SBIR Phase I: Transparent Molecular Photovoltaic Devices

这个小型企业创新研究计划(SBIR)第一阶段项目探索了一种变革性的可见透明光伏(PV)设备。建筑集成光伏(BIPV)是一种很有前途的能源途径，可以捕捉大面积的太阳能，并在使用点提高美国建筑的效率。然而，这种技术的广泛采用受到在壁板和窗户上安装传统光伏组件的成本和美观的严重阻碍。在这里，这些挑战是通过利用分子和有机半导体的激子特性来克服的，这种激子特性导致“振荡器聚束”来产生具有选择性吸收的光伏结构，即表现出与传统无机半导体的能带吸收截然不同的可见极小和紫外线(UV)和近红外(NIR)极大值。通过使用在近红外/紫外光中具有结构吸收的激子分子半导体，这些器件同时优化了高功率转换效率、可见光透过率和显色指数。因此，该计划的目标是实现相关的尺寸、寿命、美观和形状因数目标，以证明将概念验证原型开发成商业上可行的、透明的光伏窗膜的可行性，该膜可应用于窗户制造时的玻璃表面或作为现有窗户的翻新。该项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力通过保持现有建筑材料的美学和室内自然采光的质量，为建筑光伏的采用提供了前所未有的自由：(1)通过在使用点发电来提高建筑效率和能源独立性，(2)通过拒绝红外太阳能热来减少建筑制冷需求，补充或取代现有的Low-E和太阳能控制窗户涂料，以及(3)通过利用现有建筑围护结构的安装、框架和维护来实现低水平的能源成本。在美国，安装了这种薄膜的窗户表面积相当于数百太瓦时的潜在能源，包括发电和节能。此外，该项目还将形成核心知识，以此为基础设计未来几代透明光伏器件和材料。明显透明的PV还可以在非窗口表面(如电子显示器和移动电子配件)内无缝收集能量，在不影响美学或功能的情况下增强这些产品的功能。在国内和国外部署透明的PV，通过革命性地改变发电和消费的方式，支持美国在开发和实施先进技术方面保持技术和经济领先地位的努力。

This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I project explores a transformational visibly transparent photovoltaic (PV) device. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are a promising energy pathway to capturing large areas of solar energy and increasing U.S. building efficiency at the point of utilization. However, the widespread adoption of such technologies is severely hampered by the cost and aesthetics associated with mounting traditional PV modules on siding and windows. Here, these challenges are overcome by exploiting the excitonic character of molecular and organic semiconductors that lead to "oscillator bunching" to produce PV architectures with selective absorption, i.e. exhibiting visible minima and ultra-violet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) maxima, uniquely distinct from the band-absorption of traditional inorganic semiconductors. By using excitonic molecular semiconductors with structured absorption in the NIR/UV these devices are simultaneously optimized for high power conversion efficiency, visible light transmission, and color rendering index. Accordingly, the aim of this program is to reach relevant size, lifetime, aesthetic, and form-factor objectives that will demonstrate the feasibility of developing the proof-of-concept prototypes into a commercially viable, transparent, PV window film that can be applied to glass surfaces at the point of window fabrication or as a retrofit on existing windows. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project enables unprecedented freedom for architectural PV adoption by maintaining the aesthetics of existing building materials and the quality of natural indoor lighting: (1) increasing building efficiency and energy independence by producing electricity at the point of utilization, (2) reducing building cooling demands by rejecting infrared solar heat, supplementing or replacing existing low-E and solar-control window coatings, and (3) achieving low levelized energy costs by piggybacking on the installation, framing, and maintenance of the existing building envelope. Installed window surface area in the U.S. equipped with such films represents hundreds of terawatt-hours of potential energy, comprising energy generation and energy savings. Moreover, this project will result in a core knowledge from which future generations of transparent photovoltaic devices and materials will be designed. Visibly transparent PVs are also amenable to seamless energy harvesting within non-window surfaces such as electronic displays and mobile electronic accessories, enhancing the functionality of those products without impacting aesthetics or functionality. The deployment of transparent PVs, both domestically and abroad, supports American efforts to maintain technological and economic leadership in developing and implementing advanced technologies, by revolutionizing the way electricity is generated and consumed.