2023-09-03 15:05:00
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have unveiled a new ‘PV sheet’ system that harnesses biomimetic transpiration to cool solar cells, significantly improving their energy conversion efficiency. Notably, this innovative technology also generates heat and clean water, making it a multi-energy system with vast potential.
The PV sheet, recently published in Nature, effectively addresses the issue of thermal management in solar energy systems. By utilizing a biomimetic transpiration layer (BT layer) made from bamboo fibers and hydrogel cells, the PV sheet passively moves water from a separate tank to the solar cell, lowering its operating temperature. This reduction in temperature enhances the energy conversion efficiency, allowing for more electricity to be generated from the same amount of sunlight.
In addition to cooling the solar cells, the PV sheet also effectively utilizes the excess heat produced. Rather than dissipating as waste, the heat is harnessed to generate both thermal energy and clean water. This innovative approach to energy generation significantly increases the overall efficiency of solar energy and represents a major step forward in sustainable technology.
Tests conducted on the PV sheet demonstrated an energy conversion efficiency of 15.0% and a fill factor of 0.77, outperforming standard PV cells. This highlights the potential of the innovative cooling mechanism of the PV sheet to enhance the performance of solar energy systems.
Aside from its superior performance, the PV sheet also proves economically feasible. The additional components required for the system, including the BT layer and the water tank, have a cost structure of approximately $1.1/m². This amounts to only 2% of the cost of conventional solar panels, with a projected payback period of less than half a year.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the PV sheet system makes it highly attractive for scalability to larger collectors. The absence of expensive porous materials, pumps, or control units enhances its adaptability for multi-generation and thermal management applications for PV cells.
One distinctive feature of the PV sheet is its ability to use saltwater as a coolant, offering an ideal solution for regions facing freshwater scarcity. In fact, when irradiated by the sun, the PV sheet has the capacity to generate an additional 1.1 L/h/m² of fresh water, potentially revolutionizing water supply in arid areas.
The PV sheet’s effectiveness in hot and dry climates further establishes its superiority over traditional PV systems. Its superior transpiration performance in such conditions could position the PV sheet as a key player in the transition to renewable energy in these regions.
With its nature-inspired hybrid system, the PV sheet has the potential to transform the sustainable and efficient use of solar energy. By leveraging biomimetic transpiration, this innovative technology not only cools solar cells but also produces heat and clean water, effectively making it a multi-energy system. Its economic feasibility, scalability, and potential to combat water scarcity make the PV sheet a significant development in the renewable energy sector.]
#giant #leap #solar #energy #Natureinspired #solar #leaf #efficient