KR101068206B1 - Color changeable solar cell - Google Patents

Abstract

A color variable solar cell is disclosed. The color variable solar cell according to the present invention includes a solar cell unit generating energy using light, and a reflective display unit driven by energy generated by the solar cell unit to selectively reflect light having an arbitrary wavelength. It is characterized by including.

Solar cell, reflective display, photonic crystal, electric field, display

Description

Color variable solar cell {COLOR CHANGEABLE SOLAR CELL}

The present invention relates to a color variable solar cell. More specifically, colors capable of expressing various colors by mixing or non-mixing a solar cell and a reflective display driven by energy generated by the solar cell and selectively reflecting light of arbitrary wavelengths. It relates to a variable solar cell.

Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a solar cell that applies the photosynthesis principle of plants. It is a solar cell whose main composition is to combine dyes, which function to absorb light energy in chloroplasts, with polymers. The dye-sensitized solar cell may include a dye for absorbing sunlight, a semiconductor oxide having a wide band gap serving as an n-type semiconductor, an electrolyte serving as a p-type semiconductor, a transparent electrode for solar transmission, and a counter electrode for a catalyst. In addition, the dye that absorbs the light is excited to generate electrons. The generated electrons are transferred to the semiconductor oxide conduction band and flow out to the external circuit through the transparent electrode to transfer electrical energy.

In addition, recently, a technique of using a dye-sensitized solar cell as a voltage source for operating the electrochromic device by introducing a dye-sensitized solar cell with an electrochromism device has been introduced. Here, the electrochromic color refers to a phenomenon in which light transmittance or color is reversibly changed when an external voltage is applied, and the electrochromic device may reversibly change the optical properties of a material by electrochemical oxidation or reduction. Substances that can be used are used, specifically, a reducing color material such as WO ₃ , MoO ₃ , TiO _3, etc., in which a predetermined color is expressed in a reduced state, and V ₂ O ₅ , IrO ₂ in which a predetermined color is expressed in an oxidized state. And oxidic coloring materials such as Nb ₂ O ₅ and NiO. The electrochromic device has low operating voltage, high photochromic efficiency, and has a favorable characteristic that the color fading phenomenon is maintained for a predetermined time even when no voltage is applied, and thus, such as a smart window, a mirror, a display, an optical switching device, etc. It is widely used in various fields. In particular, the dye-sensitized solar cell that can secure a high light transmittance compared to the conventional pn junction solar cell, and can generate a voltage (about 0.7 to 0.9V) to operate the electrochromic device is an electric Combined with discoloration elements, it is possible to achieve excellent display performance.

However, according to the technique of combining the conventional dye-sensitized solar cell and the electrochromic device, it is not easy to implement a variety of colors, dyes because the electrochromic device is involved in the redox reaction that occurs in the dye-sensitized solar cell Degradation of the performance of the sensitive solar cell may occur. For example, since the electrochromic device should be connected to the cathode of a dye-sensitized solar cell, the catalyst layer (consisting of Pt, etc.) connected to the cathode of a conventional fuel-sensitized solar cell is excluded or does not function normally. As a result, the performance of the fuel-sensitized solar cell may be remarkably degraded, thereby increasing the time required for discoloration of the electrochromic device.

On the other hand, various methods have been proposed to solve the limitations and problems of the display discoloration device in the process of generating a predetermined color as described above, a method of using the principle of the photonic crystal can be considered.

Photonic crystal refers to a material or crystal having a characteristic of having a color corresponding to a specific wavelength by reflecting only light of a specific wavelength of incident light and passing light of the remaining wavelength. Representative examples of the photonic crystal include a wing of a butterfly and a beetle. Shells; Although they do not contain a pigment, they contain a unique photonic crystal structure, and thus they can give a unique color.

According to a recent study on photonic crystals, photonic crystals containing a certain material are crystallized by various external stimuli, in contrast to conventional photonic crystals in nature, which reflect only light of a specific wavelength. It is possible to arbitrarily change the structure (for example, the interlayer thickness constituting the photonic crystal) or the refractive index of the medium in which the photonic crystal is dispersed, and as a result, the wavelength of light reflected to the ultraviolet or infrared region as well as the visible region can be freely adjusted. Turned out.

Accordingly, the present inventors can implement a dye-sensitized solar cell capable of expressing any color by using an crystalline display means that reflects light of an arbitrary wavelength by applying an electric field to particles having an electric charge to control the structure or refractive index of the photonic crystal. The present invention has been made with the idea that it will be possible.

