At the University of Washington, the Multidisciplinary Research Initiative (MURI) team has succeeded in creating a type of airborne solar cell that can potentially be used for the Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicles. They were able to create a new type of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) that can harvest energy better and therefore, fuel flights for longer.
Dr. Minoru Taya, the group's lead researcher, was able to justify this by explaining that “These kinds of solar cells have a more specific power of convergence efficiency (PCE), very clean energy and easy scalability to a larger skin area of the craft, as well as low-temperature processing, which leads to lower costs overall”.
Usually, a DSSC is made through the use of differing types of semiconductors, electrolytes and photo sensitive dyes. The DSSC that Dr. Taya's team made varies in the fact that it uses organic materials and moth-eye film in order to capture photons. Once the photons are captured, they become a synthesized electron that can store energy.
This team has been trying to take on this huge feat for several years. In a previous attempt to test solar cells, they had attached a DSSC to the wings of a toy airplane. Although the propeller started, it was unable to take off due to the glass based DSSC being too heavy.
In the future, the MURI team looks forward to improving their design to increase possible flight times and further suit the strict requirements of the Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicles they one day hope to power.
Up next is a more colorful approach to solar cells production.
(Information provided by CleanTechnica)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Marine Mania- Looking to Ancient Life to Solve Today's Problems
Engineers at Oregon State University and Portland State University have found a new way to potentially triple the electrical output of a conventional dye sensitized solar cell through the utilization of single celled marine life forms known as diatoms. Diatoms are a type of common unicellular algae that appear in a large variety of forms and have existed from as early as the Jurassic Period. They are well known for their unique cell wall made of silica and are readily available. Normally, they are used as a tool to monitor environmental condition and have never really been employed for electronic applications.
This process is initiated by allowing the diatoms to settle on a conductive glass surface. The organic material is then removed, leaving their shells on the glass surface in order to create a template. Various biological agents are combined with titanium to create titanium dioxide particles that are used to create a thin film that becomes a semiconductor for the solar device.
Although the exact physics of this device has not been understood yet, it has been deduced that that the holes in the shells increase the interactions between the dyes and the photons and therefore convert light into energy at a better rate. This is accomplished by allowing the photons bounce around inside of the shell, resulting in more energy.
This new process for creating dye sensitized solar cells has many advantages as well as disadvantages. One main disadvantage is that the process is a little more expensive than the current process for making dye sensitive solar cells. This disadvantage is almost negligible considering that the output nearly triples. Some of the advantages of utilizing diatoms also include a decrease the cost of production and a simpler process to create the cell.
At this point in time, this process is still being developed and has not been put into large scale use yet.
After exploring the depths of the oceans, look out for what comes next from the skies above us.
(Information was provided by StumbleUpon)
This process is initiated by allowing the diatoms to settle on a conductive glass surface. The organic material is then removed, leaving their shells on the glass surface in order to create a template. Various biological agents are combined with titanium to create titanium dioxide particles that are used to create a thin film that becomes a semiconductor for the solar device.
Although the exact physics of this device has not been understood yet, it has been deduced that that the holes in the shells increase the interactions between the dyes and the photons and therefore convert light into energy at a better rate. This is accomplished by allowing the photons bounce around inside of the shell, resulting in more energy.
This new process for creating dye sensitized solar cells has many advantages as well as disadvantages. One main disadvantage is that the process is a little more expensive than the current process for making dye sensitive solar cells. This disadvantage is almost negligible considering that the output nearly triples. Some of the advantages of utilizing diatoms also include a decrease the cost of production and a simpler process to create the cell.
At this point in time, this process is still being developed and has not been put into large scale use yet.
After exploring the depths of the oceans, look out for what comes next from the skies above us.
(Information was provided by StumbleUpon)
Friday, December 18, 2009
Today's Fads or Tomorrow's Future?- 5 New trends from the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell World
Environmentalists everywhere are rejoicing at the many breakthroughs that have lead to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint that is being left. Everywhere one looks, they see a new way to be even more environmentally friendly or to recycle and reuse the products they have already purchased in order to preserve Mother Nature. Scientists and engineers today are looking for new and affordable ways to use clean energy to replace the environmentally hazardous products. Here we will discuss 5 new trends that have emerged to create a cleaner and safer environment through the use of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells.
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, also known as DSSC's, are essentially a method used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, also known as solar energy. This is achieved by using specific dye molecules that absorb light and push charged particles through different layers of a cell, creating electricity. When compared to older methods of obtaining electricity, such as fossil fuels, DSSC's are a cleaner and a renewable source of energy. In comparison to older solar cell models, a DSSC is a cheaper, lighter and a more durable alternative.
Stay tuned for the a look at the first trend- Marine Mania.
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, also known as DSSC's, are essentially a method used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, also known as solar energy. This is achieved by using specific dye molecules that absorb light and push charged particles through different layers of a cell, creating electricity. When compared to older methods of obtaining electricity, such as fossil fuels, DSSC's are a cleaner and a renewable source of energy. In comparison to older solar cell models, a DSSC is a cheaper, lighter and a more durable alternative.
Stay tuned for the a look at the first trend- Marine Mania.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
About Us
FurnacePro is a blog run by Torrey Hills Technologies located in San Diego, CA. For the last six years, we have become a major supplier of infrared firing and drying furnaces for both electronic and solar cell industries. We have provided equipment and materials for companies all over the world in over 35 countries. Our in-house facilities have the ability to cater specifically to the needs of our customers. Torrey Hills Technologies was rated No. 188 on the Inc. 500 list by Inc. Magazine for being one of the nation's fastest growing private companies. It was also rated No. 5 in the Top 100 Inc. 500|5000 Companies by Industry.
Although we provide a variety of products with high qualifications, this blog is solely meant for discussing different types of technological advancements related to our field as a method for people to be able to freely discuss and learn. We feel that it is important for everyone to be aware of the new technology around them, even if they are not engineers. Overall, we hope that this blog is not only an easy way for for people to understand what is going on, but also a way to spark interest in the thrilling world of engineering.
Although we provide a variety of products with high qualifications, this blog is solely meant for discussing different types of technological advancements related to our field as a method for people to be able to freely discuss and learn. We feel that it is important for everyone to be aware of the new technology around them, even if they are not engineers. Overall, we hope that this blog is not only an easy way for for people to understand what is going on, but also a way to spark interest in the thrilling world of engineering.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the fantastic world of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells brough to you by FurnacePro. Here is the best spot to talk about the hot trends and developments of all different kinds in the photovoltaic universe. So don't be afraid, and step into the realm of solar cell technology and see how far a little imagination can take you!
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