INDOOR DYE PV's: Dye photovoltaic cells for indoor applications

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 96.0431-2

Key words (English)

Dye sensitized solar cell; indoor applications

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: JOR3-CT97-0147

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 5.1 Nonnuclear energies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Pricer, LECLA, DSMRD, IPMIT, SIPER, UUPP, EPFL

Abstract (English)

The aim of the INDOOR DYE PV project was the design of a pilot production for dye sensitized solar modules to be used in indoor applications (50 - 250 Lux). The general objective of the project was therefore to identify experimentally all process steps and parameters which are relevant for an industrial production. Consequently, the results of this project are two designs (computer simulations) of a production line and a detailed cost analysis. The two lines differ in annual production volume and investment costs, for the low investment line an annual production of 5 mio. devices is foreseen and for the more sophisticated and automated line an annual throughput of> 10 mio. units is predicted. However, the chosen concept of proceeding masterplates bears a high potential for increasing the production volume, since modules on one masterplate are produced simultaneously (e.g. 20x20 cm-> 24 modules and 30x30 -> 54 modules).
The technical objectives were given by the potential end-user Pricer A.B. (Sweden). They consisted mainly of a high light conversion efficiency (10uA and 2.2 V at 100 - 200 Lux, with a device of 3x3 cm), a service time of 5 - 10 years under indoor conditions and a price limit of 50 US cents per device.
EPFL contributed in different ways to the project. Starting with the initial technology transfer to the partners, the main emphasis consisted in the development of TiO2 paste. In close collaboration with ECN (Netherlands Energy Research Foundation), a set of three screen-printable pastes was developed and finally produced on a kilo scale, thus playing a central role in the actual realization of test cells and prototype devices. By means of test cell blocks, a reference system was established, which was the basic tool to prove reproducibility and stability. In addition, EPFL was involved in comparative photovoltaic testing, elaborating the most suitable compounds out of an initial selection of three to five materials per cell component. Concerning the sealing technique, EPFL evaluated together with IPM S.p.A. a two-roll lamination press method, which was found to be the most suitable for large volume in-line production.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 96.0431-2