WO2020212772A1 - Luminescent solar concentrator device - Google Patents

Luminescent solar concentrator device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020212772A1
WO2020212772A1 PCT/IB2020/052430 IB2020052430W WO2020212772A1 WO 2020212772 A1 WO2020212772 A1 WO 2020212772A1 IB 2020052430 W IB2020052430 W IB 2020052430W WO 2020212772 A1 WO2020212772 A1 WO 2020212772A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar concentrator
luminescent solar
electrodes
voltage generator
electrochemical cell
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/052430
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Luca Magagnin
Gianmarco Enrico Griffini
Gabriele PANZERI
Elisavet TATSI
Original Assignee
Politecnico Di Milano
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Politecnico Di Milano filed Critical Politecnico Di Milano
Priority to EP20713748.0A priority Critical patent/EP3956980A1/en
Publication of WO2020212772A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020212772A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/055—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means where light is absorbed and re-emitted at a different wavelength by the optical element directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. by using luminescent material, fluorescent concentrators or up-conversion arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M14/00—Electrochemical current or voltage generators not provided for in groups H01M6/00 - H01M12/00; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M14/005—Photoelectrochemical storage cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a luminescent solar concentrator device, and also to the use thereof for storing energy.
  • Luminescent solar concentrator devices provided with photovoltaic cells on the lateral edges thereof, and adapted to absorb the incident light and to re-emit it at a greater wavelength towards said lateral edges, are known in the art. Such light absorption and re-emission are done by luminophore elements.
  • the luminescent solar concentrators are also called wave guides because comprise a glass or polymer matrix supplying part of the incident light rays towards the lateral edges thereof, wherein the photovoltaic cells are placed.
  • the known devices are used for manufacturing photovoltaic win dows for buildings.
  • the luminescent solar concentrators are not used in the electro chemical field, for example for storing energy.
  • photoelectrochemical cells are already known in this latter technical field, particularly, in the hydrogen production field, they are provided of an optical type solar concentrator, typically a lens. No known electrochemical cells provide using a luminescent solar concentrator.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a luminescent solar concentrator device according to a possible embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate electrochemical cells comprising the luminescent solar concentrator device according to possible embodiments of the invention
  • Figures 5A and 5B respectively show the current-voltage curves of the lumi nescent solar concentrator device and the current generated by such device, under three different irradiation profiles;
  • Figure 6 shows the current generated by the luminescent solar concentrator device when subjected to a continuous irradiation
  • Figures 7A and 7B respectively show the current-voltage curves of the lumi nescent solar concentrator device according to a variant of the invention and the current generated by the same device, subjected to a direct irradiation.
  • Reference 1 indicates a luminescent solar concentrator device according to the invention in the attached figures.
  • the device 1 can be of a type discussed in the introductory part of the present description.
  • the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 comprises a plate or curvilinear shaped luminescent solar concentrator 2 having at least one lateral edge 3, and at least one photovoltaic cell 4 placed on the lateral edge 3, the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 being provided with a positive pole 1 A and a negative pole 1 B ( Figure 1 ).
  • the luminescent solar concentrator 2 is of a conventional type known to a per son skilled in the field, and comprises luminophore elements (not shown in the figures) absorbing part of the incident light rays A and re-emitting the light at a wavelength greater than the wavelength of the incident light A.
  • the light re-emitted by the luminophore elements is then oriented towards the lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2, as illustrated by arrows B in Figure 1.
  • the luminescent solar concentrator 2 comprises a first front or inci dence surface 20, struck by the incident light rays ( Figure 1 ), and a second back surface placed on the other side of the concentrator 2 plate-shaped body.
  • the concentrator 2 is made of a conventional material, typically of glass or of a polymeric or plastic material.
  • the luminophore elements are also per se known, and can comprise dyes, lanthanide complexes or colloidal nanocrystals.
