Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Broad Spectrum Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar cells are inefficient, typically operating within a 25-30% 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 to convert ambient light and sunlight into electrical energy across a broader spectrum, including near-blue and red ranges, allowing the solar cells to function both during the day and at night by emitting wavelengths in these ranges, mimicking the natural process of photosynthesis.
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 (25-30% 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., ultraviolet, visible, infrared). This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in converting different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, thereby increasing overall energy conversion efficiency while maintaining functionality across diverse lighting conditions including nighttime ambient light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes quantum dots with tunable bandgap energies to absorb photons across a broad spectrum ranging from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths. By adjusting the size and composition parameters of the quantum dots, the solar cell can optimize absorption across different wavelength ranges, enabling efficient energy conversion in both daylight and ambient nighttime lighting conditions
2Reliability
If solar cells are designed to function only in daylight, then they can convert sunlight to electrical energy, but they cannot operate during nighttime or in low-light ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is designed with multiple semiconductor layers that collectively enable it to function universally across different lighting conditions. The first semiconductor layer absorbs ultraviolet and visible light during daytime, while the second semiconductor layer absorbs infrared radiation. This multi-functional design allows the device to operate reliably both during daylight hours and nighttime ambient conditions, converting various sources of electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells use semiconductors to convert visible light to electrical energy, then they can generate power during the day, but they miss out on ultraviolet and infrared energy present in ambient light and starlight
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell employs a composite structure consisting of multiple semiconductor materials with different bandgap energies. The first semiconductor material is optimized for absorbing ultraviolet and visible light, while the second semiconductor material is optimized for absorbing infrared radiation. This composite material approach enables the device to capture and convert a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared portions, thereby maximizing energy utilization and minimizing energy loss from unutilized wavelengths
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 utilizing light outside the human visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet and infrared, resulting in continuous energy production and increased efficiency compared to traditional solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
a 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 set of quantum dots are configured to convert these wavelengths to an electrical output. In particular, the first semiconductor can be configured to convert light in the ultraviolet and/or near ultraviolet to the near blue
Implementation Method 2
a 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 set of quantum dots are configured to convert these wavelengths to an electrical output. In particular, 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 3
the first set of quantum dots are configured to convert these wavelengths to an electrical output... the second set of quantum dots are 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.