-Aldrich) were mixed in a 1x10⁻¹⁰ atmosphere. -6 The aluminum was sequentially evaporated at 2 Å / s onto a pre-patterned ITO glass under a base pressure. A 50 nm layer of aluminum was then thermally evaporated through a patterned mask to define the active region. The active layer was found to have an average visible light transmittance exceeding 75%, with the main absorption peak at 400 nm and the secondary visible light absorption peak at 530 nm.

[0242] Example 6. A transparent organic photovoltaic device having a blended heterojunction and a second visible light absorber in an anode buffer layer.

[0243] First, a 1:1 molar mixture of 10 nm of lithium-doped 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen) was thermally evaporated onto a pre-patterned and cleaned indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. Next, a 1:1 blend of 120 nm near-UV absorbing N4,N4'-bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene-2-yl)-N4,N4'-diphenylbiphenyl-4,4'-diamine (BF-DPB) and 4,6-bis(3,5-di(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)-2-methylpyrimidine (B4PymPm) was thermally evaporated onto the top. Then, 11 nm of a 10:1 molar mixture of N4,N4'-bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene-2-yl)-N4,N4'-diphenylbiphenyl-4,4'-diamine (BF-DPB) and visible-absorbing 1,3,4,5,7,8-hexafluorotetracyanonaphthoquinone dimethylane (F6-TCNNQ) was thermally evaporated on top. Next, 30 nm of molybdenum oxide (VI) (MoO3) was thermally evaporated on top, followed by sputtering indium tin oxide (ITO) at 0.1 Å / s. Finally, this stacking was completed by depositing a 50 nm layer of 1,3,5-tris(1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (TPBi) as an excoupling layer on top. This transparent organic photovoltaic device exhibits an open-circuit voltage of 1.98 V and an average visible light transmittance of 81%.

[0244] Example 7. A coumarin-containing membrane laminated between two glass panels, which are mounted in an insulated glass unit (IGU) and installed in a frame as an energy harvesting window:

[0245] A 1.5-micron-thick cellulose acetate butyrate coating is gravure-coated onto a 14-inch-wide, 630-micron-thick polyvinyl butyrate film in a roll-to-roll coater. The coating contains a 1:1 mixture of 1.3 wt% (dry weight) 7-(ethylamino)-4,6-dimethylcoumarin and 3-(2-N-methylbenzimidazolyl)-7-N,N-diethylaminocoumarin. This coated film is then rolled between two 12-inch × 12-inch glass plates to form a glass laminate, and excess film is trimmed. The laminate has silicon photovoltaic strips optically mounted to its edges with a UV-transparent adhesive. The connecting wires of these strips are connected in series to generate an output current of approximately 2.2V under AM1.5G solar irradiation. These photovoltaic strips are then coated in a protective sealant with output leads. The sealed laminate is then mounted together with an inert gas-filled stack and a rear glass plate to form an insulated glass unit (IGU). The IGU has an electronic panel and a battery pack, which are mounted together with the IGU in a plastic window frame to assemble a complete, functional, luminous solar concentrator energy harvesting window that can generate close to 1W / m2 of electricity under bright sunlight.

[0246] The embodiments of the present invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by any of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC), said visually transparent LSC comprising: One or more light emitters in or on a transparent substrate, the one or more light emitters being configured to absorb light in the ultraviolet (UV) region and the visible light region, the one or more light emitters being configured to use the absorbed light in the UV region and the visible light region to emit visible light in the visible light region; One or more photovoltaic cells, said one or more photovoltaic cells being configured to absorb visible light emitted by said one or more light emitters and absorb solar radiation, wherein said one or more photovoltaic cells generate energy through the absorption of visible light and solar radiation, wherein: The visually transparent LSC exhibits an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

2. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, The first of the one or more light emitters has a first absorption peak in the UV region at a wavelength between approximately 350 nm and 420 nm.

3. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, The second of the one or more light emitters has a second absorption peak in the visible light region at a wavelength between about 420 nm and 650 nm, and has a wavelength band with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between about 10 nm and about 50 nm.

4. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the one or more light emitters has the strongest light emission in the visible light region at a wavelength between about 420 nm and 650 nm.

5. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more light emitters are organic materials.

6. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 5, wherein, At least one of the one or more light emitters includes halophenyl, substituted halophenyl material, coumarin, naphthalene dicarboximide, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide, or bipyridine.

7. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 6, wherein, The substituted halophenyl material includes at least one of hexabenzohalophenyl derivative, tetrabenzofuranyl dibenzohalophenyl derivative, or tetrabenzothiophenyl dibenzohalophenyl derivative.

8. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more photovoltaic cells are coupled to the edge and / or side surface of the transparent substrate.

9. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein, The transparent substrate includes a transparent waveguide adjacent to the transparent window material.

10. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 9, wherein, The transparent waveguide comprises at least one of glass, quartz, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyacrylate, alkyl polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, ionomer polymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide-imide, or polyvinylidene fluoride.

11. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more light emitters are dispersed in the transparent waveguide; and The transparent waveguide containing one or more dispersed light emitters comprises a transparent film, a hard coating, or multiple film layers.

12. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 11, wherein, The transparent waveguide is sandwiched between two rigid plates, which are any combination of glass, plexiglass, or other polymers.

13. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 11, wherein, The transparent film, the hard coating, or the plurality of film layers are deposited on the transparent window material by means of thermal evaporation, solution treatment, melt treatment, organic vapor deposition, organic vapor jet printing, solid mixing, or liquid film crosslinking.

14. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 9, wherein, The transparent window material includes at least one type of plastic, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) or (poly)-butyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate (PBMMA), glass, plexiglass, PMMA, plastic sheet or other transparent material.

15. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 13, wherein: The transparent film, the hard coating, or the plurality of film layers comprise cellulose acetate butyrate, acrylic acid, acrylate on glass, ionomer polymers, acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, or thermoplastic polyurethane.

16. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein the visually transparent LSC further comprises: At least one dopant distributed in the transparent substrate, the at least one dopant being configured to provide improved color coordinates and color neutrality of light transmitted through the LSC.

17. The visually transparent LSC according to claim 1, wherein the visually transparent LSC further comprises: At least one dopant distributed in the transparent substrate, the at least one dopant being configured to provide improved color coordinates and color neutrality of light transmitted through the LSC and any components containing the LSC.

18. A visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC), said LSC comprising: Visually transparent waveguide; At least one solar photovoltaic cell; as well as At least one light-emitting material is embedded in or on the visually transparent waveguide, the at least one light-emitting material being configured to absorb light in both the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light regions, and the at least one light-emitting material being configured to use the absorbed light in the UV and visible light regions to emit visible light in the visible light region. in: The visually transparent LSC exhibits an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and 30; and The at least one solar photovoltaic cell is configured to absorb visible light emitted from at least one visually transparent light source, as well as solar radiation, so that the at least one solar photovoltaic cell generates electrical energy.

19. The LSC according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one luminescent material includes a single luminescent material.

20. The LSC according to claim 19, wherein, The single luminescent material includes substituted halophenyl materials.

21. The LSC according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one light-emitting material includes two or more light-emitting materials.

22. The LSC according to claim 21, wherein, The two or more luminescent materials include at least two or more luminescent materials, which include halophenyl, substituted halophenyl materials, coumarin, naphthalene dicarboximide, anthracene, rubrene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide, or bipyridine.

23. The LSC of claim 18, further comprising: One or more circuits electrically connected to the at least one solar photovoltaic cell.

24. The LSC of claim 23, further comprising: One or more electrical components selected from the group consisting of: a light sensor, a color sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, a motion sensor, a cellular signal amplifier, a universal serial bus interface, an energy storage device, or a wireless communication element electrically connected to the one or more circuits.

25. The LSC according to claim 24, wherein, The one or more electrical components are powered by the at least one solar photovoltaic cell.

