Newswise — South Korea’s Dr. Cha Seung-il’s Electrical Conversion Materials R&D team and the Electrotechnical Research Institute (KERI) have developed a “new solar power module technology” that can generate self-power in urban environments.
Solar energy is promoted in Korea as an environmentally friendly renewable energy source, and taking advantage of the advantage of sunlight being an inexhaustible resource, large-scale solar power plants are currently being gradually installed from the southeastern to western parts of the country. However, the limited supply of power grids that are expected to transmit the renewable energy produced in the installation areas to the metropolitan area and other areas with high demand is a major problem in terms of sharing and utilizing electricity.
Many urban areas are attempting to generate and utilize solar power. However, in reality, this is a difficult task, as the installation locations (spatial and structural) of the applicable infrastructure are complex, and concerns are unavoidable from various aspects. For example, the efficiency of solar power generation drops sharply when it is partially shaded by buildings or plants, and ultimately the solar cell module is repeatedly partially shaded, resulting in the phenomenon of the generated current stagnating (hot spot).1) Because of the risk of ignition, urban solar power modules require advanced technology.
1) Ignition phenomenon caused by partial shade (hot spot): When shade partially covers a solar module, the generated current can flow in but cannot flow out, generating heat. Ignition points occur under certain conditions: partial shade, concentrated heat, and repetition.
of KERI’s results are significant And that The development of new photovoltaic modules will ensure they are stretchable, safe, efficient and applicable in urban environments. Research Team Reconstruction of photovoltaic modules2) Materials and Construction Previously, this was structured for over 40 years.
2) The production of photovoltaic modules began in 1955, and modules have been produced (laminated structure of tempered glass-EVA-cell array-EVA-polymer back sheet) from inexpensive materials and processed since 1980 for space solar power generation. However, due to the recent high demand for solar power generation capacity, traditional module systems last for more than 40 years and face problems such as material durability, lifespan, and possible fire risk.
Conventional solar cell modules are made of a laminated structure, and are expensive because they use reinforced glass and plastic to protect the solar cells. However, Dr. Cha’s team has It uses silicone material to provide electrical connections for glass-free applications. The team was successful Restructure the results as flexible structures within modules. The electrical connections of the modules are realized in a hybrid series/parallel (to increase the number of paths for electricity to flow) method depending on the application. The team’s idea changes the paradigm of photovoltaic modules that has been stubbornly stuck for decades, and the world-first results of KERI’s research stand out as the culmination of years of hard work.
The biggest advantages of KERI’s new photovoltaic module are the stability, safety and flexibility of power generation. KERI module replaces traditional flammable plastic with flame-retardant material suitable for electrical insulation and durability. And the hybrid (series/parallel) structure effectively supports maintaining high power output and prevents hot spots from occurring even when the photovoltaic module is partially shaded.
The elasticity of the modules makes them as portable as folding paper. This allows for a variety of integrated applications, such as benches and lighting shields, allowing for solar power generation. While the team satisfied modular design concerns, tessellated (mosaic) designs, like paving or bathroom tiles, could increase applicability and adaptability to urban environments.
KERI has improved the efficiency of photovoltaic modules with its new technology “Helianthus (Sunflower)”. Power is generated by optimizing the module structure and tracking the sun’s position (self-tracking), which is performed by shape memory alloys attached to arrayed solar cells. In this respect, compared to traditional flat modules, daily power generation is increased by 60%. KERI’s photovoltaic modules are the world’s first solution, which does not require special installation of a system on the module, but has an integrated self-tracking method.
“Our technology will make it possible to improve our lives with natural resources such as solar energy and self-generation throughout the city,” said Dr Cha Seung-il from KERI. “This will be an important milestone for carbon neutrality and enhanced energy security, which are seen as national issues today.”
This study The study, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), published five research papers including the cover study in the energy science journal Sustainable Energy and Fuels.3). KERI aims to conduct sustainable research and development to expand the applications of solar power and provide lighter and more efficient solar modules for future mobility such as autonomous driving (drones).
3) Impact factor: 6.084 / JCR top 15.18%
KERI is a national research institute affiliated to the National Scientific and Technological Research Council (NST) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and ICT.
