Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Continuous Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar cells are inefficient, typically operating within a 25-20% range and only function during daylight hours, as they are designed to absorb light in the human visible spectrum and do not utilize light outside this range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating quantum dots in semiconductors that convert light at the edges of the visible spectrum, such as near blue and red wavelengths, to generate electrical energy, allowing the solar cells to function both during the day and at night by utilizing ambient light and sunlight, including ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional solar cells are designed to absorb light in the human visible spectrum, then they can convert light to electrical energy, but they are inefficient (25-20% range) and do not function beyond daylight hours
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is divided into multiple semiconductor layers, each configured to absorb specific wavelength ranges (e.g., first semiconductor for blue light, second semiconductor for red light, third semiconductor for infrared light). This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in converting different portions of the spectrum, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency while enabling continuous operation across different lighting conditions including nighttime infrared radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell structure is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different semiconductor materials that can absorb various types of radiation (visible light, ultraviolet, infrared). This multi-functionality enables the device to operate not only during daylight hours but also at night by utilizing ambient infrared radiation, thus expanding the operational time range
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are designed to function only in daylight, then they can convert sunlight to electrical energy, but they cannot utilize ambient light or infrared radiation present at night
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the solar cell by introducing semiconductor materials with different bandgap energies that can respond to different wavelength ranges. Specifically, infrared-sensitive semiconductor materials are incorporated to detect and convert infrared radiation present at night, thereby changing the cell's response characteristics from daylight-only to continuous operation across different environmental conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solar cells achieve enhanced energy conversion efficiency by operating across a broader spectrum, mimicking photosynthesis and providing continuous energy production, including during nighttime hours when ultraviolet and infrared radiation is present.
Implementation Method 1
the first semiconductor configured to receive one or more of ambient light and sunlight and emit wavelengths in a near blue range, for example about 450 nm to about 480 nm; the first semiconductor can be configured to convert light in the ultraviolet and/or near ultraviolet to the near blue
Implementation Method 2
the first set of quantum dots configured to convert these wavelengths to an electrical output
Implementation Method 3
the second semiconductor configured to receive one or more of ambient light and sunlight and emit wavelengths in a red range, close to infrared, for example about 600 nm to about 700 nm; the second semiconductor can be configured to convert light in the infrared and/or near infrared to the wavelengths in a red range
Implementation Method 4
the second set of quantum dots configured to convert these wavelengths to an electrical output
Data Source
AI summary
Solar cells that include quantum dots are provided. In particular, a solar panel is provided, the solar panel comprising: a first solar cell comprising: a first set of quantum dots in a first semiconductor, the first semiconductor configured to receive one or more of ambient light and sunlight and emit first wavelengths a first range of about 450 nm to about 480 nm, the first set of quantum dots configured to convert the first wavelengths to a first electric output; and, a second solar cell comprising: a second set of quantum dots in a second semiconductor, the second semiconductor configured to receive one or more of the ambient light and the sunlight and emit second wavelengths a second range of about 600 nm to about 700 nm, the second set of quantum dots configured to convert the second wavelengths to a second electric output.