Self-sufficient physical data sensor powered by energy input from a photovoltaic module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a physical data sensor comprising a photovoltaic module (200) having at least two photovoltaic cells interconnected in series, an electronic device (100) configured to collect and transmit at least temperature data, the electronic device (100) comprising a flexible printed circuit, and an electrical connector means (120) connecting the photovoltaic module (200) and the electronic device (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to physical data sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to sensors that are self-powered with respect to energy and operate with energy supplied by a photovoltaic module.

Background Art

[0002] Currently used physical data sensors are generally basically low-cost thermometers associated with a battery to which power is supplied. Therefore, the sensor is generally in the form of a three-dimensional object having a non-ignorable dimension, specifically generally a thickness exceeding 3 cm, for example, in the form of a box.

[0003] However, in the current state of the art, there is no physical sensor having a long lifespan, that is, a lifespan exceeding 5 years. In fact, generally, it is necessary to process the sensor less than once every 5 years in order to replace or correct the battery.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the inadequacies of currently known sensors.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention - a photovoltaic module including at least two photovoltaic cells interconnected in series, - an electronic device configured to collect and transmit at least temperature data, the electronic device including a flexible printed circuit, - electrical connector means for connecting the photovoltaic module and the electronic device, where the photovoltaic module is at least partially disposed above an element including at least a part of the electronic device, The sensor further comprises two electrically insulating plates: a first plate on which an electronic device is positioned above, and a second plate configured to allow light radiation to pass through so that the light radiation is received by at least a portion of the photovoltaic module. The sensor has a thickness of 5mm to 10mm. The photovoltaic module, • A flexible substrate made of polymer material, · The aforementioned substrate It is characterized by including at least a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell disposed on top, and each of the two photovoltaic cells is i. Construct a cathode, The aforementioned substrate An indium-tin oxide layer covers it, ii. A first interface layer of zinc oxide or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, wherein this first interface layer covers the cathode, iii. A photovoltaic active layer covering the first interface layer, iv. A second interface layer comprising a polymer blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrenesulfonate)sodium, wherein this second interface layer constitutes the anode and covers the photovoltaic active layer, and this second interface layer is continuous and comprises organic fibers It includes a structure and a second interface layer having an average thickness of 100 nm to 400 nm, This invention relates to a physical data sensor in which the second interface layer of a first photovoltaic cell is in contact with the indium-tin oxide layer of a second photovoltaic cell.

[0006] For the purposes of this application, a flexible printed circuit is understood to mean a flexible circuit laminated between two insulating plates. The existence of such a printed circuit is This makes it easier to integrate sensors into a variety of products and increases their potential by allowing sensors to be adapted to the environment in which they may be incorporated.

[0007] According to this first embodiment, the sensor consumes very little energy and is configured to convert the light energy to which the sensor is exposed into electrical energy necessary to collect physical data. The electrical energy necessary for the electronic device to operate is generated by a photovoltaic module that, following the receipt of light radiation, generates a photocurrent sufficient to compensate for the operation of the electronic device. This light radiation passes through at least a second plate and / or through an opening made in this second plate before being received by the photovoltaic module.

[0008] In particular, the photovoltaic module according to this first embodiment has the advantage of being able to be used effectively under indoor radiation, i.e., radiation of less than 1000 lux or less than 500 lux. In particular, in such a photovoltaic module, photogenerated charge loss is minimized, and the transfer of photogenerated charge between different layers of the organic photovoltaic cell is improved to have overall stability of the photovoltaic module. In fact, in such a photovoltaic module, the additional layer applied to the second interface layer is avoided. Thus, there is one layer that is both the second interface layer and the anode layer. Thus, in this case, an organic photovoltaic cell with fewer interfaces than those used in current state-of-the-art technology is used. Thus, the risk of photogenerated charge loss is reduced, and the risk of interfacial oxidation is also reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, using photovoltaic modules instead of batteries reduces sensor maintenance, particularly by eliminating battery replacement, thus simplifying battery use and significantly reducing the time and cost associated with, for example, battery replacement. Additionally, using photovoltaic modules instead of batteries extends the sensor's lifespan.

[0010] Furthermore, by eliminating the use of batteries integrated into the sensor, and especially thanks to the sensor's thickness being less than 10mm, it becomes possible to create a new sensor design that is even more environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is possible to develop self-contained sensors that can be integrated into small spaces.

[0011] However, it should be noted that energy storage elements can be incorporated into sensors. For example, such energy storage elements include, but are not limited to, capacitors, supercapacitors, and even microbatteries.

