Semi-transparent printable solar cells for energy generating windows
Lead Research Organisation:
Swansea University
Department Name: College of Engineering
Abstract
NSG/Pilkington is one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world. With a strong presence in Europe and manufacturing sites in the UK, NSG produces over 320million M2 of glass products every year. NSG produces glass for markets such as automotive, display and optical products and in considerable volume for the built environment. NSG seeks to add value to their current building integrated glazing range by extending their current functionality from such things as low emissivity and self-cleaning to that of energy (electricity) generation. A range of different options are available including opaque application of existing PV technologies for spandrel panels however of interest in this project is the delivery of a PV technology that is also semi-transparent and that can be used in conventional glass window products. An exciting new technology which may deliver this is the printable perovskite solar cell. Current champion performances of perovskite solar cells have reached over 22% in efficiency and continue to rise, this is achieved whilst using low cost materials that can be applied using industry scale deposition methods. The challenge of this project is to achieve a scaled glazing product using perovskite that is also semi-transparent, this requires additional technology innovation in the area of the perovskite absorber layer itself as well as in the normally opaque electrode materials.
This EngD represent an exciting opportunity to work within the PV group at SPECIFIC, led by Dr Trystan Watson and further the ambitions of NSG to develop a solution processable solid state semi-transparent solar glass product.
The SPECIFIC IKC sits beyond fundamental science to identify the technologies emerging from laboratories and assess their suitability to scale up in the area of building integrated functional coatings that generate, store or release energy. The photovoltaic group has responsibility for identifying new cell architecture and chemistries that fit with the necessary criteria of large scale manufacture which includes earth abundance, manufacturing feasibility and impact on the environment.
Project Aims:
The aim of this project is to develop a semi-transparent prototype glazing product based on the perovskite solar absorbing material. This will entail the development and optimization of strategies to balance light absorption by the absorber material whilst maintaining semi-transparency of the glass overall and the ability to influence the overall absorption wavelengths (colour) and clarity of the device stack. It will be necessary to develop appropriate absorber and electrode materials for this purpose. In addition the methods that will be developed will require application using scalable processes such as blade coating or slot-die onto industrially relevant NSG products.
This EngD represent an exciting opportunity to work within the PV group at SPECIFIC, led by Dr Trystan Watson and further the ambitions of NSG to develop a solution processable solid state semi-transparent solar glass product.
The SPECIFIC IKC sits beyond fundamental science to identify the technologies emerging from laboratories and assess their suitability to scale up in the area of building integrated functional coatings that generate, store or release energy. The photovoltaic group has responsibility for identifying new cell architecture and chemistries that fit with the necessary criteria of large scale manufacture which includes earth abundance, manufacturing feasibility and impact on the environment.
Project Aims:
The aim of this project is to develop a semi-transparent prototype glazing product based on the perovskite solar absorbing material. This will entail the development and optimization of strategies to balance light absorption by the absorber material whilst maintaining semi-transparency of the glass overall and the ability to influence the overall absorption wavelengths (colour) and clarity of the device stack. It will be necessary to develop appropriate absorber and electrode materials for this purpose. In addition the methods that will be developed will require application using scalable processes such as blade coating or slot-die onto industrially relevant NSG products.
Planned Impact
The COATED2 CDT will support the aims of the EPSRC/TSB SPECIFIC IKC and the EPSRC CIM in Large Area Electronics at Swansea University through the provision of 40 research engineers (REs). The SPECIFIC IKC has ambitious targets to create buildings that are power-stations through the use of functional coatings. The targets include:
- A £1billion UK manufacturing sector creating business opportunities with export potential
- Creation of around 7,000 manufacturing/construction sector jobs
- Generation of up to 1/3 of the UK's renewable energy target
- Reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 6 million tons
The CIM in Large Area Electronics has key aims that are synergistic with the IKC, in particular to address the challenges of low-cost manufacturing of multi-functional LAE systems and to support the scale-up of technologies for functional materials. Both projects have shared technologies and processes and RE support through COATED2 will have significant impact on achieving their aims through:
- The supply of highly trained and enthusiastic REs for a growing new industry base
- Encouraging radical thinking for REs in terms of optimisation and up-scaling of laboratory concepts to an industrial scale
- Achieving greater engagement with new and existing industry and academic partners.
The COATED2 RE cohorts will provide impact in a number of key areas -
Knowledge
- Research projects defined by industry with a real scientific or engineering need at their core ensuring relevant research is embedded within the industrial partner/University.
