Improved Thermal/Solar Energy Conversion

Louisiana State University
posted on 09/14/2010

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The amount of electrical energy produced by a solar cell is primarily determined by the amount of solar energy it can absorb. In harnessing solar energy a major limitation of conventional solar panels has been their ability to absorb only a narrow band of light waves. To compensate for this loss, conventional solar panels can be equipped with expensive lens systems which results in a more costly solar panel. This technology improves the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy using a novel photonic crystal structure. Specifically, it absorbs a broad spectrum of sunlight and funnels it into useful wavelengths, producing greater amounts of electrical energy than possible using current technology. This absorber can be manufactured into a solar panel using conventional lithographic manufacturing techniques. Theoretical models suggest this new panel would have a conversion efficiency of up to 60%. This new technology eliminates the need for expensive lens equipment and increases kilowatt hours produced, leading to cost savings for producers and customers alike.

• Solar panel crystal
• Photonic crystal
• Optical circuit

• Increased energy production
• Dramatically increases solar panel efficiency – theoretical models suggest 60% conversion efficiency.
• Increases the amount of kilowatt hours generated
• Low production and labor costs
• More selective solar frequency use