Solar Cells with Internal Energy Storage via Conducting Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells require external energy storage devices due to their inability to generate power at night and sensitivity to sunlight blockages, leading to reduced energy conversion efficiency and increased costs, with batteries also being environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
Solar cells with internal energy storage capacity, utilizing a composite layer of photosensitive dye and conducting polymer, allowing energy storage during non-illumination and efficient energy delivery in the dark, similar to supercapacitors, without the need for external storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional solar cells are used without external energy storage devices, then the system complexity is reduced, but the solar cells cannot generate power at night or during sunlight blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy generation function and energy storage function into a single integrated solar cell device. The solar cell includes an energy storage component that is physically integrated with the photovoltaic structure, allowing the device to both generate and store energy internally without requiring separate external storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical energy from sunlight during illumination and simultaneously stores excess energy for later use during non-illumination periods. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated storage devices while maintaining reliable power supply.
2Reliability
If external energy storage devices are used with conventional solar cells, then power can be delivered at night and during blockages, but the energy conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the energy storage component directly into the solar cell structure, the system eliminates energy losses associated with external connections and interfaces. The integrated design allows direct transfer of generated energy to the storage component without the efficiency penalties of external device connections.
3Reliability
If external energy storage devices are used with conventional solar cells, then the solar cells can deliver power continuously, but the system costs increase due to maintenance and limited lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of energy storage within the solar cell eliminates the need for separate battery or supercapacitor systems, reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and ongoing maintenance expenses. The single integrated device has no moving parts or external connections that would require maintenance.
4Reliability
If external batteries are used with solar cells, then energy can be stored and delivered at night, but environmental friendliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (external batteries) from the system and replaces it with an environmentally benign integrated energy storage mechanism. The internal storage component uses materials and mechanisms that do not require toxic chemicals or heavy metals typically found in external battery systems.
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 demonstrate the ability to store excess energy internally and deliver it in the dark, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing system costs by eliminating the need for external storage devices, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional solar cells are able to deliver electrical energy only when the cells are illuminated
Implementation Method 2
Solar cells with internal energy storage capacity, utilizing a composite layer of photosensitive dye and conducting polymer, allowing energy storage during non-illumination
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a solar cell having internal storage capacity includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, an electrolyte provided between the electrodes, and a composite layer of material applied to an inner side of the working electrode, the layer comprising a photosensitive dye and a conducting polymer, wherein the conducting polymer is capable of storing energy generated within the cell.