Photonic microstructures for energy generating clear glass and net zero energy buildings
Transparent energy harvesting windows are emerging as practical building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) capable of generating electricity while simultaneously reducing heating and cooling demands. By incorporating spectrally selective diffraction gratings as light deflecting structures of high visible transparency into lamination interlayers and using improved spectrally selective thin film coatings, most of the visible solar radiation can be transmitted through the glass windows with minimum attenuation. At the same time, the ultraviolet (UV) and a part of incident solar infrared (IR) radiation energy are converted and/or deflected geometrically towards the panel edge for collection by CuInSe2 solar cells. Experimental results show power conversion efficiencies in excess of 3.04% in 10 cm x 10 cm vertically placed clear glass panels facing direct sunlight, and up to 2.08% in 50 cm x 50 cm installation ready framed window systems. These results confirm the emergence of a new class of solar window system ready for industrial application.
Scientific reports