A New Type of Architecture of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells as an Alternative Pathway to Outdoor Photovoltaics

Abstract

The current investigation shows a possible new pathway for more efficient and cost-effective energy-harvesting photovoltaic devices. Our approach could permit all emerging technologies that are currently used for indoors and smart buildings to go a step forward and could be used for outdoor applications. The investigated architecture is a very promising geometry especially for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). It turns their main drawback, the lowering of their efficiency and lifetime when operating at high solar irradiation density, into an asset by increasing the total active area per horizontal unit area for light harvesting, while preserving the active elements from degradation and extending durable lifetime. The investigated architecture is based on a symmetric “U” type geometry, which is constructed by a highly reflective material on the inner surface. Solar irradiation is reflected internally at the bottom of the construction and splits towards two opposite sided solar cells; the two cells form a cavity where the solar light multiplies and is successively absorbed. Consequently, the vertically incoming irradiation is reduced when reaching the vertical internal sides on which the DSSCs are mounted. Thus, the solar cells operate at low light intensities, which provide significant lifetime extension and efficiency enhancement. Interestingly, the electrical energy per effective surface unit, which is produced by the two vertical DSSCs, is at least equal to that of a standalone, vertically irradiated cell. The advantage of the new architecture is that protects DSSCs from their degradation and deterioration, although the entire system operates under high illumination. This makes the cells more efficient outdoors, with a comparable performance to indoor conditions.

A Theoretical Study of The Influence of Donor Sensitize Dye on Performance of Dye-sensitized Solar Sells DSSCs

“…Polarity was inversely related to the Λ AD ,its clearly shown in Eq. (12) .Current density increases when Λ 𝐴𝐷 decreases for system and transition become more probable .The current and current density of electron in D149 /TiO2 is larger than Alq3 /TiO2 and increases with decreases the potential at interface .However ,the current and current density in both Tables (4) and ( 5) are increased with increased the strength coupling and large for D149/ ZnO with solvent and electrons are transition from donor to the conduction band in acceptor semiconductor.Furthermore ,the open circuit photo-voltage can be estimated from the I-V curves and using to calculate the efficiency and fill factor ,the current density with voltage is tabulated in table (6) for both systems . The J-V characteristics of two system are shown in the Figure (3).…”

“…The results of the current density list in Table (5) for D149/ZnO and Alq3/ZnO devices. Tables (4) and (5) show that the current and current density related to the solvent media , which increases with decreases of Λ 𝐴𝐷 in Table (3) , while reach to large with small transition energy belongs to the device.This means the current and current density in the solar cells influence by polarity through the refractive index and the dielectric constant of the solvent . Polarity was inversely related to the Λ AD ,its clearly shown in Eq.…”

“…3(, the coupling overlap (|𝕄 𝐷 𝐴 (𝑒𝑉)| 2 ) takes 0.35, 0.45, 0.55, 0.65, 0.75 and 0.85 ×10−11 in unit (eV) 2 ,the ionization energy 5.2 eV and 5.8 eV for D149 and Alq3 dyes, 𝑙 𝑠 = 3A o[32] .The results of the current listed in Table(4) for D149/ZnO and Alq3/ZnO devices. Results of current I of charge transfer for Alq3/ZnO and D149 -ZnO devices .…”

“…The photovoltaic (PV) solar cell is devices woks to convert the sun light directly into electricity . It is well-suited for a variety of outdoor applications, indoor and at various application [4]. To fulfill this goal of low cost and clean energy produced using renewable resources, it has been necessary to fabrication higher efficient photovoltaic with lower cost [5].Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are becoming a promised because higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication, and environmentally friendly [6].…”

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on TiO2 Anode Thin Film with Three-Dimensional Web-like Structure

“…Three-dimensional macroporous (3DM) TiO 2 films can be viewed as a good candidate for the improvement of such properties. This kind of 3DM architecture may have interesting bulk-chemistry applications, especially for heterogeneous photocatalysis, photonic crystals, and opto-electricity conversion [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. This is because they enhance the quantum yield due to an enlarged surface area and multiple scattering.…”