According to the present invention, a dye-sensitized solar cell and a plurality of photocrystalline particles having charges are mixed or non-mixed, and energy (ie, potential difference or voltage) generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell is directly or indirectly. An object of the present invention is to provide a color variable solar cell capable of expressing a full color structural color by applying an electric field to the photonic crystal particles.

In order to achieve the above object, the color-tunable solar cell according to the present invention is driven by the energy generated by the solar cell unit, and the energy generated by the solar cell unit using light to select light of an arbitrary wavelength It characterized in that it comprises a reflective display unit that reflects.

The reflective display unit includes a plurality of particles or a plurality of vacancies that are regularly arranged in any medium, and the spacing between the particles or the voids and the medium by applying an electric field generated by the energy. By controlling the refractive index, the photonic crystal color can be adjusted.

The reflective display unit may include a plurality of particles having a charge, and may control the photonic crystal color by controlling an interval between the particles by applying an electric field generated by the potential difference in the dispersed state.

An interval between the particles may be changed according to at least one of the intensity or direction of the electric field, and the wavelength of light reflected from the particles may be changed according to the change of the gap.

The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit may be layered by a light transmitting member, and the solar cell unit may generate energy by using light passing through the reflective display unit.

The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit may be coupled in a layered manner by a light impermeable member, and incident directions of light incident on the solar cell unit and the reflective display unit may be opposite to each other.

On the upper side of the solar cell unit, a first reflective display unit is coupled in a layer by a light transmitting member, and on the lower side of the solar cell unit, a second reflective display unit is coupled in a layer by a light impermeable member. Photonic crystal colors of the first and second reflective display units may be independently controlled by energy generated by the solar cell unit.

The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit may be arranged on the same plane.

The battery may further include a storage unit configured to store charge using energy generated by the solar cell unit and to apply an electric field to the particles using the stored charge.

In order to achieve the above object, the color variable solar cell according to the present invention includes a plurality of first particles for absorbing light to generate electrons, a first electrode and a common electrode for driving the first particles, and the first agent. A dye-sensitized solar cell unit including an electrolyte layer filled in a space between the first electrode and the common electrode, the plurality of second particles having a charge dispersed in the electrolyte layer and a second driving the second particles The method further includes controlling an interval between the second particles by using an electric field generated by energy generated by the fuel-sensitized solar cell unit while the second particles are dispersed in the electrolyte layer. It features.

And, in order to achieve the above object, the color-tunable solar cell according to the present invention absorbs light to generate a plurality of first particles, two electrodes for driving the first particles, and between the two electrodes And a dye-sensitized solar cell unit including an electrolyte layer filled in a space of the battery, and further comprising a plurality of second particles dispersed in the electrolyte layer and having charges, wherein the second particles are dispersed in the electrolyte layer. At is characterized in that for controlling the interval between the second particles by using an electric field generated by the energy generated by the fuel-sensitized solar cell unit.

The apparatus may further include driving means for sequentially driving the first particles and the second particles.

The first particles and the second particles may be partitioned in the electrolyte layer.

The first particles and the second particles may be mixed in the electrolyte layer.

The first particles and the second particles may be made of the same material.

The second particles dispersed in the electrolyte layer may be encapsulated in a capsule of a light transmissive material.

The second particles dispersed in the electrolyte layer may be encapsulated into a plurality of capsules, and one of the two electrodes may be separated and correspond to each of the plurality of capsules.

As the electrolyte layer has a viscosity of more than a predetermined threshold, the spacing of the second particles set by the electric field may be maintained even when the electric field is blocked.

The apparatus may further include a storage unit configured to store charge by using energy generated by the fuel-sensitized solar cell unit and to apply an electric field to the second particles by using the stored charge.