  • the luminophore elements can comprise 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4- dimethylaminostyryl)-4/-/-pyran (DCM), perylenes or derivatives thereof (for example the dyes LUMOGEN ® F sold by BASF), naphthalimide or derivatives thereof (for example LUMOGEN ® F Violet 570), phthalocyanine or derivatives thereof, coumarin or derivatives thereof, oxyiminopyrazole-Yb, Eu(TTA)3(TTPO)2, acenes, colloidal nanocrystals, of CdSe, PbS, CdSe/CdS, PbS/CdS, Mn:ZnSe, Cu:CdSe, C
  • the luminophore ele ments can be integrated inside the concentrator 2 itself or can be contained in a thin film applied as a coating on the first front surface 20 of the concentrator 2. This latter possibility is advantageous since enables to apply the luminophore elements on already existent windows without substituting them.
  • the photovoltaic cell can be of any type, for example with an inorganic, organ ic, polymeric based, or hybrid photoactive element.
  • the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 comprises a pair of electrodes 5A, 5B each connected to a corresponding pole 1 A, 1 B of the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 and adapted to act as an anode and cathode in an electrochemical cell.
  • this latter can be used in an electrochemical cell, for example for storing energy by producing hydrogen, for recharging a conventional battery or for recharging a flow battery.
  • the concept underlying the invention consists of combining the technology of the luminescent solar concentrators with the electrochemical technology.
  • the electrodes are of a conventional type for a person skilled in the art and can be made of any conductive material according to the desired type of reaction, and/or function of the used electrolyte.
  • the materials to be used for the anode for performing the water electrolysis by an alkaline electrolyte can be Ir, lrC>2, Ru, RuC>2, Co, Co/B, Co/P, CoFe, Ni, NiCo, Ni/Ce, NiCr, NiCu, NiFe, NiCeCoCa, NiLa, NiMoFe, NiSn or NiZn, while Pt, Co, CoMo, CoNiFe, CoW, Fe, FeMo, Mo/S, Ni, NiCo, NiFe, NiMo, NiMoFe, NiSn or NiW can be used for the cathode.
  • the anode can be made of a material selected among Ir, lrC>2, Ru and RuC>2 and the cathode can be made of a material selected among Pt, Co, CoMo, CoNiFe, CoW, FeMo, Mo/S, Ni, NiCo, NiFe, NiMoCo, NiMo, NiMoFe, NiSn and NiW.
  • the electrodes 5A, 5B can be integrated in the device 1 , as shown in Figure 1 , or can be connected by electrical cables 7A, 7B. As it will be described in the following, the use of the device 1 changes according to the way how the electrodes are connected.
  • the device 1 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells 4 on the lateral edge 3 of the luminescent solar concentrator 2, the photovoltaic cells 4 being connected serially and/or parallel to each other in order to define the positive pole 1 A and negative pole 1 B of the device 1.
  • the photovoltaic cells 4 completely cover the lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2.
  • the device 1 comprises a total of eight photovoltaic cells 4 distributed in two groups of four.
  • the four photovoltaic cells 4 are serially connected by suitable electric connecting elements 6 connecting to each other the positive 4A and negative poles 4B of the cells 4.
  • the two groups of four cells are parallel arranged, but are not directly connected to each other.
  • each group of cells 4 completely covers two contiguous lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2.
  • At least one between the first front sur face 20 and second back surface is made dull. This enables to increase the number of the photons reflected inside the concentrator 2.
  • the second back surface is made dull.
  • both the first surface 20 and second surface are made dull, so that the conversion of the light in the concentrator 2 is substantially im proved.
  • the light flows through the concentrator 2 striking the back surface with a different angle due to the photons scattering on the front surface.
  • Such light incidence angle change combined with the modified morphology of the surfaces, turns out a greater light component reflected inside the concentrator 2.
  • the dullness of one of the concentrator 2 surfaces is made by a mechanical process (sandblasting, for example) or chemical process (etching, for example).
  • the present patent application aims also to protect an electrochemical cell comprising a voltage generator provided with a pair of electrodes 5A, 5B; at least one container; and an electrolyte placed inside the container and in contact at least with the electrodes 5A, 5B of the voltage generator.
  • said voltage generator comprises a luminescent solar concentrator 2.
  • the voltage generator is a luminescent solar concentrator de vice 1 of the beforehand described type.
