SBIR Phase I: Photovoltaic Thread

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate the construction of photovoltaic thread for supplying power to distributed sensor network devices. Semiconductor nanowire coated thread will enable high conversion efficiency photovoltaic thread to be built at low cost using high volume manufacturing techniques. High conversion efficiency devices will be achieved as a result of both the intrinsic high broadband absorption of the semiconductor nanowire array structure and the efficient collection of the generated electron-hole pairs in the narrow vertical junction structure of the device. This architecture will enable solar power systems to be built that can be used in distributed security sensor networks by providing unique collector architectures or be directly integrated into the security sensor packaging while providing in excess of 1000 Wh/kg. The photovoltaic thread technology enables a new paradigm in photovoltaic panel construction. Threads may be woven into fabrics that can readily be used as standalone solar panel sails or be integrated onto electronics packages as appliques. In larger power generating applications the omnidirectional collection capability of the thread geometry can enable the construction of solar panels that automatically track the sun, eliminating the need and high cost of a tracking system and enabling passive collection systems to harvest a greater portion of the energy incident upon them throughout the day.