26. The LSC according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one solar photovoltaic cell is coupled to at least one side surface or edge of the visually transparent waveguide.

27. The LSC according to claim 26, wherein: The at least one solar photovoltaic cell is a first at least one solar photovoltaic cell; and The LSC also includes: A second at least one solar photovoltaic cell, wherein the second at least one solar photovoltaic cell is coupled to at least one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the LSC, wherein: At least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the LSC is perpendicular to at least one side surface or edge of the visually transparent waveguide; The second at least one solar photovoltaic cell is visually transparent; and The at least one solar photovoltaic cell is coupled to the LSC to form a visually transparent LSC / PV device.

28. The LSC according to claim 27, wherein: The combined visually transparent LSC / PV devices exhibit an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of visible light transmitted through the visually transparent LSC / PV device of the combination are each between -30 and +30.

29. The LSC according to claim 27, wherein: The first at least one solar photovoltaic cell generates first electrical energy that is electrically connected to the first circuit; and The second at least one solar photovoltaic cell generates a second electrical energy that is electrically connected to the second circuit.

30. A method for manufacturing a visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC), the method comprising: Provide one or more light emitters distributed in or on a transparent substrate, the one or more light emitters being configured to absorb light in the ultraviolet (UV) region and the visible light region, the one or more light emitters being configured to use the absorbed light in the UV region and the visible light region to emit visible light in the visible light region; One or more photovoltaic cells are optically coupled to the transparent substrate, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are configured to absorb visible light emitted by the one or more light emitters and to absorb solar radiation, wherein: The one or more photovoltaic cells generate energy by absorbing visible light and solar radiation; The visually transparent LSC exhibits an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and 30.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, Providing one or more light emitters distributed in a transparent substrate includes: The one or more light emitters are dispersed in a transparent waveguide material; The transparent waveguide material having one or more light-emitting elements is formed into a transparent waveguide; and The transparent waveguide having one or more light emitters is adhered to a transparent window material, wherein the transparent waveguide having one or more light emitters comprises a transparent film, a hard coating, or multiple film layers.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, Attaching the transparent waveguide having one or more light-emitting elements to the transparent window material includes: The transparent waveguide material having one or more light emitters is deposited onto the transparent window material by means of thermal evaporation, solution treatment, melt treatment, organic vapor deposition, organic vapor jet printing, solid mixing, or liquid film crosslinking.

33. A visually transparent photovoltaic device, said photovoltaic device comprising: At least one photosensitive layer, the at least one photosensitive layer having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm and including 350 nm and 420 nm and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm and including 420 nm and 780 nm. An anode, wherein the anode is configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer; as well as Cathode, the cathode being configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer, wherein: The visually transparent photovoltaic device has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates (a* and b*) of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30; and The visually transparent photovoltaic device generates electricity.

34. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, wherein, The second absorption peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm.

35. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, wherein, The anode and the cathode independently include one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire.

36. The transparent photovoltaic device according to claim 35, wherein: The transparent conductive oxide includes indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), zinc oxide, or gallium zinc oxide (GZO). The transparent ultrathin metal includes Al, Au, Ag, Mo, or Ni; The metal includes Al, Au, Ag, Ni, Cu, or Mo; and The metal nanowires include Al, Au, or Ag.

37. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, wherein: The at least one photosensitive layer comprises an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor; and The photovoltaic device includes a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of at least 1.4V.

38. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, wherein, The at least one photosensitive layer includes: A first photosensitive layer, the first photosensitive layer comprising an organic electron donor; and The second photosensitive layer contains an organic electron acceptor, wherein the first photosensitive layer and the second photosensitive layer form a bilayer planar heterojunction.

39. The photovoltaic device according to claim 38, wherein: The first photosensitive layer has a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm; and The second photosensitive layer has a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm; or The first photosensitive layer has a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm; and The second photosensitive layer has the first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm.

40. The photovoltaic device according to claim 38, wherein, The organic electron donor and / or the organic electron acceptor include dibenzo[a]benzene derivatives.