  • FIG 2 it illustrates a first variant of the electrochemical cell 10 comprising a container 1 1 receiving an electrolyte 12 and using the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 shown in Figure 1.
  • the electrodes 5A, 5B are integrated in the photovoltaic cells 4.
  • the electrolyte is required to be at least partially transparent for letting in an amount of light suitable to operate the device 1 , in other words, ena bling the generation of a voltage difference between the electrodes 5A, 5B.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a second variant of the electrochemical cell 20.
  • the parts similar to the ones of the first variant are not described and have the same reference numerals plus 10.
  • the electrodes 5A, 5B are dipped in the electrolyte 22, the luminescent solar concentrator 2 and photovoltaic cells 4 are placed outside the container 21.
  • the electrodes 5A, 5B are connected to the corresponding pole 1A, 1 B of the device 1 by electrical cables 7A, 7B.
  • the electro chemical cell 20 is adapted to perform an electrolysis.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a third variant of the electrochemical cell 30.
  • the parts common to the second variant are not described and have the same numeral reference plus 10.
  • the electrodes 5A, 5B dipped in the electrolyte 32 are separated by a diaphragm 33 placed inside the container 31 in order to divide it in two parts. More precisely, the electrodes 5A, 5B are put in contact with the diaphragm 33.
  • the container comprises two inlets 34A, 34B for the electrolyte 32 and two outlets 35A, 35B for the electrolyte and a reaction product, for example oxygen from the side of the anode 5A, and the hydrogen from the side of the cathode 5B.
  • a reaction product for example oxygen from the side of the anode 5A, and the hydrogen from the side of the cathode 5B.
  • each half cell defined by the diaphragm 33, is provided with a corre sponding inlet 34 and a corresponding outlet 35.
  • This type of electrochemical cell is adapted to produce hydrogen.
  • Such electrochemical cell 30 is configured as an industrial electrolytic cell.
  • the present application shows also for the first time the use of a luminescent solar concentrator 2 for electrochemically storing energy. Specifically, the present application illustrates the use of a luminescent solar concentrator adapted to produce hydrogen. Obviously, such use can be also extended to recharge conven tional batteries, or to recharge flow batteries.
  • a device 1 with a glass body 2 of 40 mm x 40 mm x 7 mm, coated with a thin film on its first front surface 20, is prepared, the film comprising 5% by weight of a luminophore Lumogen® F Red 305 (LR305, BASF), incorporated in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix.
  • the thin film is deposited by a spin casting process on the body 2 by a solution of PMMA and LR305 in chloroform, the PMMA concentra tion is of 20% by weight, and air dried.
  • the obtained concentrator is coupled with eight mc-Si type photovoltaic cells 4 (having an active surface of 1.2 cm 2 and a conversion efficiency of 22%, model KXON22-12X1 F manufactured by IXYS) arranged in two modules of four serially connected cells, the two modules being parallel connected, so that all the lateral edges 3 of the glass substrate 2 are connected to the photoactive surface of the photovoltaic cells.
  • Connecting the photovoltaic cells to the substrate 2 edges is done by an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) based adhesive placed on the active surface of the photovoltaic cells and heated by a heat gun.
  • EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate
  • the edge of the glass substrate is pressed against the adhesive film for some seconds for securing a good optical contact with the photovoltaic cell. Then, the device is let cooling down to room temperature for curing the EVA adhesive.
  • electrodes made of meshes of platinized titanium (cathode) and oxides of mixed metals (anode), having both 4 cm 2 of active surface, are connected.
  • the luminescent solar concentrator device is then examined by a 150 W solar simulator (Abet Technologies) and a measuring group (Keithley 2612).
  • a white diffuser (Edmund optics) is put in contact with the back surface of the luminescent solar concentrator device, while for measurements in diffused light conditions, an optical diffuser of frosted glass (Edmund optics) is arranged between the light source and sample in order to secure a density of the power incident on the concen trator of 50 mW/cm 2 .
  • Figure 5A illustrates the current-voltage curves of the device, of which the characteristics were described, subjected to a direct irradiation of 100 mW/cm 2 (curve 51 ), a diffused irradiation at 50 mW/cm 2 (curve 52) and a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm 2 with a white background surface (curve 53).