[0012] Furthermore, using and producing this sensor, which has a flexible material and substrate, often simplifies its use.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the flexible substrate may also be made of polyethylene.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably, the substrate may be transparent. Thus, light radiation can pass through the substrate so that the constituent layers of the photovoltaic module applied to one side of the substrate can generate the electrical energy necessary for the correct operation of the electronic device when the light radiation is received by the other side of the substrate.

[0015] In certain embodiments, it is advantageous to communicate accurate temperature readings over a predetermined duration, particularly considering how often the sensor is exposed to these different temperatures. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electronic device is configured to store temperature data as a function of time.

[0016] According to one particular embodiment, it is advantageous that the module can utilize ambient light energy even when the ambient light energy is less than 1000 lux or less than 500 lux. In this case, the second interface layer has a sheet resistance of 100 Ω / □ to 600 Ω / □.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the sensor is preferably capable of collecting a large amount of data about the environment in which the sensor is located. In this embodiment, the electronic device further includes an accelerometer, which is preferably further configured to collect moisture data. Furthermore, the sensor can also be enabled to collect more physical data, such as environmental data about the presence of people, pressure, or even changes in light.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, it is also preferable that the collected information be transmitted effectively, i.e., quickly, without data loss, and in a secure manner. In this embodiment, the electronic device further includes telecommunication means configured to transmit the collected data to an external device in accordance with a telecommunication protocol. For example, this telecommunication protocol can be selected from the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol (or BLE), the wireless telecommunication protocol LoRaWAN, the SIGFOX protocol, or the ZIGBEE® protocol.

[0019] Preferably, the first plate may be further configured to allow light radiation to pass through. Thus, the light radiation can be received by any of the surfaces of the photovoltaic module, which makes it possible to ensure energy generation by overcoming the orientation of the sensor. Thus, even light radiation received by the photovoltaic module at an incident angle equal to approximately 90° can generate 15% of the maximum power obtainable at an incident angle equal to approximately 0°.

[0020] Therefore, the two electrical insulating plates may be, for example, transparent plastic or plasticized plates that allow light radiation to pass through so that the light radiation is at least partially received by the photovoltaic module. For example, these plates may be laminated to provide transparency thereto. Also, the first plate and / or the second plate may include an opening through which light radiation passes so as to be received by at least a part of the photovoltaic module. In this way, the power delivered by the photovoltaic module is increased with respect to a photovoltaic module that is configured to allow light radiation to pass through and includes only a second plate having the same active surface of the module and being exposed to the same light intensity. In this configuration, the efficiency of the sensor is improved. Therefore, the frequency, availability, communication coverage, and network detection of data transmission via the electrical communication means of the sensor according to this configuration are all increased with respect to a photovoltaic module that includes only a second plate configured to allow light radiation to pass through. Also, the communication distance becomes larger under this configuration, the sensor becomes more accurate, for example, with an increase in the number of acquisitions, and the standby current is better compensated It has and associated ta Recharging of the electrical element It is faster . As a result, the sensor becomes more reliable in this configuration.

[0021] In particular, when there is a sensor having two electrical insulating plates configured to allow light radiation to pass through, in a configuration where only the first transparent electrode (anode or cathode) is directly exposed to light, some photons are also indirectly received by the second electrode (cathode or anode respectively). This indirect illumination makes it possible to improve the performance of the photovoltaic module by 3%.

[0022] Also, the first electrical insulating plate, i.e., the electrical insulating plate disposed on the side of the indium-tin oxide layer, is not configured to allow light radiation to pass through, and the [[ID=1�]] It should be noted that if only two electrical insulating plates, i.e., electrical insulating plates placed on the side of the layer containing a polymer mixture of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) sodium, are allowed to pass through and thus allow energy to be collected, the photovoltaic module can still achieve 65% of its total performance.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the case of a sensor having two electrically insulating plates configured to allow light radiation to pass through, the performance of the photovoltaic module can be twice as good in a configuration where both the anode and cathode are directly exposed to illumination compared to a configuration where only the first transparent electrode (anode or cathode) is directly exposed to illumination.

[0024] Furthermore, these plates can be used to enclose an assembly containing an electronic device, a photovoltaic module, and connector means, for example, to obtain a moisture-proof sensor, thereby isolating the assembly from the outside. In this case, the two plates are in direct contact around the assembly, for example, through an opening made in the second plate, or by using a transparent plate, to seal and insulate the electronic device and external connector means while ensuring the reception of light radiation coming from outside the photovoltaic module.

