Harnessing light with hemispherical shells

Harnessing light with hemispherical shells

by Robert Schreiber

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Feb 22, 2024

In a groundbreaking study from Abdullah Gul University in Turkiye, researchers have developed a novel hemispherical shell structure for organic photovoltaic cells, significantly enhancing their light absorption and angular coverage. Published in the SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy, this innovation could mark a pivotal shift in the quest for more efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.

At the core of this research is a fresh take on the architecture of organic solar cells. Traditionally, these cells have been flat, but the team at Abdullah Gul University, led by Professor Dooyoung Hah, has turned to hemispherical shell shapes. This design is not just a departure from the conventional; it’s a leap towards maximizing the cells’ ability to capture light from a wide range of angles.

Using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA), a computational technique that breaks down complex structures into manageable parts for simulation, the researchers delved into the interactions between light and the cell’s structure. The results were striking: when exposed to transverse electric (TE)-polarized light, the hemispherical design achieved a 66 percent increase in light absorption compared to its flat counterparts. For transverse magnetic (TM)-polarized light, the improvement was a robust 36 percent.

The hemispherical shell structure didn’t just surpass traditional flat designs; it also outperformed semicylindrical shells previously reported in the field. It showed a 13 percent and a 21 percent increase in light absorption for TE and TM polarizations, respectively. This enhanced efficiency stems from the design’s superior angular coverage, which spans up to 81 degrees for TE polarization and 82 degrees for TM polarization.

A Bright Future for Diverse Applications

Professor Hah’s enthusiasm for the potential applications of this technology is palpable. “With the improved absorption and omnidirectionality characteristics, the proposed hemispherical-shell-shaped active layers will be found beneficial in various application areas of organic solar cells, such as biomedical devices, as well as applications such as power-generation windows and greenhouses, internet-of-things, and so on,” he states.

The implications of this research extend far beyond the realms of traditional energy generation. The adaptability and efficiency of the hemispherical shell design could revolutionize the integration of solar power into a wide array of devices and settings, from wearable electronics to power-generating windows, highlighting its potential to contribute significantly to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

The full details of this innovative approach to solar cell design can be found in the study “Hemispherical-shell-shaped organic photovoltaic cells for absorption enhancement and improved angular coverage,” published in the SPIE Journal of Photonics for Energy. This research not only paves the way for advanced organic photovoltaic technologies but also underscores the ongoing importance of sustainable energy solutions in addressing global energy challenges.

Research Report:Hemispherical-shell-shaped organic photovoltaic cells for absorption enhancement and improved angular coverage