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A window that produces electricity and heat energy

24.06.2022

Scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a dual-band selective solar energy harvesting (SSH) window based on transparent photovoltaic cells (TPV) and transparent solar absorbers (TSA). TSAs are used to convert ultraviolet (UV) or near infrared (NIR) light into thermal energy.

The collected thermal energy is extracted by ventilated air to provide space heating in the cold season or to reduce the load on the cooling of the premises in the heat. The SSH window has an apparent transmittance of 42%, a solar conversion efficiency of 0,75%, and a solar conversion efficiency of 24% with a 10°C increase in ventilated air temperature.

The research team used a luminescent solar concentrator (TPV) based on copper, indium and zinc sulfide (CuInS2/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) as the outer window. It is able to collect ultraviolet light and transmit it to opaque photovoltaic devices located on the edge of a transparent substrate to generate electricity. TSA was used to make the inside of the window where heat is produced and collected.

The scientists made a 30 x 30 x 2,4 cm prototype by assembling TPV elements with TSA on the inside. They claim that the device showed significant visible transmittance and that it could generate 6 watts per square meter and a thermal output of about 150 watts per square meter.

The heat output is 25 times greater than the electricity produced, which means that heat harvesting is of paramount importance for building-integrated solar energy harvesting windows. When collecting thermal energy through ventilation, the total useful efficiency is estimated at more than 30% under typical operating conditions for space heating in buildings.

An SSH window can save up to 61,5% annual heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption compared to conventional glass, in addition to generating electricity of up to 19,1% annual energy savings.

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