According to the color-variable solar cell of the present invention configured as described above, the energy generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell is combined by combining the dye-sensitized solar cell and the reflective display without changing the essential configuration of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The effect of being able to implement full color colors is achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain features, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with an embodiment. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

1 to 3 are views exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a non-mixable color variable solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 3, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 100, 200, 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention uses solar light to generate a predetermined electrical potential 110. , 210, 310 and reflective display units 120, 220, and 320 that are driven by the potential difference generated by the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310 to selectively reflect light of an arbitrary wavelength. have.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310 may include all types of solar cells capable of generating energy (a predetermined potential difference or voltage) by using light incident from the outside. For example, the solar cell may include a silicon solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), a CIGS (CuInGaSe ₂ ) solar cell, or the like.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflective display unit 120, 220, 320 may include any type of reflective display capable of implementing a predetermined display by selectively reflecting light of an arbitrary wavelength. For example, it may include a photonic crystal display, an electrophoretic display, a Cholesteric display, an electrowetting display, a MEMS display, and the like. have.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electric potential generated by the solar cell unit 110, 210, 310 and maintained between the electrodes 130, 230, 330 of the solar cell unit (110, 210, 310) (electric potential) may be directly applied to the electrodes 140, 240, and 340 of the reflective display units 120, 220, and 320, or indirectly after being stored in a predetermined battery. 120, 220, and 320 may selectively reflect light of any wavelength to implement a predetermined display.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention uses the light transmitting member 130 to form the solar cell unit 110 and the reflective display unit 120. ) Can be configured by layering. According to the non-mixed color variable solar cell 100 of FIG. 1, a part of the light incident on the reflective display unit 120 may be incident on the solar cell unit 110 through the light transmissive member 130. The reflective display 120 may be selectively reflected by light generated by the light incident on the branch 110 to implement a predetermined display. In addition, in the non-mixable color variable solar cell 100, light of most wavelengths is incident on the solar cell unit 110 except for light having a wavelength reflected from the reflective display unit 120. The reflective display unit 120 may be driven in a state in which the photoelectric efficiency is not significantly reduced. The non-mixable color variable solar cell 100 generates photoelectric energy by arranging the solar cell unit 110 and the reflective display unit 120 in a direction in which light is incident (for example, by installing it on an outer wall of a building). It can be implemented as a solar cell having an eco-friendly interior function that can express various colors. Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, a non-mixable color-variable embodiment in which the electrode 116 of the solar cell unit 110 and the electrode 128 of the reflective display unit 120 have the same configuration without using the light transmitting member 130 separately. The battery 100 may be manufactured.

In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 200 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may use the solar cell unit 210 and the reflective display unit 220 using the light impermeable member 230. It can be configured by combining in a layer. According to the non-mixed color variable solar cell 200 of FIG. 2, the light incident on the solar cell unit 210 is only involved in the operation of the solar cell unit 210, and is located opposite to the light impermeable member 230. Since the light does not proceed to the reflective display unit 220, the light incident on the reflective display unit 220 only participates in the operation of the reflective display unit 220 and is located on the opposite side of the light opaque member 230. The solar cell unit 210 does not proceed. Therefore, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 200 is preferably used so that the solar cell unit 210 faces the outdoor and the reflective display unit 220 faces the room.

In addition, although not shown, as a modification of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first reflective display unit is coupled in a layered manner by a light transmitting member on the upper side of the solar cell unit, and the second reflection is below the solar cell unit. The non-mixed color variable solar cell 100 in which the display unit is coupled in a layer by a light impermeable member, and the photonic crystal color of the first and second reflective display units can be independently controlled by energy generated by the solar cell unit. ) May also be prepared.

In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be coupled such that the solar cell unit 310 and the reflective display unit 320 are arranged on the same plane. In addition, the energy generated by the solar cell unit 310 may be supplied to the reflective display unit 320 by a predetermined voltage distribution circuit. According to one embodiment of the present invention, each reflective display unit 320 is composed of unit pixels, and the solar cell unit 310 is disposed between the unit pixels to perform both a solar cell function and a display function. The non-mixable color variable solar cell 300 can be implemented.

1 to 3, at least some of the electrodes 130, 140, and 230 of the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310 and the reflective display units 120, 220, and 320 interfere with the progress of light. May be made of a light transmissive material. For example, it may be composed of indium tin oxide (ITO), titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), carbon nanotubes, and other conductive polymers, which are light transmitting electrode materials.

Meanwhile, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310 may be configured as fuel-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). That is, the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310 according to the embodiment of the present invention are dye-sensitized particles 112, such as TiO ₂ coated with a dye polymer on the surface, for example, a dye coated on the surface. 212 and 312, the electrolyte layers 114, 214, and 314 in which the dye-sensitized particles 112, 212, and 312 are dispersed, and two electrodes 116 disposed on the upper and lower sides of the electrolyte layers 114, 214, and 314. 118, 216, 218, 316, 318. Here, the two electrodes 116, 118, 216, 218, 316, and 318 are preferably transparent electrodes, but are not necessarily limited thereto. Since the specific operating principle of the fuel-sensitized solar cell is a well-known technique, the description thereof will be omitted herein.

