Optical optimization of semi-transparent a-Si:H solar cells for photobioreactor application

Brodu, Annalisa; Seydoux, Claire; Finazzi, Guido; Dublanche-Tixier, Christelle; Ducros, C.

doi:10.1016/j.tsf.2019.137492

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…[1][2][3][4][5] Other novel applications include agrophotovoltaics (APV) and application as devices that could be integrated as functional components to power mid and low power optoelectronic devices such as sensors, electrochromic windows, as a multifunctional harvester and optical filter, as indoor light harvesters or Internet of Things devices. [6][7][8][9][10][11] For transparent PV applications maximal efficiency is not the key premise for massive deployment. Instead, other aspects such as visual impact, low cost, and stability play an important role in their viability.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[ 1–5 ] Other novel applications include agrophotovoltaics (APV) and application as devices that could be integrated as functional components to power mid and low power optoelectronic devices such as sensors, electrochromic windows, as a multifunctional harvester and optical filter, as indoor light harvesters or Internet of Things devices. [ 6–11 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ultrathin Wide‐Bandgap a‐Si:H‐Based Solar Cells for Transparent Photovoltaic Applications

et al. 2021

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Herein, the fabrication of UV‐blue selective transparent solar cells based on ultrathin (<30 nm) intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon films (a‐Si:H) as absorber and using a fully inorganic architecture is reported, using metal‐oxide thin films as carrier selective contacts and as transparent electrical contacts. These transparent ultrathin devices present a photovoltaic effect and high average visible transmittance (AVT), showing their potential as candidates for implementation as a transparent energy harvester. Potential applications range from Building‐Integrated PV to agrophotovoltaics, and can also be of interest as a ubiquitous and inexpensive power source integrated in functional devices such as low‐power devices, Internet of Things devices, and other sensors. Glass/FTO/ZnO/a‐Si:H/MoO3/ITO device prototypes are produced. These devices present an AVT ranging from 50% to 69%, present a photovoltaic effect with a power conversion efficiency up to 0.5% calculated for an AM1.5G spectrum and have light utilization efficiency (LUE) values of 0.25%, confirming the potential of the proposed device architectures for the development of highly transparent devices with improved LUE.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrathin Wide‐Bandgap a‐Si:H‐Based Solar Cells for Transparent Photovoltaic Applications

et al. 2021

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“…6 Recently, the filtering effect of a semitransparent hydrogenated amorphous silicon-based solar cell was also proposed. 13 Optical modifications of thin solar cell layer thicknesses and reactive ion etching of the glass substrate helped maintain a high PV efficiency, while maintaining the growth rate of the microalgae growing test of Phaeodactylum tricornutum.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Another study relying on the same principle of using spectrally selective photovoltaic cells demonstrated the possibility of producing 20.3 g m 2 /day of algal biomass and 0.22 kW h m 2 /day of electricity by utilizing multiple band gaps in a single system under an illumination of 7.2 kW h m 2 /day . Recently, the filtering effect of a semitransparent hydrogenated amorphous silicon-based solar cell was also proposed . Optical modifications of thin solar cell layer thicknesses and reactive ion etching of the glass substrate helped maintain a high PV efficiency, while maintaining the growth rate of the microalgae growing test of Phaeodactylum tricornutum.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Algae Biomass Production by Using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells as Filters

Damergi

Qin

Sharma

et al. 2021

ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.

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One of the most promising options for decreasing the costs of microalgae production is enhancing the production and reducing the energy demand of the culturing systems and the high surface area requirements. Because microalgae growth requires only specific wavelengths of the solar spectrum, the remaining part of the solar spectrum may be simultaneously used by a translucent photovoltaic (PV) layer to produce electricity, which leads to a reduction of space and energy requirements. This work presents the results of a new concept of a positive energy culturing system for microalgae, where the light source is selectively shared between the needs of the algal biomass through photosynthesis and the production of PV energy through dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). To ascertain the DSC (DSC-Red, DSC-Green) light-filtering effects on microalgal biomass, (1) the variation of growth kinetics, (2) microalgae pigments [chlorophylls-(a + b) and carotenoids], and (3) macromolecule content (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) were investigated and compared to control cultures under two different solar-simulated light intensities (200 and 600 W/m2). The results showed a net improvement of the growth rate and dry weight at the higher irradiance using both colored DSC filters compared to control cultures. The highest growth rates (μ) and doubling time (td) of Chlorella vulgaris cells were obtained using the DSC-Red (DSC-R) and DSC-Green (DSC-G) solar cells as filters with μ = 0.86 ± 0.01 day–1; t d = 0.80 day and μ = 0.85 ± 0.03 day–1; t d = 0.81 day, respectively, compared to normal glass control μ = 0.51 ± 0.03 day–1; t d = 1.35 day. A significant increase in the chlorophyll-a content was obtained under low light intensity for both DSC-colored compared to control culture, and there was no significant variation in the macromolecule content measured under the tested light intensities. Finally, a life cycle assessment based on a functional unit of 1 kg of the produced algal biomass using the DSC–photobioreactor (DSC–PBR) was performed and compared to a normal glass PBR. The results were expressed in terms of CO2 emission equivalents produced and electricity generated. A fraction of electricity generated by DSC–PBR is used for bubbling, and the extra electricity is injected into the electricity grid. This resulted in net negative GHG emissions.

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Marine biopolymers in robust biosolar cells

Yilmaz

2025

Marine Biopolymers

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Optical optimization of semi-transparent a-Si:H solar cells for photobioreactor application

Cited by 6 publications

References 28 publications

Ultrathin Wide‐Bandgap a‐Si:H‐Based Solar Cells for Transparent Photovoltaic Applications

Ultrathin Wide‐Bandgap a‐Si:H‐Based Solar Cells for Transparent Photovoltaic Applications

Enhancing Algae Biomass Production by Using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells as Filters

Marine biopolymers in robust biosolar cells

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