41. The transparent photovoltaic device according to claim 38, wherein: The organic electron donor comprises a first twisted hexabenzobenzene (cHBC) or a cHBC derivative; and The electron acceptor includes a second cHBC or a cHBC derivative.

42. The photovoltaic device according to claim 39, wherein, The second absorption peak, between 420 nm and 780 nm, is caused by a dopant dispersed in the at least one photosensitive layer, the dopant including one or more of the following: coumarin; naphthalene dicarboximide; benzene; anthracene; rubrene; thiophene; fluorene; diazafluorene; fluorenone; dicyanomethylene; rhodamine; perylene dicarboximide; or bipyridine.

43. The photovoltaic device according to claim 37, wherein, The organic electron donor and the organic electron acceptor include at least one of tetrabenzothiophene dibenzoxene derivative or tetrabenzofuran dibenzoxene derivative.

44. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, further comprising: One or more electrical components, selected from the group consisting of: light sensors, color sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, cellular signal amplifiers, universal serial bus interfaces, energy storage devices, and wireless communication elements.

45. The photovoltaic device according to claim 44, wherein, The one or more electrical components are powered by the photovoltaic device.

46. ​​The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, wherein, The second peak absorption, present in the visible light portion of the solar spectrum, provides supplemental power to the photovoltaic device to compensate for the power generated by the first peak absorption in the UV portion of the solar spectrum, while keeping the AVT above 35% and maintaining the values ​​of a* and b* of the CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates of the transmitted visible light between -30 and +30.

47. The photovoltaic device according to claim 33, further comprising: A transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC) is connected to the visually transparent photovoltaic device, wherein the transparent LSC is connected to the anode or the cathode.

48. A method for manufacturing a visually transparent photovoltaic device, the method comprising: At least one photosensitive layer is provided, the photosensitive layer having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm and including 350 nm and 420 nm and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm and including 420 nm and 780 nm. An anode is provided, the anode being configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer; as well as A cathode is provided, the cathode being configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer, wherein: The visually transparent photovoltaic device has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates (a* and b*) of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30; and The visually transparent photovoltaic device generates electricity.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein, The second absorption peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein: The anode comprises electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal, or metal nanowire to the first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer; and Providing the cathode includes electrically coupling one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire to the second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer.

51. The method according to claim 48, wherein: The at least one photosensitive layer comprises an organic electron donor and an organic electron acceptor; and The photovoltaic device includes a single-junction architecture that generates an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of at least 1.4V.

52. The method according to claim 48, wherein, The at least one photosensitive layer includes: A first photosensitive layer, the first photosensitive layer comprising an organic electron donor; and The second photosensitive layer contains an organic electron acceptor, wherein the first photosensitive layer and the second photosensitive layer form a bilayer planar heterojunction.

53. A window, the window comprising: A rigid transparent panel, the rigid transparent panel comprising a transparent film, the transparent film comprising one or more light-emitting elements; The one or more light emitters are capable of operating to have a first peak absorption of light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and a peak emission of light in the visible spectrum, and the one or more light emitters are configured to emit visible light in the visible region using absorbed light in the UV region and the visible region; The window has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light, the incident light having a wavelength between 400 nm and 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

54. The window of claim 53, further comprising: One or more solar cells, said one or more solar cells being mounted on the edge or side surface of said window; or A solar cell array, the solar cell array comprising one or more solar cells embedded within the window.

55. The window according to claim 54, wherein: The one or more solar cells are configured to absorb visible light emitted by the one or more light emitters and to absorb solar radiation; and The one or more solar cells generate energy by absorbing visible light and solar radiation.

56. The window of claim 55, further comprising: One or more circuits electrically connected to one or more edge-mounted solar cells or solar cell arrays.

57. The window of claim 56, further comprising: An electroluminescent component that modulates the transmission of visible light and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window, the electroluminescent component being electrically connected to the one or more circuits.