[0025] Furthermore, it should be noted that photovoltaic modules can be produced using inkjet printing methods.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that within the scope of the meaning of the present invention, the above and below terms are understood to mean either directly or indirectly either above or below. Therefore, if the first element is considered to be above the second element, there may be a third element between the first element and the second element. The present invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is provided merely as an example, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] A first exploded view of the sensor before assembly, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 2] A second exploded view of the sensor before assembly, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Figure 3] This shows an exploded view of the sensor before assembly, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The first figure (front view) shows the sensor after assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A second figure (rear view) shows the sensor after assembly, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A diagram shows the configuration of a photovoltaic module used according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The sensors shown in Figures 1 and 2 are - Flexible transparent polyethylene terephthalate (commonly represented by the acronym PET) or polyethylene (poly(ethylene) 2,6-naphthalate (commonly represented by the acronym PEN)) substrate and, -Connected in series, substrate It consists of an organic photovoltaic module 200, which includes 10 photovoltaic cells positioned on top.

[0029] Each of the photovoltaic cells is, i. The cathode is composed of an indium-tin oxide layer covering the substrate, ii. A first interface layer of zinc oxide or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, wherein this first interface layer covers the cathode, iii. A photovoltaic active layer covering the first interface layer, iv. A second interface layer comprising a polymer blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) sodium, wherein the second interface layer constitutes an anode and covers the photovoltaic active layer, and the second interface layer is continuous, has an organic fiber structure and an average thickness of 100 nm to 400 nm.

[0030] Note that the second interface layer of the photovoltaic cell selected from the 10 photovoltaic cells cited above is in contact with the indium-tin oxide layer of one of the adjacent photovoltaic cells (see Figure 6).

[0031] To produce such modules, a rapid, economical, stable, and easily reproducible manufacturing method is employed.

[0032] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic module is produced as shown below (see Figure 6).

[0033] First, a substrate 20 made of, for example, PET or PEN is provided, on which discontinous indium tin oxide layers 210, 220 are deposited. Each portion of the indium tin oxide layers 210, 220 is the cathode of each photovoltaic cell of the photovoltaic module. Thus, specifically, a substrate made of PET coated with discontinous indium tin oxide layers 210, 220 is provided. substrate 20 exists, and as a result, substrate Number 20 is explained below. The substrate 20 is partially covered with either of the indium-tin oxide layers 210 and 220, which form the cathodes of two different adjacent organic photovoltaic cells 21 and 22. The substrate 20 may be cleaned if necessary before coating with the indium-tin oxide layers, taking care to use a solvent that is compatible with the substrate material in particular.

[0034] Next, in inkjet printing, a first ink composition containing zinc oxide nanoparticles or aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles is applied to the indium tin oxide layers 210, 220. In the first example, the first ink composition may include an ink containing laboratory-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. In particular, zinc oxide nanoparticles can be obtained by employing polyol technology, where the zinc oxide nanoparticles are cooled in a cold bath, separated by centrifugation (12 minutes and 7800 rpm), and then dispersed in butanol using ethylene glycol as a surfactant. In another example, the first ink composition may include an ink containing laboratory-synthesized aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanoparticles, which are sold by GENES'INK. Once either of these first ink compositions is applied to the indium tin oxide layers, a heat treatment is performed at a temperature ranging from 70°C to 130°C for a period of 1 to 5 minutes to form the first interface layers 211, 221. Specifically, this heat treatment in the process is carried out on a hot plate at a temperature of 85°C for 3 minutes. In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the first interface layers 211 and 221 of the photovoltaic cells 21 and 22 of the photovoltaic module 200 are obtained.