  • curve 51 a direct irradiation of 100 mW/cm 2
  • curve 52 a diffused irradiation at 50 mW/cm 2
  • Curve 53 white background surface
  • Figure 5B illustrates the currents obtained by the beforehand described device under a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm 2 (curve 51 ), a diffused irradiation at 50 mW/cm 2 (curve 52) and a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm 2 with a diffusing white background surface (curve 53), by a pulsed light.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the current generated by the beforehand described lumi nescent solar concentrator device under a direct constant light irradiation at 100 mW/cm 2 with a white diffusing background surface (curve 53).
  • Figure 7A illustrates the current-voltage curve of the beforehand described device, subjected to a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm 2 , whose back surface is made dull by sandblasting using corundum particles with an average diameter of hundreds micrometers (400-500 pm), then is coated by a white acrylic paint (curve 70), for increasing the number of photons re-radiated to the solar cells placed on the edges of the glass substrate.
  • the characteristic curve of the electro chemical device consisting of a“zero gap” electrolyzer is also shown, wherein the anode and cathode, comprising platinum microparticles dispersed in a carbon felt (of 6.25 cm 2 ), are placed at a minimum distance from each other and separated by a protonic exchange diaphragm (Nation®, curve 71 ).
  • a protonic exchange diaphragm Niation®, curve 71 .
  • Figure 7B illustrates the current obtained by connecting the electrolyzer to the beforehand described modified concentrator device, under a constant irradiation of a direct light at 100 mW/cm 2 (curve 70).
  • the current obtained with these conditions is about 25 mA and is continuously stable for more than 1200 seconds, showing the possibility of integrating the two technologies.

Abstract

A solar concentrator device comprises a luminescent solar concentrator (2) of a plate shaped or of a curvilinear shaped type having at least one lateral edge (3); at least one photovoltaic cell (4) disposed on said lateral edge (3); and provided with a positive pole (1 A) and negative pole (1 B). The solar concentrator device comprises also a pair of electrodes (5A, 5B) each connected to a respective pole (1A, 1B) and adapted to act as an anode and cathode of an electrochemical cell. The invention relates also to an electrochemical cell comprising a solar concentrator device.

Description

“LUMINESCENT SOLAR CONCENTRATOR DEVICE”
Technical field of the invention
The present invention refers to a luminescent solar concentrator device, and also to the use thereof for storing energy.
Prior art
Luminescent solar concentrator devices provided with photovoltaic cells on the lateral edges thereof, and adapted to absorb the incident light and to re-emit it at a greater wavelength towards said lateral edges, are known in the art. Such light absorption and re-emission are done by luminophore elements. The luminescent solar concentrators are also called wave guides because comprise a glass or polymer matrix supplying part of the incident light rays towards the lateral edges thereof, wherein the photovoltaic cells are placed.
For example, the known devices are used for manufacturing photovoltaic win dows for buildings.
Nowadays, the luminescent solar concentrators are not used in the electro chemical field, for example for storing energy.
Even though using photoelectrochemical cells is already known in this latter technical field, particularly, in the hydrogen production field, they are provided of an optical type solar concentrator, typically a lens. No known electrochemical cells provide using a luminescent solar concentrator.
Brief summary of the invention
Consequently, it is the object of the present invention to provide a luminescent solar concentrator device capable of being integrated in an electrochemical cell.
This and other objects are met by a luminescent solar concentrator device ac cording to claim 1.
Dependent claims define possible advantageous embodiments of the inven tion.
Brief description of the drawings
Some exemplifying non-limiting embodiments will be described in the following with reference to the attached figures for gaining a better comprehension of the invention and appreciating the advantages thereof, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a luminescent solar concentrator device according to a possible embodiment of the invention;
Figures from 2 to 4 illustrate electrochemical cells comprising the luminescent solar concentrator device according to possible embodiments of the invention;
Figures 5A and 5B respectively show the current-voltage curves of the lumi nescent solar concentrator device and the current generated by such device, under three different irradiation profiles;
Figure 6 shows the current generated by the luminescent solar concentrator device when subjected to a continuous irradiation; and
Figures 7A and 7B respectively show the current-voltage curves of the lumi nescent solar concentrator device according to a variant of the invention and the current generated by the same device, subjected to a direct irradiation.
