Solar Energy

Revolution in low-light imaging with integrated photovoltaic and photodetector organic device

Published

8 months ago

January 26, 2024

sarosh

Revolution in low-light imaging with integrated photovoltaic and photodetector organic device

by Riko Seibo

Seoul, South Korea (SPX) Jan 26, 2024

In a significant advancement in organic-based optoelectronic technology, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in collaboration with experts from Korea University and Ewha Womans University, has developed an innovative device that uniquely combines the functions of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs). This development marks a novel stride in creating low-power, efficient solutions for indoor electronics and wireless IoT sensors.

Historically, the development of OPVs and OPDs has been pursued independently, despite their potential synergies. OPVs are known for their ability to generate electricity even under low-light conditions, while OPDs excel in capturing images. However, their independent development paths have so far limited their practical application in next-generation, miniaturized devices due to efficiency constraints.

The joint research team, led by Dr. Min-Chul Park and Dr. Do Kyung Hwang from KIST, Prof. Jae Won Shim and Prof. Tae Geun Kim from Korea University, and Prof. JaeHong Park from Ewha Womans University, has bridged this gap by integrating these two technologies into a single device. This innovative approach not only enables simultaneous energy harvesting and image capturing but also significantly enhances energy efficiency in indoor environments.

One of the key advancements in this technology is the transformation of the organic semiconductor layer into a multicomponent structure, which has led to a remarkable improvement in the device’s performance. In indoor settings, the device achieves an impressive photoelectric conversion efficiency of over 32%, coupled with a linear dynamic range exceeding 130 dB. This enhancement, particularly in contrast ratio and low-light conditions, allows for clearer image capturing compared to conventional silicon devices, which typically offer a linear dynamic range of around 100 dB.

The research team has also made notable progress by successfully implementing single-pixel image sensing. This system captures ambient light, converts it into electrical energy, and uses this energy for image acquisition. This new photodetector, characterized by its multi-component semiconductor layer, offers versatile applications. It functions not only as a conventional camera but also as an aesthetic and practical element that can be integrated into windows or walls, providing sufficient resolution to discern shapes and movements.

Dr. Min-chul Park from KIST underscored the versatility and potential of this technology, stating, “While primarily functioning as an energy harvester, it can also be applied to detect movement and recognize motion patterns in environments without light.” He expressed optimism about its applications in various sectors, including human-computer interaction (HCI) research and smart indoor environments.

This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the field of organic optoelectronics. By combining energy harvesting and imaging capabilities, the team has opened new avenues for eco-friendly and efficient solutions in indoor electronic applications. The device’s ability to operate effectively in low-light conditions while providing dual functionality underscores its potential impact on the advancement of wireless IoT sensors and other indoor electronics.

Research Report:Self-Powering Sensory Device with Multi-Spectrum Image Realization for Smart Indoor Environments

Source link

Solar Energy

Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub

Published

2 days ago

September 6, 2024

sarosh

Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 05, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Argonne National Laboratory to lead the newly established Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), a national hub focused on advancing energy storage technologies. The ESRA, co-led by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is one of two new Energy Innovation Hubs announced by the DOE.

Bringing together nearly 50 leading researchers from three national laboratories and 12 universities, ESRA aims to address the most critical challenges in battery technology, such as safety, high-energy density, and the development of long-duration storage solutions using cost-effective and abundant materials. The initiative is designed to push the boundaries of energy storage science, fostering innovation and strengthening the competitive edge of the U.S. in this crucial field.

“The demand for high-performance, low-cost and sustainable energy storage devices is on the rise, especially those with potential to deeply decarbonize heavy-duty transportation and the electric grid,” stated Shirley Meng, ESRA director and chief scientist at the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science. “To achieve this, energy storage technology must reach levels of unprecedented performance, surpassing the capabilities of current lithium-ion technology. The key to making these transformative leaps lies in a robust research and development initiative firmly grounded in basic science.”

Leveraging decades of investment in fundamental science, ESRA will focus on transformative discoveries in materials chemistry, a deeper understanding of electrochemical processes at the atomic level, and establishing the scientific foundations necessary for major advancements in energy storage technology.

“ESRA creates an energy storage research ecosystem with the mission to rapidly innovate, shorten the time between basic discovery and technology development, and train the next-generation workforce,” commented Bryan McCloskey, ESRA deputy director for scientific thrusts and a faculty engineer at Berkeley Lab.