[0035] Next, using inkjet printing, [6,6]-phenyl-C associated with poly(thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene) is applied to the first interface layers 211 and 221. 61 -A second ink composition containing a polymer mixture including methylbutanoate is deposited to form active layers 212 and 222. For example, this ink is [6,6]-phenyl-C, which is sold by Nano-C (registered trademark) under the trade name PC70BM. 71 - A first polymer mixture of methylbutanoate and poly(thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene) sold by Raynergy Tek® under the trade name PV2000, or [6,6]-phenyl-C sold by Nano-C® under the trade name PC70BM. 71-It can consist of a second polymer mixture of methylbutanoate and poly(thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene), which is sold by 1-Materials under the trade name PTB7-Th. Each of these two polymer mixtures associates with o-xylene (ortho-xylene of formula C6H4(CH3)2) as a solvent and with tetralin (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) as an additive to form photovoltaic active layers 212 and 222. Specifically, the polymer PV2000 of the first mixture or the polymer PTB7-Th of the second mixture is preferably present in these second ink compositions at a rate of 10 mg / mL. Furthermore, the mass ratio of the polymer PV2000 of the first mixture or the polymer PTB7-Th of the second mixture to PC70BM is preferably 1:1.5. It should also be noted that, preferably, the volume ratio between the solvent O-xylene and the additive tetralin is 97:3 in these second compositions. It should also be noted that the two ink compositions are prepared by adding the solvent and additive to the first and second polymer mixtures and maintaining them on a heating plate at 80°C with stirring at a rate of 700 RPM for approximately 24 hours. Then, one or the other of these two compositions is applied to form the active layers 212 and 222. In this preferred embodiment, in order to further reduce the series resistance between each layer of the organic photovoltaic cell, after the active layers are applied, the photovoltaic active layers are washed with a solvent selected from ethanol, butanol, methanol, isopropanol, and ethylene glycol. Next, a heat treatment is performed for a period of 1 to 5 minutes at a temperature consisting of 70°C to 130°C to form the active layer. Specifically, this heat treatment is performed on a hot plate at a temperature of 85°C for 2 minutes.

[0036] Next, in a subsequent process, inkjet printing applies a third ink composition containing a polymer blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) sodium to the photovoltaic active layers 212 and 222 of the photovoltaic cells 21 and 22 under manufacture, and these layers also come into contact with the indium tin oxide layer of the adjacent photovoltaic cell. The application of the third ink composition forms the second interface layers 213 and 223 of the photovoltaic cells 21 and 22 of the photovoltaic module 200. This third interface layer is, for example, PSS sold under the trade name IJ1005 by PEDOT:Agfa(registered trademark) or PSS sold under the trade name ORGACON S315 by PEDOT:Agfa(registered trademark), Triton X-100 (4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol, formula Oct-C6H4-(OCH2CH2)), is commercially available as a detergent / surfactant from Merck®. x OH, x=9~10), Ethanediol (or ethylene glycol, formula HOCH2CH2OH), commercially available from Merck®. Glycerol (1,2,3-propanetriol or glycerin, formula HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH)) and, which are commercially available from Merck®, It may include deionized water produced in a laboratory or commercially available under the brand name ELGA® by PURELAB® classic.

[0037] Next, in order to form the second interface layers 213 and 223, which also serve as anodes, a heat treatment is performed at a temperature ranging from 70°C to 130°C for a period of 1 to 5 minutes. Specifically, this heat treatment is carried out on a hot plate at a temperature of 120°C for 1 to 5 minutes.

[0038] The photovoltaic module 200 obtained in this manner is flexible, and the second interface layers 213 and 223 have a sheet resistance of 100 Ω / □ to 600 Ω / □.

[0039] By proceeding in this manner, the resulting organic photovoltaic module 200 has a conversion efficiency of 14% to 23%, which is sufficient for the effective use of the photovoltaic module 200 in indoor radiation, i.e., radiation below 1000 lux or below 500 lux. In particular, in this organic photovoltaic module 200, photogenerated charge loss is minimized, and the transfer of photogenerated charge between different layers of the organic photovoltaic cell is improved to have overall stability of the photovoltaic module. In fact, the general stability of the organic photovoltaic module 200 depends not only on the intrinsic stability of the different layers that constitute each of the organic photovoltaic cells of the organic photovoltaic module, but also on the stability of the interfaces between each of these layers. In addition, in the photovoltaic module 200 used in this preferred embodiment, an additional layer applied to the second interface layer is eliminated. Thus, there is one layer that is both the second interface layer and the anode layer. Thus, in this case, an organic photovoltaic cell containing fewer interfaces than those used in current state-of-the-art technology is used. Therefore, the risk of losing photogenerated charge is reduced, and the risk of interfacial oxidation is also reduced.

[0040] Therefore, to manufacture this photovoltaic module, it is not necessary to perform heat treatments above 130°C, particularly the heat treatments currently performed in modern technology to anneal the anode layer, which is commonly applied to a second interface layer that can be made of silver or a similar material used as the anode of an organic photovoltaic cell with a back surface structure. The advantage of not using such heat treatments is that the other layers of the organic photovoltaic cell are not affected by the high temperature. For example, a photovoltaic module can be used that includes a substrate such as polyethylene, which has a glass transition temperature of less than 130°C.

[0041] The photovoltaic module 200 is connected to the electronic device 100 via electrical connector means 120. For example, these connector means 120 may be two AWG cable type connectors.