Description of the embodiments of the invention
Reference 1 indicates a luminescent solar concentrator device according to the invention in the attached figures. The device 1 can be of a type discussed in the introductory part of the present description.
Generally, the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 comprises a plate or curvilinear shaped luminescent solar concentrator 2 having at least one lateral edge 3, and at least one photovoltaic cell 4 placed on the lateral edge 3, the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 being provided with a positive pole 1 A and a negative pole 1 B (Figure 1 ).
The luminescent solar concentrator 2 is of a conventional type known to a per son skilled in the field, and comprises luminophore elements (not shown in the figures) absorbing part of the incident light rays A and re-emitting the light at a wavelength greater than the wavelength of the incident light A. The light re-emitted by the luminophore elements is then oriented towards the lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2, as illustrated by arrows B in Figure 1.
Obviously, the luminescent solar concentrator 2 comprises a first front or inci dence surface 20, struck by the incident light rays (Figure 1 ), and a second back surface placed on the other side of the concentrator 2 plate-shaped body.
The concentrator 2 is made of a conventional material, typically of glass or of a polymeric or plastic material. The luminophore elements are also per se known, and can comprise dyes, lanthanide complexes or colloidal nanocrystals. For example, the luminophore elements can comprise 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4- dimethylaminostyryl)-4/-/-pyran (DCM), perylenes or derivatives thereof (for example the dyes LUMOGEN® F sold by BASF), naphthalimide or derivatives thereof (for example LUMOGEN® F Violet 570), phthalocyanine or derivatives thereof, coumarin or derivatives thereof, oxyiminopyrazole-Yb, Eu(TTA)3(TTPO)2, acenes, colloidal nanocrystals, of CdSe, PbS, CdSe/CdS, PbS/CdS, Mn:ZnSe, Cu:CdSe, CulnSe, ZnS, CulnS2, Si or a combination thereof.
According to two alternative variants of the device 1 , the luminophore ele ments can be integrated inside the concentrator 2 itself or can be contained in a thin film applied as a coating on the first front surface 20 of the concentrator 2. This latter possibility is advantageous since enables to apply the luminophore elements on already existent windows without substituting them.
The photovoltaic cell can be of any type, for example with an inorganic, organ ic, polymeric based, or hybrid photoactive element.
According to the present invention, the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 comprises a pair of electrodes 5A, 5B each connected to a corresponding pole 1 A, 1 B of the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 and adapted to act as an anode and cathode in an electrochemical cell.
Due to the presence of the electrodes 5A, 5B and the connection thereof to the positive and negative poles 1 A, 1 B of the device 1 , this latter can be used in an electrochemical cell, for example for storing energy by producing hydrogen, for recharging a conventional battery or for recharging a flow battery.
The concept underlying the invention consists of combining the technology of the luminescent solar concentrators with the electrochemical technology.
It is observed the electrodes are of a conventional type for a person skilled in the art and can be made of any conductive material according to the desired type of reaction, and/or function of the used electrolyte.
For example, the materials to be used for the anode for performing the water electrolysis by an alkaline electrolyte can be Ir, lrC>2, Ru, RuC>2, Co, Co/B, Co/P, CoFe, Ni, NiCo, Ni/Ce, NiCr, NiCu, NiFe, NiCeCoCa, NiLa, NiMoFe, NiSn or NiZn, while Pt, Co, CoMo, CoNiFe, CoW, Fe, FeMo, Mo/S, Ni, NiCo, NiFe, NiMo, NiMoFe, NiSn or NiW can be used for the cathode.
If the reaction is performed in an acid electrolyte, the anode can be made of a material selected among Ir, lrC>2, Ru and RuC>2 and the cathode can be made of a material selected among Pt, Co, CoMo, CoNiFe, CoW, FeMo, Mo/S, Ni, NiCo, NiFe, NiMoCo, NiMo, NiMoFe, NiSn and NiW.
