A groundbreaking study has been introduced recently, which is expected to make significant progress in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Principal researchers Dr. Sandra Correia (Aveiro University and Telecomunicações University) and Professor Rute Ferreira (Aveiro University and Ciceco University of Ciceco_Aveiro Institute of Materials) and Dr. Lianshe Fu and Dr. Lianshe Fu and Pa Professor ulo André uses a lantern-based downshift layer ( DSL) developed prototypes of silicon-based PV cells with enhanced efficiency. The study, published in the “famous journal” Optical Materials: X, proposes a refined and practical approach to harnessing more solar energy in space, which is crucial for long-term missions.
Due to its high power conversion efficiency, multi-phase solar cells have long been the standard for space applications. However, their complex manufacturing processes and high costs have led to the need for more cost-effective alternatives, such as silicon-based PV cells. “One of the limitations of solar conversion is the mismatch between solar spectrum and absorption using PV technology,” explains Dr. Sandra Correia. The team’s work focuses on the use of laning by lanthation The mixed materials are incorporated into DSL to narrow the efficiency gap. These layers are designed to convert ultraviolet light (more common in space) into the wavelengths where silicon cells can convert more efficiently into electrical energy.
Professor Rute Ferreira highlighted the impact of their findings: “Electric measurements of PV cells before and after DSL deposition confirm the positive effect of the coating on device performance.” This was achieved without changing the existing cell design This enhancement provides scalable solutions that enable numerous satellite systems to be upgraded without redesigning or investment.
Furthermore, the materials used for DSL are characterized by their high luminescence and light stability, durability and reliable performance under harsh space conditions. Dr. Correia added: “This proof of concept was performed using complex incorporated complexes in a mixed host because of its luminous efficiency and stability.”
The application of these layers in large-area PV cells marks an important milestone, representing the largest area of activity reported to date for such technologies in spatial applications. Dr. Ferreira’s comment on the broader implications: “These results may promote interest in the research community to invest in such PV complementary structures that will be used in space environments.”
This study not only paves the way for more efficient use of solar energy in space, but also reduces reliance on expensive multi-dance units, potentially reducing satellite and spacecraft production. The impact on future space missions is profound, expanding the feasibility of long-term missions and enhancing the sustainability of space exploration.
All in all, the work of Correia et al. Providing promising vision for the future of space solar systems. By optimizing the spectral matching between solar radiation and silicon cell uptake, these Landand-based DSLs are a promising strategy to power beyond Earth, marking a critical development in aerospace technology and our The pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Journal Reference
Sandra FH Correia, Lianshe Fu, Paulo S. André, Rute, as Ferreira’s Rute, “Sun spectral management in space using lantern-based precipitation layers”, Optical materials: X, 21, 100280, 2024. Doi: https://doi.org.org.org.org.org.org.org.org.org.org/10.1016/j.omx.2023.100280
About the Author
Sandra FH Correia Received her PhD in 2017, a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Aveiro, Portugal. She is a researcher in the Department of Physics at Aveiro University and Ciceco University and the Aveiro Institute of Aveiro Institute of 2017-2021, working in luminescent solar concentrates and countdown. Today, she is a researcher at Telecomunicações Instituto de Telecomunicações, working on photovoltaic complementary devices for space applications. Her scientific interests are mainly focused on luminescent materials for applications in photonic applications, namely sensing, luminescent solar concentrators and downward moving layers.
rute as Ferreira He received a PhD in Physics (2002) and received a sysgação in Physics from the University of De Aveiro (UA) in Portugal (2021). Currently, she is a complete professor in the UA Department of Physics. She is the deputy director of the Ciceco-Aveiro Materials Institute and UA’s general board of directors. Her current scientific interests focus on the photoelectric research of organic/inorganic hybrids, foreseeing the fields of photoelectric and green photonics (solid-state illumination and integrated optics), luminescent magnetic materials (single-ion/molecular magnets) and photoluminescent (luminescent photoelectric appliances) (luminescent photoelectromagnetization) solar concentrator and downward layer). Over the past decade, she has expanded her interest to those focusing on major thermometers and luminescent materials suitable for the Internet of Things (Internet of Things) has optically intelligent tags that can be used for traceability and perception.