[0042] The electronic device 100 includes, in particular, electronic components configured for the electronic device 100, or configured to collect and transmit at least temperature data, preferably configured to store this temperature data as a function of time. The electronic device 100 further includes an accelerometer, preferably further configured to collect moisture data.

[0043] The electronic device 100 further includes telecommunications means configured to transmit collected data to an external device in accordance with telecommunications protocols known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the photovoltaic module 200 is positioned above the electronic device 100.

[0045] According to a first preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, an assembly including a photovoltaic module 200, an electronic device 100, and connector means 120 is finally sealed between two electrically insulating plates 310, 320, where the electronic device 100 is positioned on top of a first plate 310, and the photovoltaic module itself is positioned between the first plate 310 and the second plate 320, with the second plate 320 positioned above the photovoltaic module 200. Here, these two plates are transparent and in the form of PET barrier films intended to make the sensor airtight to prevent oxygen and water molecules from entering the sensor. These two plates are laid by bonding them with an adhesive and laminating them at a temperature below 85°C for 10 minutes. This process, which can be considered a sealing step, gives the sensor high resistance over time and good resistance to moisture. It should be noted that the second plate 320, i.e., the film positioned on the side of the photovoltaic module 200, may include, but does not necessarily have to include, an opening 322 in which the photovoltaic module 200 is at least partially positioned, provided that the second plate 320 is transparent.

[0046] According to a second preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the assembly including the photovoltaic module 200, the electronic device 100, and the connector means 120 is finally enclosed between two electrically insulating plates 310, 320, the first plate 310 on which the electronic device 100 is positioned above, and the second plate 320 on which the photovoltaic module 200 is positioned above, with the photovoltaic module itself positioned between the first plate 310 and the second plate 320. Here, this configuration is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0047] However, in this second embodiment, either of these two plates is partially transparent so that at least a portion of the photovoltaic module 200 can receive light radiation, or both plates are at least partially arranged such that the photovoltaic module 200 is adapted to receive light radiation directly or indirectly, i.e., light radiation is transparent substrate It includes an opening 322 that passes through and is subsequently received by the photovoltaic module 200.

[0048] Furthermore, the electronic components of the electronic device 100 may be visible, for example, through the first plate 310, but may be very clearly visible through the second plate 320. These components are, in particular, enclosed between the two plates 310 and 320.

[0049] According to the present invention, and particularly according to these two preferred embodiments, the sensors thus obtained may have a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm, depending on the thickness of the electronic device 100, the photovoltaic module 200, and the two plates 310 and 320, respectively.

Claims

1. It is a physical data sensor, - A photovoltaic module (200) comprising at least two photovoltaic cells interconnected in series, - An electronic device (100) configured to collect and transmit at least temperature data, wherein the electronic device (100) includes a flexible printed circuit, - comprising an electrical connector means (120) for connecting the photovoltaic module (200) and the electronic device (100), The photovoltaic module (200) is at least partially disposed on one main surface side of the electronic device (100). The sensor further comprises two electrically insulating plates (310, 320): a first plate (310) positioned on the other main surface side of the electronic device (100), and a second plate (320) configured to allow light radiation to pass through so that the light radiation is received by at least a portion of the photovoltaic module (200). The sensor has a thickness of 5 mm to 10 mm. The aforementioned photovoltaic module (200) • A flexible substrate made of polymer material, - The invention is characterized by including at least a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell disposed on the substrate, wherein each of the two photovoltaic cells is i. An indium-tin oxide layer that constitutes the cathode and covers the substrate, ii. A first interface layer of zinc oxide or aluminum-doped zinc oxide, wherein the first interface layer covers the cathode, iii. A photovoltaic active layer covering the first interface layer, iv. A second interface layer comprising a polymer blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) sodium, wherein the second interface layer constitutes an anode and covers the photovoltaic active layer, and the second interface layer is continuous, has an organic fiber structure and an average thickness of 100 nm to 400 nm, A sensor in which the second interface layer of the first photovoltaic cell is in contact with the indium-tin oxide layer of the second photovoltaic cell.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (100) is configured to store the temperature data as a function of time.

3. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second interface layer has a sheet resistance of 100 Ω / □ to 600 Ω / □.

4. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device (100) further includes an accelerometer.

5. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic device (100) further includes a telecommunications element configured to transmit the collected data to an external element in accordance with a telecommunications protocol.

6. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second plate (320) has an opening (322) through which the light radiation passes so as to be at least partially received by the photovoltaic module (200).

7. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first plate is further configured to allow light radiation to pass through.

8. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the substrate is transparent.

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