The electrodes 5A, 5B can be integrated in the device 1 , as shown in Figure 1 , or can be connected by electrical cables 7A, 7B. As it will be described in the following, the use of the device 1 changes according to the way how the electrodes are connected.
According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells 4 on the lateral edge 3 of the luminescent solar concentrator 2, the photovoltaic cells 4 being connected serially and/or parallel to each other in order to define the positive pole 1 A and negative pole 1 B of the device 1.
Advantageously, the photovoltaic cells 4 completely cover the lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2. In the example illustrated in Figure 2 wherein the concentrator 2 has a quadrilateral shape body (in this case, square), the device 1 comprises a total of eight photovoltaic cells 4 distributed in two groups of four. In each group, the four photovoltaic cells 4 are serially connected by suitable electric connecting elements 6 connecting to each other the positive 4A and negative poles 4B of the cells 4. Instead, the two groups of four cells are parallel arranged, but are not directly connected to each other. As it is for example shown in Figure 1 , each group of cells 4 completely covers two contiguous lateral edges 3 of the concentrator 2.
This enables to completely cover the surface of the lateral edges 3, which in turn enables to optimize the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells because they can absorb a maximum amount of the re-emitted light. Obviously, it is possible to provide a different number of photovoltaic cells 4 for covering the lateral edges 3, for example just only one photovoltaic cell 4 on each lateral edge 3.
According to a possible embodiment, at least one between the first front sur face 20 and second back surface is made dull. This enables to increase the number of the photons reflected inside the concentrator 2. Preferably, the second back surface is made dull.
Still more preferably, both the first surface 20 and second surface are made dull, so that the conversion of the light in the concentrator 2 is substantially im proved. In this case, the light flows through the concentrator 2 striking the back surface with a different angle due to the photons scattering on the front surface. Such light incidence angle change, combined with the modified morphology of the surfaces, turns out a greater light component reflected inside the concentrator 2.
Preferably, the dullness of one of the concentrator 2 surfaces is made by a mechanical process (sandblasting, for example) or chemical process (etching, for example).
The present patent application aims also to protect an electrochemical cell comprising a voltage generator provided with a pair of electrodes 5A, 5B; at least one container; and an electrolyte placed inside the container and in contact at least with the electrodes 5A, 5B of the voltage generator. According to the invention, said voltage generator comprises a luminescent solar concentrator 2.
Advantageously, the voltage generator is a luminescent solar concentrator de vice 1 of the beforehand described type.
Referring to Figure 2, it illustrates a first variant of the electrochemical cell 10 comprising a container 1 1 receiving an electrolyte 12 and using the luminescent solar concentrator device 1 shown in Figure 1. In this device 1 , the electrodes 5A, 5B are integrated in the photovoltaic cells 4.
By this embodiment of the device 1 , it is possible to directly dip this latter in the electrolyte 12. Obviously, for the purpose of an efficient operation of the electro chemical cell 10, the electrolyte is required to be at least partially transparent for letting in an amount of light suitable to operate the device 1 , in other words, ena bling the generation of a voltage difference between the electrodes 5A, 5B.
Instead, Figure 3 illustrates a second variant of the electrochemical cell 20. For the sake of simplicity, the parts similar to the ones of the first variant are not described and have the same reference numerals plus 10.
In the second variant, only the electrodes 5A, 5B are dipped in the electrolyte 22, the luminescent solar concentrator 2 and photovoltaic cells 4 are placed outside the container 21. For this purpose, the electrodes 5A, 5B are connected to the corresponding pole 1A, 1 B of the device 1 by electrical cables 7A, 7B. The electro chemical cell 20 is adapted to perform an electrolysis.
Figure 4 illustrates a third variant of the electrochemical cell 30. For the sake of simplicity, the parts common to the second variant are not described and have the same numeral reference plus 10.
In this variant, the electrodes 5A, 5B dipped in the electrolyte 32 are separated by a diaphragm 33 placed inside the container 31 in order to divide it in two parts. More precisely, the electrodes 5A, 5B are put in contact with the diaphragm 33.