The success of ESRA’s efforts will lead to the development of high-energy batteries that are fire-resistant, capable of providing long-duration storage for multiple days, have a lifespan of several decades, and are constructed from low-cost, widely available materials.

“ESRA will pave the way for innovative energy storage solutions that drive both U.S. prosperity and security,” said Argonne Director Paul Kearns. “As the lead laboratory for ESRA under the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Argonne takes pride in spearheading this collaborative effort that unites world-leading experts and taps the impressive scientific resources available in national labs and academia.”

The DOE has committed up to $62.5 million in funding for ESRA over the next five years.

In addition to its research goals, the Argonne-led hub will prioritize training a diverse, next-generation battery workforce to meet future manufacturing demands. This will be achieved through innovative training programs that involve industry, academia, and government partnerships.

“Cultivating a diverse workforce dedicated to safeguarding America’s energy resilience is key to ESRA’s mission,” noted Wei Wang, ESRA deputy director for crosscuts and director of the Energy Storage Materials Initiative at PNNL. “Through our strategic equity and inclusion initiatives, we plan to create a robust training ground for energy storage science from the undergraduate to postdoctoral levels.”

With Berkeley Lab and PNNL as co-leads, the ESRA collaboration brings together comprehensive expertise across the energy storage spectrum. Their state-of-the-art capabilities in technology discovery, modeling and simulation, and materials synthesis and characterization complement those of Argonne, setting the stage for significant advancements in energy storage.

Argonne is joined by 14 partners in this initiative, all of whom are deeply involved in ESRA’s scientific endeavors, governance, strategic development, and the training of the next generation of battery scientists and engineers. This collaboration among national laboratories and universities is vital for discovering new materials, accelerating the development of technology, and commercializing new energy storage innovations.

Source link

Solar Energy

UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’

Published

2 days ago

September 6, 2024

sarosh

UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’

by AFP Staff Writers

Beijing (AFP) Sept 5, 2024

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told African leaders Thursday that expanding ties between China and the continent could “drive the renewable energy revolution”.

Guterres and more than 50 African leaders are attending this week’s China-Africa forum, according to state media.

Guterres told the gathering that “China’s remarkable record of development — including on eradicating poverty — provides a wealth of experience and expertise”.

“It can be a catalyst for key transitions on food systems and digital connectivity,” he said.

“And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximise the potential of China’s support in areas from trade to data management, finance and technology,” Guterres added.

Guterres also told the leaders it was time to correct “historic injustices” against the continent.

“It is outrageous… that the continent of Africa has no permanent seat on the Security Council,” he said.

Source link

Solar Energy

Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister

Published

6 days ago

September 2, 2024

sarosh

Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister

by AFP Staff Writers

Doha (AFP) Sept 1, 2024

A large new solar plant planned in Qatar will double the Gulf emirate’s previously projected renewable energy capacity by 2030, Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced on Sunday.

The photovoltaic farm, which will be built in the Dukhan area some 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of the capital Doha, will increase the gas-rich state’s solar production capacity to four gigawatts by the end of the decade, Kaabi said.

The plant “that will be established in Dukhan area will produce 2,000 megawatts, which is twice more than the capacity of Qatar’s production of solar energy of the current projects,” the minister, who is also chief executive of state-owned QatarEnergy, said.

In October 2022, Qatar inaugurated its first large-scale solar farm at al-Kharsaah, west of Doha. The emirate announced in August of the same year another solar project with two plants at Ras Laffan in the north.

Through the combined projects, including at Dukhan, Qatar would achieve “4,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2030”, Kaabi said.

This will “constitute 30 percent of the total production of energy of the state of Qatar” with a yearly reduction of “4.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” he added.

Kaabi said the existing projects should produce 1.7 gigawatts of energy “in first quarter of next year, or early next year”.

The energy minister also announced plans to more than double Qatar’s urea production making the country the largest producer of the fertiliser in the world by the end of the decade.

He said Qatar would “maximise the production of chemical fertilisers” through “a complex with global standards” which would “increase our production capacity from 6 million tonnes annually to more than 12.4 million tonnes annually”.

Qatar is one of the world’s top liquefied natural gas producers alongside the United States, Australia and Russia. Natural gas is a major ingredient in urea manufacturing.

In February, Qatar announced plans to expand its output from its North Field project, saying it will boost capacity to 142 million tonnes per year before 2030.

Over the past year, Qatar has inked a series of long-term LNG deals with France’s Total, Britain’s Shell, India’s Petronet, China’s Sinopec and Italy’s Eni among others.

csp/dcp

QatarEnergy

Source link