Meanwhile, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, the reflective display units 120, 220, and 320 may be configured as a photonic crystal display. That is, the reflective display unit 120, 220, or 320 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a media layer 124 in which the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 and the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 are dispersed. , 224, 324, and two electrodes 126, 128, 226, 228, 326, and 328 disposed above and below the media layers 124, 224, and 324. The photocrystalline particles and the media layer will be described later. The two electrodes 126, 128, 226, 228, 326, and 328 are preferably transparent electrodes, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The operating principle of the photonic crystal display is as follows. First, when an electric field is applied to the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322, an electric force in a predetermined direction is applied to the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 due to the electric charges of the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322. As a result, the distance between the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 biased to one side becomes narrow, and a repulsive force is applied between the photocrystalline particles 510 having the same charge. Therefore, the distance between the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 may be determined according to the relative strength of the electric force due to the electric field and the repulsive force between the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322, and thus arranged at a predetermined interval. The photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 exhibit photonic crystallinity. In other words, according to Bragg's law, since the wavelength of light reflected from the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 is determined by the distance between the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322, the photocrystalline particles 122, 222, and 322 are determined. The distance between the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 can be controlled according to the intensity and / or the direction of the electric field applied thereto. As a result, the wavelength of the light reflected from the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 can be changed. It is able to control the color of the photonic crystal.

On the other hand, the principle of adjusting the photonic crystal color in the photonic crystal display is not limited to the above. That is, the reflective display unit which can be applied to the present invention arranges a plurality of particles regularly in an arbitrary media layer, and then applies an electric field to a plurality of vacancy generated by removing the particles, thereby physical properties of the media layer. It is also possible to adjust the photonic crystal color by controlling. It is also possible to adjust the photonic crystal color by adding a predetermined other material to the media layer to control the refractive index of the media layer.

Although not shown, the non-mixed color variable solar cells 100, 200, and 300 of FIGS. 1 to 3 store electric charges by using a potential difference generated by the solar cell units 110, 210, and 310. The battery may further include a capacitor configured to apply an electric field to the photonic crystal particles 122, 222, and 322 by using the stored charge.

Meanwhile, the non-mixable color variable solar cell 300 of FIG. 3 is illustrated as being partitioned by the partition member 330 from the solar cell unit 310 and the reflective display unit 320, but is not necessarily limited thereto. In some cases, the dye-sensitized particles 312 of the solar cell unit 310 and the photonic crystal particles 322 of the reflective display unit 320 may be partitioned by a capsule (not shown). The encapsulation process of the dye-sensitized particles and / or photonic crystal particles will be described later.

4 and 5 are views exemplarily showing the configuration of the photonic crystal particles and the media layer included in the photonic crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the photonic crystal particles 122 and the media layer 124 included in the photonic crystal display 120 of FIG. 1 as an example.

First, referring to FIG. 4, the photonic crystal particles 122 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be dispersed in the colloidal solvent 420 which is the media layer 124 as colloidal particles having negative or positive charges. In this case, the photonic crystal particles 122 may be arranged at a predetermined interval from each other due to mutual repulsive force. The diameter of the photonic crystal particle 122 may be in the range of several nm to thousands of nm, but is not necessarily limited to the above range.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5, the photonic crystal particle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be a cluster 122 composed of a plurality of unit photocrystalline particles 122a, and the outside of the cluster 122 may be positively charged or negatively charged. It can be coated with a charge layer (122b) having.

More specifically, the photonic crystal particles according to the embodiment of the present invention are aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), silver (Ag), tin (Tin), titanium (Ti) , Metal tungsten (W), cobalt (Co) and the like. In addition, the photonic crystal particles according to the embodiment of the present invention may be made of a polymer material such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylen terephthalate (PET). In addition, the photonic crystal particles according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a form in which a material having a charge on a particle or a cluster that does not have a charge, for example, silicon oxide (SiO _x ), Particles coated with a metal inorganic oxide such as titanium oxide (TiO _x ), PS (polystyrene), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl Chloride), PET (polyethylen terephthalate), ion exchange resin, etc. Particles coated with a polymer material, particles whose surface is processed (or coated) by organic compounds having hydrocarbon groups, surfaces by organic compounds having carboxylic acid groups, ester groups and acyl groups These processed (or coated) particles having negative charges, particles whose surfaces are processed (coated) by complex compounds containing halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, etc.) elements, amines, thiols, phos Coordination Compounds Containing Phosphorus By this, the surface is processed (coated), particles having a charge by forming a radical on the surface may correspond to this. However, the configuration of the photonic crystal particles according to the present invention is not limited to those listed above, but within the range in which the object of the present invention can be achieved, that is, within the range in which the distance between the particles can be controlled by an electric field. Note that changes can be made accordingly.

