Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]

Groups > sci.physics > #575992 > unrolled thread

Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light

Back to article view | Back to sci.physics

Contents

  Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light Sam Wormley <swormley1@gmail.com> - 2016-05-06 08:58 -0500
    Re: Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light Sergio <invalid@invalid.com> - 2016-05-06 10:52 -0500
      Re: Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light Poutnik <poutnik4nntp@gmail.com> - 2016-05-06 20:01 +0200
    Re: Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light jimp@specsol.spam.sux.com - 2016-05-06 17:31 +0000

#575992 — Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light

Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light
> http://phys.org/news/2016-05-photonic-crystals-solar-cells-cool.html


> Solar cells turn sunlight into electricity, but they're only about 20
> percent efficient. Much of the leftover energy turns into heat, which
> actually harms the solar cell.
>
> Now researchers from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA,
> have developed and tested a new material that can cool a solar cell
> by up to 13° Celsius (C) under the California winter sun. Because
> heat makes solar cells less efficient, the researchers predict their
> cooling layer could help solar cells turn approximately 1 percent
> more sunlight into electricity, a big boost from a relatively simple
> add-on. The cooler temperatures also mean the solar cells will likely
> last longer due to greatly reduced efficiency degradation rates.
>


-- 

sci.physics is an unmoderated newsgroup dedicated
to the discussion of physics, news from the physics
community, and physics-related social issues.

[toc] | [next] | [standalone]

#576009

On 5/6/2016 8:58 AM, Sam Wormley wrote:
> Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light
>> http://phys.org/news/2016-05-photonic-crystals-solar-cells-cool.html
>
>
>> Solar cells turn sunlight into electricity, but they're only about 20
>> percent efficient. Much of the leftover energy turns into heat, which
>> actually harms the solar cell.

...only if the temp gets up near melting point 300 degrees

>>
>> Now researchers from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA,
>> have developed and tested a new material that can cool a solar cell
>> by up to 13° Celsius (C) under the California winter sun. Because
>> heat makes solar cells less efficient, the researchers predict their
>> cooling layer could help solar cells turn approximately 1 percent
>> more sunlight into electricity, a big boost from a relatively simple
>> add-on.

what is the cost of this cooling system 2% ?


> The cooler temperatures also mean the solar cells will likely
>> last longer due to greatly reduced efficiency degradation rates.

          no.


cooling solar cells for greater efficiency has been known for 4 decades 
or more.  cost stops implementation

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#576040

Dne 06/05/2016 v 17:52 Sergio napsal(a):
> On 5/6/2016 8:58 AM, Sam Wormley wrote:

>>> Solar cells turn sunlight into electricity, but they're only about 20
>>> percent efficient. Much of the leftover energy turns into heat, which
>>> actually harms the solar cell.
> 
> ....only if the temp gets up near melting point 300 degrees

Aging of cover layers and and decreased efficiency of semicoductor
happens deep below the melting point.
> 
>>>
>>> Now researchers from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA,
>>> have developed and tested a new material that can cool a solar cell
>>> by up to 13° Celsius (C) under the California winter sun. Because
>>> heat makes solar cells less efficient, the researchers predict their
>>> cooling layer could help solar cells turn approximately 1 percent
>>> more sunlight into electricity, a big boost from a relatively simple
>>> add-on.
> 
> what is the cost of this cooling system 2% ?

Aluminum was used as rare metal for medals in Napoleon era....
Exerything is expensive during research.
> 
> 
>> The cooler temperatures also mean the solar cells will likely
>>> last longer due to greatly reduced efficiency degradation rates.
> 
>           no.

Rate of chemical raactions increases 2-4 times per 10 deg C increase,
including degradation ones.

> 
> cooling solar cells for greater efficiency has been known for 4 decades 
> or more.  cost stops implementation

Active or passive ?

-- 
Poutnik ( The Pilgrim, Der Wanderer )
Knowledge makes great men humble, but small men arrogant.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]

#576036

Sam Wormley <swormley1@gmail.com> wrote:
> Photonic crystals keep solar cells cool while still catching light
>> http://phys.org/news/2016-05-photonic-crystals-solar-cells-cool.html
> 
> 
>> Solar cells turn sunlight into electricity, but they're only about 20
>> percent efficient. Much of the leftover energy turns into heat, which
>> actually harms the solar cell.
>>
>> Now researchers from Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA,
>> have developed and tested a new material that can cool a solar cell
>> by up to 13? Celsius (C) under the California winter sun.

Cooling isn't usually an issue in the winter, ass hat.

-- 
Jim Pennino

[toc] | [prev] | [standalone]

Back to top | Article view | sci.physics

csiph-web