Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

Abstract

Due to the inherent broadband nature of the solar radiation, combined with the narrow spectral sensitivity range of direct solar to electricity devices, there is a massive opportunity to manipulate the solar spectrum to increase the functionality and efficiency of solar energy conversion devices. Spectral splitting or manipulation facilitates the efficient combination of both high-temperature solar thermal systems, which can absorb over the entire solar spectrum to create heat, and photovoltaic cells, which only convert a range of wavelengths to electricity. It has only recently been possible, with the development of nanofabrication techniques, to integrate micro-and nano-photonic structures as spectrum splitters/manipulators into solar energy conversion devices. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in beam splitting techniques, and highlight some relevant applications including combined PV-thermal collectors and efficient algae production, and suggest paths for future development in this field.

Optically Active TiO2:Er Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

“…The term “light manipulation” was invented for the purposes of efficient harvesting of the incident radiation in the case of solar cells [ 18 ]. It consists of either (1) photoluminesce when upon excitation with a photon of higher frequency, a lower frequency photon is emitted following the non-radiative transfer of an electron to a lower state; (2) down conversion involving two photons of higher energy to produce one photon of lower energy; or (3) up-conversion in which at least two low energy photons are absorbed in order to emit one photon of higher energy [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Band-Gap-Engineered Transparent Perovskite Solar Modules to Combine Photovoltaics with Photosynthesis

“…14 Figure 1a presents the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B, and both participate in the light reaction process. 19 Red light and blue light are absorbed by the chlorophyll, while green light is not absorbed. A green gap can be defined, which ranges from 480 to 630 nm.…”

Effective bandwidth approach for the spectral splitting of solar spectrum using diffractive optical elements

“…However, modern approach of using spatially controlled pixels close to the wavelength of light drastically increases our ability to gain control on light. Spatiotemporal control of solar light yet is an important step towards increasing our benefits from solar radiation [6][7][8].…”

“…DOEs can effectively disperse the broadband light into its components via diffraction and multiple interferences. DOE, which is a result of computer-generated holography, could manipulate the light direction, wavefront, phase, and intensity [8].…”