On the other hand, more specifically, the media layer (colloidal solvent) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an organic solvent such as ethanol, EG (ethylene glycol), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

6 and 7 are views exemplarily illustrating a configuration of a mixed color variable solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the mixed color variable solar cell 600 absorbs light and generates a plurality of dye-sensitized particles 620 and dye-sensitized particles 620 to generate electrons. And a dye-sensitized solar cell unit 610 including a common electrode 670, and an electrolyte layer 640 filled in a space between the solar cell electrode 650 and the common electrode 670. It further includes a plurality of photocrystalline particles 630 dispersed in 640 and having a charge and a display electrode 660 for driving the photocrystalline particles 630, the photocrystalline particles 630 in the electrolyte layer 640 In the dispersed state, the distance between the photonic crystal particles 630 is controlled by using the electric field generated by the potential difference generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit 610.

The electrode included in the mixed color variable solar cell 600 includes a solar cell electrode 650 performing a function of a solar cell, a display electrode 660 performing a function of a display, and a solar cell electrode 650 and a display electrode 660. ) May be divided into a common electrode 670 which functions as a counter electrode. That is, by spatially separating the functions of the color variable solar cell 600 using the electrode structure as described above, it is possible to perform both the function of the solar cell and the function of the photonic crystal display in one cell.

In this case, the solar cell electrode 650 transfers the electrons generated from the dye-sensitized particles 620 that absorb light to the electrolyte layer 640 to allow the mixed color variable solar cell 600 to function as a solar cell. . In addition, the display electrode 660 applies an electric field to the photonic crystal particles 630 to control the interval between the photonic crystal particles 630, and as a result, light of an arbitrary wavelength is reflected so that the mixed color variable solar cell ( 600 to perform the function as a display.

The mixed color variable solar cell 600 may increase the area of the common electrode 670 that generates photovoltaic power disposed on the lower side thereof, thereby increasing the function of the solar cell, and the display electrode 660 of the display electrode 660 disposed on the upper side thereof. The area of the solar cell electrode 650 is relatively large and the area of the solar cell electrode 650 is relatively small, thereby increasing the function as a display.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, the mixed color variable solar cell 700 includes two electrodes for driving the plurality of dye-sensitized particles 720 and the dye-sensitized particles 720 that absorb electrons to generate electrons. A dye-sensitized solar cell unit 710 including 750, 760, and an electrolyte layer 740 that fills the space between two electrodes 750, 760, and is dispersed within the electrolyte layer 740. Further comprising a plurality of photonic crystal particles 730 having a charge, generated by the potential difference generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit 710 in a state in which the photocrystalline particles 730 are dispersed in the electrolyte layer 740. The gap between the photonic crystal particles 730 is controlled using the electric field.

The mixed color variable solar cell 700 includes two common electrodes 750 and 760 capable of performing both a solar cell function and a display function, and simultaneously perform the two functions by using a predetermined switch circuit. Only one can be controlled to be selectively performed. That is, by using the configuration as described above to distinguish the functions of the mixed color variable solar cell 700 in time to perform both the function of the solar cell and the function of the photonic crystal display in one cell.

More specifically, in the mixed color variable solar cell 700, when the solar cell switch 770 is closed and the display switch 780 is opened, the color variable solar cell 700 may perform the function of the solar cell, and conversely, the solar cell. When the switch 770 is opened and the display switch 780 is closed, the color variable solar cell 700 may perform a function of a display. At this time, by setting the switching speed of the switch state as faster than the light blinking recognition speed of the human eye, the color-variable solar cell 700 has the same effect as it seems to perform the function of the solar cell and the display at the same time. Will be achieved.