The container comprises two inlets 34A, 34B for the electrolyte 32 and two outlets 35A, 35B for the electrolyte and a reaction product, for example oxygen from the side of the anode 5A, and the hydrogen from the side of the cathode 5B. Obviously, each half cell, defined by the diaphragm 33, is provided with a corre sponding inlet 34 and a corresponding outlet 35. This type of electrochemical cell is adapted to produce hydrogen.
Such electrochemical cell 30 is configured as an industrial electrolytic cell.
It is observed the present patent application for the first time describes the use of a luminescent solar concentrator 2 in an electrochemical cell, preferably in an electrolytic cell. Therefore, such use is also protected.
The present application shows also for the first time the use of a luminescent solar concentrator 2 for electrochemically storing energy. Specifically, the present application illustrates the use of a luminescent solar concentrator adapted to produce hydrogen. Obviously, such use can be also extended to recharge conven tional batteries, or to recharge flow batteries.
Example
A device 1 with a glass body 2 of 40 mm x 40 mm x 7 mm, coated with a thin film on its first front surface 20, is prepared, the film comprising 5% by weight of a luminophore Lumogen® F Red 305 (LR305, BASF), incorporated in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix. The thin film is deposited by a spin casting process on the body 2 by a solution of PMMA and LR305 in chloroform, the PMMA concentra tion is of 20% by weight, and air dried.
The obtained concentrator is coupled with eight mc-Si type photovoltaic cells 4 (having an active surface of 1.2 cm2 and a conversion efficiency of 22%, model KXON22-12X1 F manufactured by IXYS) arranged in two modules of four serially connected cells, the two modules being parallel connected, so that all the lateral edges 3 of the glass substrate 2 are connected to the photoactive surface of the photovoltaic cells. Connecting the photovoltaic cells to the substrate 2 edges is done by an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) based adhesive placed on the active surface of the photovoltaic cells and heated by a heat gun.
As soon as the adhesive is softened, the edge of the glass substrate is pressed against the adhesive film for some seconds for securing a good optical contact with the photovoltaic cell. Then, the device is let cooling down to room temperature for curing the EVA adhesive.
Then, electrodes made of meshes of platinized titanium (cathode) and oxides of mixed metals (anode), having both 4 cm2 of active surface, are connected.
The luminescent solar concentrator device is then examined by a 150 W solar simulator (Abet Technologies) and a measuring group (Keithley 2612). A white diffuser (Edmund optics) is put in contact with the back surface of the luminescent solar concentrator device, while for measurements in diffused light conditions, an optical diffuser of frosted glass (Edmund optics) is arranged between the light source and sample in order to secure a density of the power incident on the concen trator of 50 mW/cm2.
Figure 5A illustrates the current-voltage curves of the device, of which the characteristics were described, subjected to a direct irradiation of 100 mW/cm2 (curve 51 ), a diffused irradiation at 50 mW/cm2 (curve 52) and a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm2 with a white background surface (curve 53). The characteristic of the electrochemical device is also shown (curve 54). The intersection between this latter and the current-voltage curves represents the device operative points.
Figure 5B illustrates the currents obtained by the beforehand described device under a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm2 (curve 51 ), a diffused irradiation at 50 mW/cm2 (curve 52) and a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm2 with a diffusing white background surface (curve 53), by a pulsed light.
Both these graphs show the device has a better operation with a direct light at 100 mW/cm2, still more with a white diffusing background reflecting a great part of the light flowing through the device.
Figure 6 illustrates the current generated by the beforehand described lumi nescent solar concentrator device under a direct constant light irradiation at 100 mW/cm2 with a white diffusing background surface (curve 53).
The current generated under these conditions is about 22 mA and continues to be stable for more than 2000 seconds, showing the possibility of integrating the two technologies. Figure 7A illustrates the current-voltage curve of the beforehand described device, subjected to a direct irradiation at 100 mW/cm2, whose back surface is made dull by sandblasting using corundum particles with an average diameter of hundreds micrometers (400-500 pm), then is coated by a white acrylic paint (curve 70), for increasing the number of photons re-radiated to the solar cells placed on the edges of the glass substrate. The characteristic curve of the electro chemical device consisting of a“zero gap” electrolyzer is also shown, wherein the anode and cathode, comprising platinum microparticles dispersed in a carbon felt (of 6.25 cm2), are placed at a minimum distance from each other and separated by a protonic exchange diaphragm (Nation®, curve 71 ). Such industrially used ar rangement has the advantage of reducing the ohmic losses and to separate oxygen from hydrogen. Figure 7B illustrates the current obtained by connecting the electrolyzer to the beforehand described modified concentrator device, under a constant irradiation of a direct light at 100 mW/cm2 (curve 70).