- Engagement of multiple partners through the CDT/IKC's open innovation arrangements permits sharing of knowledge between otherwise discrete industries
- Each RE will produce 3 publications and attend 1 international conference disseminating knowledge into the academic community.
- RE research will be evidenced in taught modules ensuring that quality of training is enhanced year on year.
- Development of new technologies will create a lead for the UK in up-scaling of complex functional coated products.
- Training modules are accessible to Industrial partners providing knowledge beyond the scope of the core CDT.
Economy
- Future industry leaders will be created from the CDT. 96% of previous REs at Swansea have moved onto industry related careers.
- Innovative new products and processes will catalyse new industries and technology advances in established manufacturers generating wealth.
- 8 Patents have been filed by the IKC since 2011 and REs are critical for the on-going development of IP exploitation.
- SPECIFIC Innovations has been established to develop business models and spin-out companies for the exploitation of IP created through the CDT and IKC attracting inward investment.
- The facilities within SPECIFIC and the CIM coupled with extensive industrial partners bridges the gap between research and wealth creation ensuring that outputs from the CDT are maximised.
Society
- REs will engage in active outreach to promote their research and attract more people into STEM activities.
- There have been over 1000 separate visits to the IKC/CDT raising awareness of the product potential to a range of end users.
- Research activity at the CDT supporting the IKC and the CIM will contribute towards alleviating fuel poverty, reducing CO2 output and providing energy security
- Water purification, bio-inspired coatings and durability research benefits developed and developing nations.
People
- The CDT will produce 40 highly skilled individuals trained to support industry and academia
- Graduates of the scheme moving into employment will grow networks between academia and industrial partners creating new opportunities for the CDT.
- Shared seminars with other institutions will enable REs to gain insights into complementary research and raise awareness of available facilities and resources
- A £1billion UK manufacturing sector creating business opportunities with export potential
- Creation of around 7,000 manufacturing/construction sector jobs
- Generation of up to 1/3 of the UK's renewable energy target
- Reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 6 million tons
The CIM in Large Area Electronics has key aims that are synergistic with the IKC, in particular to address the challenges of low-cost manufacturing of multi-functional LAE systems and to support the scale-up of technologies for functional materials. Both projects have shared technologies and processes and RE support through COATED2 will have significant impact on achieving their aims through:
- The supply of highly trained and enthusiastic REs for a growing new industry base
- Encouraging radical thinking for REs in terms of optimisation and up-scaling of laboratory concepts to an industrial scale
- Achieving greater engagement with new and existing industry and academic partners.
The COATED2 RE cohorts will provide impact in a number of key areas -
Knowledge
- Research projects defined by industry with a real scientific or engineering need at their core ensuring relevant research is embedded within the industrial partner/University.
- Engagement of multiple partners through the CDT/IKC's open innovation arrangements permits sharing of knowledge between otherwise discrete industries
- Each RE will produce 3 publications and attend 1 international conference disseminating knowledge into the academic community.
- RE research will be evidenced in taught modules ensuring that quality of training is enhanced year on year.
- Development of new technologies will create a lead for the UK in up-scaling of complex functional coated products.
- Training modules are accessible to Industrial partners providing knowledge beyond the scope of the core CDT.
Economy
- Future industry leaders will be created from the CDT. 96% of previous REs at Swansea have moved onto industry related careers.
- Innovative new products and processes will catalyse new industries and technology advances in established manufacturers generating wealth.
- 8 Patents have been filed by the IKC since 2011 and REs are critical for the on-going development of IP exploitation.
- SPECIFIC Innovations has been established to develop business models and spin-out companies for the exploitation of IP created through the CDT and IKC attracting inward investment.
- The facilities within SPECIFIC and the CIM coupled with extensive industrial partners bridges the gap between research and wealth creation ensuring that outputs from the CDT are maximised.
Society
- REs will engage in active outreach to promote their research and attract more people into STEM activities.
- There have been over 1000 separate visits to the IKC/CDT raising awareness of the product potential to a range of end users.
- Research activity at the CDT supporting the IKC and the CIM will contribute towards alleviating fuel poverty, reducing CO2 output and providing energy security
- Water purification, bio-inspired coatings and durability research benefits developed and developing nations.
People
- The CDT will produce 40 highly skilled individuals trained to support industry and academia
- Graduates of the scheme moving into employment will grow networks between academia and industrial partners creating new opportunities for the CDT.
- Shared seminars with other institutions will enable REs to gain insights into complementary research and raise awareness of available facilities and resources
People |
ORCID iD |
| Trystan Watson (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Brendan Coles (Student) |