In the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700, the materials of the dye-sensitized particles 620 and 720 and the photonic crystal particles 630 and 730 are the same as those described in the non-mixed color variable solar cells 100, 200 and 300. Do. However, the dye-sensitized particles 620 and 720 and the photonic crystal particles 630 and 730 are made of the same material in order to facilitate the manufacturing process of the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700 and to reduce the manufacturing cost. It is preferable. For example, the materials of the dye-sensitized particles 620 and 720 and the photonic crystal particles 630 and 730 may be metal oxide particles such as TiO _x . However, the dye-sensitized particles 620 and 720 should be coated with a dye polymer layer on the surface of the TiO _x particles, and the photonic crystal particles 630 and 730 should be charged with TiO _x particles.

The electrodes 650, 660, 670, 750, and 760 of the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may preferably use a transparent electrode made of ITO. However, the electrodes 670 and 760 are not necessarily limited to transparent electrodes, and in some cases, an opaque metal electrode such as platinum or a carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode may be used. In particular, the use of a black CNT electrode can double the reflected light characteristics of the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700.

On the other hand, although not shown, the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700 of FIGS. 6 and 7 store electric charges using the potential difference generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit, and use the stored charges to photonic crystals. The battery may further include a power storage unit configured to apply an electric field to the particles 630 and 730.

Although not shown, the electrolyte layers 640 and 740 in the mixed color-variable solar cells 600 and 700 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may have a viscosity or a gel form above a predetermined threshold. Can be. As a result, the distance between the photonic crystal particles 630 and 730 set by the electric field is maintained even when the electric field is blocked, thereby continuously reflecting light having a specific wavelength. This allows the mixed color variable solar cells 600 and 700 to implement a bistable display function that can display an image even without a power supply.

Hereinafter, various modifications of the mixed color variable solar cell 700 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mixed color variable solar cell 800 according to a first modified example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the mixed color variable solar cell 800 includes a plurality of dye-sensitized particles 820 for absorbing light and generating electrons, and two electrodes 850 and 860 for driving the dye-sensitized particles 820. ), A dye-sensitized solar cell unit 810 including an electrolyte layer 840 filled in a space between two electrodes 850 and 860, and a plurality of photonic crystals dispersed in the electrolyte layer 840 and having charges. And particles 930. The mixed color variable solar cell 800 is different from the mixed color variable solar cell 700 in that the dye-sensitized particles 820 are disposed between the photonic crystal particles 830. According to the present modification, the dye-sensitized particles 820 may be disposed to be in contact with the electrode 850 on which light is incident, thereby improving light conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

9 is a view showing the configuration of the hybrid color-tunable solar cell 900 according to a second modification of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the mixed color variable solar cell 900 includes a plurality of dye-sensitized particles 920 for absorbing light and generating electrons, and two electrodes 950 and 960 for driving the dye-sensitized particles 920. ), A dye-sensitized solar cell unit 910 including an electrolyte layer 940 filled in a space between two electrodes 950 and 960, and a plurality of photonic crystals dispersed in the electrolyte layer 940 and having charges. And particles 930. The mixed color variable solar cell 900 is different from the mixed color variable solar cell 700 in that the dye-sensitized particles 920 are disposed to contact the electrode 950 and then the photonic crystal particles 930 are disposed. . According to the present modification, by placing the dye-sensitized particles 920 on the electrode 950 side to which light is incident, the light conversion efficiency of the solar cell can be improved.

10 is a view showing the configuration of the hybrid color-tunable solar cell 1000 according to a third modification of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the mixed color variable solar cell 1000 includes a plurality of particles 1020, a space between two electrodes 1040 and 1050 driving the particles 1020, and two electrodes 1040 and 1050. The dye-sensitized solar cell unit 1010 including the electrolyte layer 1030 is filled in. The mixed color variable solar cell 1000 includes dye-sensitized particles and photocrystalline particles as described above, including the particles 1020 inducing photoelectric development by light and electric charges inducing photo crystallinity by an external electric field. It is different from the color-tunable solar cell 700 in that it has the property of at the same time. According to the present modification, by arranging only a single kind of particles 1020 having both dye sensitivity and photonic crystallinity in the electrolyte layer 1030, the manufacturing process of the solar cell can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mixed color variable solar cell 1100 according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the mixed color variable solar cell 1100 may include a plurality of dye-sensitized particles 1120 and two electrodes 1150 and 1160 driving the dye-sensitized particles 1120 to absorb electrons to generate electrons. ), A dye-sensitized solar cell 1110 including an electrolyte layer 1140 filled in a space between two electrodes 1150 and 1160, and a plurality of photonic crystals dispersed in the electrolyte layer 1140 and having a charge. And particles 1130. The mixed color variable solar cell 1100 is different from the mixed color variable solar cell 700 in that the photonic crystal particles 1130 are encapsulated into a plurality of capsules 1170 and disposed in the electrolyte layer 1140. In this case, the photonic crystal particles 1130 may be included in a colloidal solvent suitable for any medium 1180, for example, the photonic crystal particles 1130 in the capsule 1170, to exhibit photonic crystallinity. According to this modification, the photonic crystal particles 1130 are isolated from the electrolyte layer 1140 and present in the medium 1180 suitable for the photocrystalline particles 1130, thereby improving the color variable efficiency of the solar cell.