The current obtained with these conditions is about 25 mA and is continuously stable for more than 1200 seconds, showing the possibility of integrating the two technologies.
It is observed that the beforehand tests are time limited for practical reasons, assuming the obtained devices are stable for longer periods. The service life of the solar cells and materials used in the electrolyzers amount to years, and the lumino- phore usually has a service life much greater than the beforehand given time.
A person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific contingent needs, could add many additions, modifications, or substitutions of elements with other operative ly equivalent ones, to the described embodiments of the luminescent solar concen trator device and electrochemical cell according to the invention without falling out of the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. Solar concentrator device, comprising:
a luminescent solar concentrator (2) of a plate shaped or of a curvilinear shaped type having at least one lateral edge (3);
at least one photovoltaic cell (4) disposed at said lateral edge (3);
said luminescent solar concentrator device (1 ) being provided with a positive pole (1 A) and negative pole (1 B);
characterized in that it comprises:
a pair of electrodes (5A, 5B) each connected to a respective pole (1 A, 1 B) of said luminescent solar concentrator device (1 ) and suitable to act as an anode and cathode of an electrochemical cell.
2. Device according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (4) at the lateral edge (3) of the luminescent solar concentrator (2), said photovoltaic cells being serially and/or parallel connected to each other in order to define the positive pole (1A) and negative pole (1 B) of said device (1 ).
3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the luminescent solar concentrator (2) comprises a first front surface (20), directly struck by the solar rays, and a second back surface oppositely disposed with respect to said front surface (20), at least one of said first front surface (20) and said second back surface being made dull.
4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the lumi nescent solar concentrator (2) comprises luminophore elements contained in a thin film applied to the first front surface (20) of said luminescent solar concentrator (2).
5. Electrochemical cell, comprising:
a voltage generator provided with a pair of electrodes (5A, 5B);
at least one container (1 1 , 21 , 31 );
an electrolyte (12, 22, 32) placed inside said container (1 1 , 21 , 31 ) and put in contact with at least said electrodes (5A, 5B) of said voltage generator;
wherein said voltage generator comprises a luminescent solar concentrator
(2),
wherein the voltage generator is a luminescent solar concentrator device (1 ) according to one or more of claims from 1 to 4.
6. Electrochemical cell according to claim 5, wherein the voltage generator is directly dipped in the electrolyte (12).
7. Electrochemical cell according to claim 5, wherein the voltage generator comprises a pair of electric cables (7A, 7B) connecting the electrodes (5A, 5B) to the positive and negative poles (1 A, 1 B) of the voltage generator, wherein only said electrodes (5A, 5B) are dipped in the electrolyte (22, 32).
8. Use of a luminescent solar concentrator device according to one or more of claims from 1 to 4 in an electrochemical cell.
9. Use of a luminescent solar concentrator device according to one or more of claims from 1 to 4 for storing energy.
PCT/IB2020/052430 2019-04-19 2020-03-17 Luminescent solar concentrator device WO2020212772A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011100732A2 (en) * 2010-02-13 2011-08-18 Mcalister Roy E System and method for renewable resource production, for example, hydrogen production by microbial electrolysis, fermentation, and/or photosynthesis
US20160284877A1 (en) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Flexible-printed-circuit joint structure, concentrator photovoltaic module, and flexible-printed-circuit joining method

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011100732A2 (en) * 2010-02-13 2011-08-18 Mcalister Roy E System and method for renewable resource production, for example, hydrogen production by microbial electrolysis, fermentation, and/or photosynthesis
US20160284877A1 (en) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Flexible-printed-circuit joint structure, concentrator photovoltaic module, and flexible-printed-circuit joining method

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