Schottky UV Solar Cell for Transparent Smart Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells are opaque to visible light, making them unsuitable for integration into windows or other transparent surfaces, and existing smart window technologies with photovoltaic capabilities often require external power sources, are costly, and lack reproducible, cost-effective production methods.
Innovation Solution
Development of transparent, ultraviolet-absorbing photovoltaic devices with Metal-ZnS/ZnO Schottky junctions integrated onto electrochromic stacks using low-temperature solution deposition techniques, earth-abundant materials, and scalable processes to create self-powered, flexible smart windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar cells are used to generate electrical current from sunlight, then energy generation capability is improved, but transparency to visible light deteriorates (cells become opaque)
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is designed to selectively absorb only ultraviolet light wavelengths while remaining transparent to visible light wavelengths. This local quality differentiation in light absorption properties allows the cell to generate electricity from UV photons without blocking visible light transmission, resolving the contradiction between energy generation and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameter absorption spectrum of the solar cell material to specifically target ultraviolet wavelengths (below 400 nm) while maintaining high transparency in the visible range (400-700 nm). This parameter modification enables simultaneous energy harvesting and light transmission.
2Loss of time
If smart windows with photovoltaic capabilities are created, then self-powering capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrochromic window functionality with photovoltaic energy generation into a single integrated device. The UV-absorbing solar cell layer is combined with the electrochromic layers, allowing the window to both control light transmission and generate electrical power simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart window system is designed to perform multiple functions: UV protection, visible light transmission control, and electrical power generation. By making the window itself capable of generating power through integrated UV photovoltaic cells, the system eliminates the need for separate power sources while providing multiple benefits.
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 solution enables the creation of self-powered, flexible smart windows that can generate electricity while maintaining transparency, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with potential for large-scale, cost-effective production and integration into existing windows.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional solar cells are desirably utilized to generate electrical current from sunlight
Implementation Method 2
Schottky UV solar cell and applications thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Optically transmissive UV solar cells may be coupled to glass substrates, for example windows, in order to generate electricity while still providing suitable optical behavior for the window. The UV solar cells may be utilized to power electrochromic components coupled to the window to adjust or vary the transmissivity of the window. The UV solar cells may utilize a Schottky ZnO/ZnS heterojunction.