Although not shown, the mixed color variable solar cell 1100 is not necessarily limited to the above-described configuration, and in some cases, the dye-sensitized particles 1120 and the photonic crystal particles 1130 may be simultaneously formed as one capsule. It may be encapsulated and disposed in plurality between two electrodes 1150 and 1160. Even in this case, the dye-sensitized particles 1120 and the photonic crystal particles 1130 may be separated or mixed in one capsule. In addition, the dye-sensitized particles 1120 and the photonic crystal particles 1130 may be encapsulated in separate capsules and alternately disposed between the two electrodes 1150 and 1160.

Meanwhile, as described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the photonic crystal particles (colloid particles) 1130 may be encapsulated by a capsule 1170 made of a light transmitting material such as a medium (colloid solvent) 1180. . Through this encapsulation process, it is possible to prevent direct interference such as mixing between photonic crystal particles included in different capsules, and to use an electrolyte layer and a medium of a different material which is more advantageous for the operation of the photonic crystal particles. . The material of the capsule 1170 is not particularly limited as long as it has light transmittance, but is preferably a material that does not chemically react with the photonic crystal particles 1130.

12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mixed color variable solar cell 1200 according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the mixed color variable solar cell 1200 may include a plurality of dye-sensitized particles 1220 and two electrodes 1250 and 1260 driving the dye-sensitized particles 1220 to absorb light to generate electrons. ), A dye-sensitized solar cell unit 1210 including an electrolyte layer 1240 filled in a space between two electrodes 1250 and 1260, and a plurality of photonic crystals dispersed in the electrolyte layer 1330 and having charges. And particles 1320. In this case, the photonic crystal particles 1230 are encapsulated into a plurality of capsules 1270 included in any medium 1280. The mixed color variable solar cell 1200 is different from the color variable solar cell 700 in that a plurality of electrodes 1250 are patterned to correspond to each of the plurality of capsules 1270 independently. According to the present modification, different electric fields are applied to each capsule 1270, so that the interval between the photonic crystal particles 1230 is different for each capsule 1270, and as a result, light of different wavelengths is reflected for each capsule 1270. By doing so, the color variable characteristics of the solar cell can be improved.

FIG. 13 illustrates color coordinates of wavelengths of reflected light to evaluate color variability after implementing the non-mixed color tunable solar cell 100 of FIG. 1.

In this case, the solar cell unit 110 has a titanium oxide (TiO _x ) particles 112 coated with a dye-sensitizing dye, an electrolyte layer 114 of an ionized iodine solution, and ITO electrodes 116 and 118. Produced. In addition, the reflective display unit 120 is made of iron oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) cluster particles 122 having a negative charge, the medium layer 124 as an organic solvent, and the ITO electrodes 126 and 128 in a basic configuration.

As shown, the non-mixed color variable solar cell according to the present invention can variably control the color represented by controlling the spacing of the photonic crystal particles using the energy [potential difference (voltage)] generated by the solar cell. You can check it.

As described above, the present invention has been described by specific embodiments such as specific components and the like. For those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various modifications and variations are possible.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all the things that are equivalent to or equivalent to the scope of the claims as well as the claims to be described later belong to the scope of the present invention. will be.

1 to 3 is a view showing the configuration of a non-mixable color variable solar cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 and 5 are views exemplarily showing the configuration of the photonic crystal particles and the media included in the photonic crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 and 7 are views showing the configuration of a mixed color variable solar cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 to 12 are views showing various modifications of the mixed color variable solar cell of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a color coordinate obtained by measuring a wavelength of reflected light in order to evaluate color variability of the non-mixed color tunable solar cell of FIG. 1.

