Transparent Power-Generating Windows Based on Solar-Thermal-Electric Conversion

Zhang Q, Huang A, Ai X, Liao J, Song Q, Reith H, Cao X, Fang Y, Schierning G, Nielsch K, Bai S, Chen L (2021)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 11

Article Number: 2101213

Journal Issue: 30

DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202101213

Abstract

Integrating transparent solar-harvesting systems into windows can provide renewable on-site energy supply without altering building aesthetics or imposing further design constraints. Transparent photovoltaics have shown great potential, but the increased transparency comes at the expense of reduced power-conversion efficiency. Here, a new technology that overcomes this limitation by combining solar-thermal-electric conversion with a material's wavelength-selective absorption is presented. A wavelength-selective film consisting of Cs0.33WO3 and resin facilitates high visible-light transmittance (up to 88%) and outstanding ultraviolet and infrared absorbance, thereby converting absorbed light into heat without sacrificing transparency. A prototype that couples the film with thermoelectric power generation produces an extraordinary output voltage of ≈4 V within an area of 0.01 m2 exposed to sunshine. Further optimization design and experimental verification demonstrate high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art transparent photovoltaics, enriching the library of on-site energy-saving and transparent power generation.

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Zhang, Q., Huang, A., Ai, X., Liao, J., Song, Q., Reith, H.,... Chen, L. (2021). Transparent Power-Generating Windows Based on Solar-Thermal-Electric Conversion. Advanced Energy Materials, 11(30). https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202101213

MLA:

Zhang, Qihao, et al. "Transparent Power-Generating Windows Based on Solar-Thermal-Electric Conversion." Advanced Energy Materials 11.30 (2021).

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