Using High-Throughput Optical Model to Design High Performance Thin Film Structures for Next-Generation Glass Materials and Products

Description

The widespread deployment of photovoltaics relies strongly on the development of solar cells which are affordable and compatible to be integrated into commercialized products and systems. In this project, we propose to integrate both power generation and heat insulation functions to demonstrate high performance flexible semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (STOPVs) with high power conversion efficiency and visible transparency better than those of Si-based cells, as well as reduced heat transmission property comparable with current commercial window films. To achieve this goal, we will develop high-performance small bandgap organic photovoltaic absorbers with desired light harvesting property, which will be further optimized through optical modeling and device engineering to achieve STOPVs with proper optical and electrical functions. The STOPVs will then be integrated with commercialized Low-E glass, which is coated with a layer of ultra-thin silver membrane and can serve as a transparent electrode for the STOPV, to give a novel multifunctional PV-integrated glass capable of reflecting/absorbing the major portion of UV and NIR light in the solar spectrum to simultaneously fulfill the requirement of electricity generation and heat insulation while maintaining good visibility. This technology paves a way for the bright future on development of next-generation high-tech products from building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) to wearable electronic devices.