<Brief description of the major reference numerals>

100, 200, 300: unmixed color variable solar cell

110, 210, 310: solar cell unit

112, 212, 312: dye-sensitized particles

114, 214, and 314: electrolyte layer

116, 118, 216, 218, 316, 318: electrode

120, 220, 320: reflective display unit

122, 222, and 322: photocrystalline particles

122a: photonic crystal unit particle

122b: charge layer

124, 224, 324: media layer

126, 128, 226, 228, 326, 328: electrode

130: light transmitting member

230: light impermeable member

330: partition member

600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200: Mixed Color Variable Solar Cell

610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210: dye-sensitized solar cell unit

620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220: dye-sensitized particles

630, 730, 830, 930, 1020, 1130, 1230: photonic crystal particles

640, 740, 840, 940, 1030, 1140, 1240: electrolyte layer

650, 750, 850, 950, 1040, 1150, 1250: electrode

660, 760, 860, 960, 1050, 1160, 1260: electrode

1160, 1260: Capsule

1170, 1270: Medium

Claims (19)

delete delete Solar cell unit for generating energy using light, And Reflective display unit which is driven by the energy generated by the solar cell unit to selectively reflect light of an arbitrary wavelength Including, The reflective display unit includes a plurality of particles having a charge, the color variable solar cell, characterized in that for controlling the distance between the particles by applying an electric field in the dispersed state of the particles to control the photonic crystal color. The method of claim 3, The spacing between the particles is changed according to at least one of the intensity or direction of the electric field, and the wavelength of the light reflected from the particles is changed according to the change of the spacing. The method of claim 3, The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit are coupled in layers by a light transmitting member, and the solar cell unit generates energy using light passing through the reflective display unit. The method of claim 3, The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit are coupled in a layered manner by a light impermeable member, the incident direction of the light incident on the solar cell unit and the reflective display unit, the color variable solar cell characterized in that the opposite. The method of claim 3, On the upper side of the solar cell unit, a first reflective display unit is coupled in a layer by a light transmitting member, and on the lower side of the solar cell unit, a second reflective display unit is coupled in a layer by a light impermeable member. Color-variable solar cell, characterized in that the photonic crystal color of the first and second reflective display unit is independently controlled by the energy generated by the solar cell unit The method of claim 3, The solar cell unit and the reflective display unit is a color variable solar cell, characterized in that arranged on the same plane. The method of claim 3, And a storage unit configured to store charge using energy generated by the solar cell unit, and to apply an electric field to the particles using the stored charge. A dye-sensitized method comprising a plurality of first particles absorbing light to generate electrons, a first electrode and a common electrode driving the first particles, and an electrolyte layer filled in a space between the first electrode and the common electrode. Including a type solar cell unit, A plurality of second particles dispersed in the electrolyte layer and having a charge, and a second electrode driving the second particles; A color tunable aspect of the present invention, wherein the distance between the second particles is controlled by using an electric field generated by energy generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit while the second particles are dispersed in the electrolyte layer. battery. A dye-sensitized solar cell unit including a plurality of first particles absorbing light to generate electrons, two electrodes driving the first particles, and an electrolyte layer filled in a space between the two electrodes, Further comprising a plurality of second particles dispersed in the electrolyte layer and having a charge, A color tunable aspect of the present invention, wherein the distance between the second particles is controlled by using an electric field generated by energy generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit while the second particles are dispersed in the electrolyte layer. battery. The method of claim 11, The color variable solar cell further comprises a driving means for sequentially driving the first particles and the second particles. The method of claim 11, The color variable solar cell, wherein the first particles and the second particles are partitioned in the electrolyte layer. The method of claim 11, The color variable solar cell, wherein the first particles and the second particles are mixed in the electrolyte layer. The method of claim 11, The first particles and the second particles are color-tunable solar cell, characterized in that made of the same material. The method of claim 11, The second particle dispersed in the electrolyte layer is a color-tunable solar cell, characterized in that encapsulated in a capsule of a light transmitting material. The method of claim 16, The second particle dispersed in the electrolyte layer is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules, the color-variable solar cell, characterized in that for each of the plurality of capsules any one electrode of the two electrodes are separated. The method of claim 11, And the interval of the second particles set by the electric field is maintained even when the electric field is blocked as the electrolyte layer has a viscosity higher than a predetermined threshold. The method of claim 11, And a storage unit configured to store charge using energy generated by the dye-sensitized solar cell unit and to apply an electric field to the second particles using the stored charge.

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