58. The window according to claim 57, wherein, The electroluminescent component is powered by the edge-mounted solar cells or the solar cell array.

59. The window of claim 53, further comprising: A low-emission film layer is coupled to the window to reduce the transmission of infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window.

60. The window of claim 56, further comprising: A charge storage device, which is electrically connected to the edge-mounted solar cell or the solar cell array.

61. The window of claim 56, further comprising: One or more electrical components, selected from the group consisting of: light sensors, color sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, cellular signal amplifiers, universal serial bus interfaces, and wireless communication elements electrically connected to the one or more electrical circuits.

62. The window according to claim 56, wherein, The window is installed in an edge-mounted insulation or in a frame.

63. The window according to claim 56, wherein, The one or more circuits are powered by solar cells mounted on the edge; or by a solar cell array embedded in the window.

64. The window according to claim 62, wherein, The one or more circuits are located in the edge-mounted insulation or in the frame.

65. The window according to claim 53, wherein, The rigid transparent panel includes any combination of film, plexiglass, polymer sheet, plastic sheet, glass, quartz, or stacks thereof.

66. The window according to claim 54, wherein, The window includes at least one of the following: Visually transparent light-emitting solar concentrator (LSC); or Visually transparent photovoltaic (PV) devices.

67. A method of manufacturing a window, the window having a rigid transparent panel fixed in a frame, the method comprising: A rigid transparent panel is provided, comprising a transparent film including a plurality of light emitters, wherein: The plurality of light emitters are capable of operating to have a first peak absorption of light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum and a peak emission of light in the visible spectrum, and the plurality of light emitters are configured to emit visible light in the visible region using absorbed light in the UV spectrum and the visible spectrum; The rigid transparent panel has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) between 35% and 95% for incident light in the wavelength range between about 400 nm and about 780 nm; and The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates a* and b* of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30.

68. The method according to claim 67, further comprising: Edge-mounted solar cells are coupled to the edge or side surface of the rigid transparent panel; or The solar cell array is coupled to the rigid transparent panel.

69. The method according to claim 68, further comprising: One or more circuits electrically coupled to the edge-mounted solar cell or the solar cell array are electrically connected.

70. The method of claim 68, further comprising: An electroluminescent component is electrically coupled to regulate the transmission of visible light and / or infrared electromagnetic radiation through the window, and the electroluminescent component is electrically connected to one or more circuits.

71. The method according to claim 68, wherein: Coupled to the rigid transparent panel, the solar cell array includes coupling visually transparent photovoltaic devices to the rigid transparent panel, the visually transparent photovoltaic devices including: At least one photosensitive layer, the at least one photosensitive layer having a first absorption peak between 350 nm and 420 nm and including 350 nm and 420 nm and a second absorption peak between 420 nm and 780 nm and including 420 nm and 780 nm. An anode, wherein the anode is configured to be electrically connected to a first surface of the at least one photosensitive layer; Cathode, the cathode being configured to be electrically connected to a second surface of the at least one photosensitive layer, wherein: The visually transparent photovoltaic device has an average visible light transmittance (AVT) of 35% to 95% for incident light with wavelengths between 400 nm and 780 nm. The CIE L*a*b* chromaticity coordinates (a* and b*) of the transmitted visible light are each between -30 and +30; and The visually transparent photovoltaic device generates electricity.

72. The method according to claim 68, wherein: The plurality of light emitters includes at least two or more light emitters, which include halobenzene, substituted halophenyl materials, coumarin, naphthalene dicarboximide, anthracene, red fluorene, thiophene, fluorene, diazafluorene, fluorenone, dicyanomethylene, rhodamine, perylene diimide, or bipyridine.

73. The method according to claim 71, wherein, The anode and the cathode independently include one or more of LiF / Al, Au, Ag, transparent conductive oxide, transparent conductive graphene film, transparent conductive nanotube film, transparent ultrathin metal, metal or metal nanowire.

74. The method according to claim 71, wherein, The second absorption peak has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 10 nm and 75 nm.

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