The use of solar energy to generate electricity is already
widespread. Today’s established and commonly used
solar cells are based on the raw material silicon.
Although silicon is present in large quantities on earth, it
must be processed in an energy-intensive manner for
use in solar cells. In the Solarhaus of the University of
Applied Sciences Lübeck (THL), we are researching
attractive alternatives. The aim is to be able to use solar
energy more economically and sustainably. With dye-
sensitized solar cells, in which naturally occurring dyes
from microalgae are embedded, we make use of the
principle of photosynthesis.
Prototypes of this technology, which is still to be researched and
developed, are to be presented at least outside the evaluation at the
HDU in Wuppertal.
In particular, the naturally occurring tetrapyrrole dyes are
particularly suitable for the production of efficient dye-sensitized
solar cells, as they represent the functional building blocks of the
natural photosynthetic system of plants and (micro-) algae.
The dyes have practically not been investigated in such
applications so far. Our research and development work is
therefore necessary in order to provide such dyes and the
corresponding cell technology allowing them to work in stable and
efficient manner. Our interest in dye sensitized solar cells is also
fuelled by the relatively high sensitivity to diffuse light and a simple
and compact design.
Algae for dye-sensitized solar cells
Artificial sun - The Solar Simulator
The solar simulator allows to evaluate the performance of the solar cells. It
is a lamp closely imitating the real spectrum of our sun at the earth
surface at varying illumination conditions (sunny or cloudy days at different
day times etc.).
The solar simulator is structured as follows. It consists of:
darkened chamber | light source | computer with the company
software | power supply | measuring terminals | height-adjustable
sample table
The light source of the solar simulator can generate different solar spectra
with different irradiances, which allows the solar cells to be measured
under different irradiances. The company software enables the fully
automated recording of current-voltage characteristic and calculates the
resulting parameters such as the efficiency of the cell. Thus, the cells can
be reliably compared with each other.
However, the solar simulator can only provide values for cells
under laboratory conditions. For the measurement of the cells
under real conditions, the solar house has a self-made outdoor
measuring station.
Read more about the solar house >> here
The use of solar energy to generate electricity is
already widespread. Today’s established and commonly
used solar cells are based on the raw material silicon.
Although silicon is present in large quantities on earth, it
must be processed in an energy-intensive manner for
use in solar cells. In the Solarhaus of the University of
Applied Sciences Lübeck (THL), we are researching
attractive alternatives. The aim is to be able to use solar
energy more economically and sustainably. With dye-
sensitized solar cells, in which naturally occurring dyes
from microalgae are embedded, we make use of the
principle of photosynthesis.
not been investigated in such applications so far. Our
research and development work is therefore necessary
in order to provide such dyes and the corresponding
cell technology allowing them to work in stable and
efficient manner. Our interest in dye sensitized solar
cells is also fuelled by the relatively high sensitivity to
diffuse light and a simple and compact design.
In particular, the naturally
occurring tetrapyrrole dyes
are particularly suitable for
the production of efficient
dye-sensitized solar cells,
as they represent the
functional building blocks
of the natural
photosynthetic system of
plants and (micro-) algae.
The dyes have practically
Artificial sun - The Solar Simulator
The solar simulator allows to evaluate the performance
of the solar cells. It is a lamp closely imitating the real
spectrum of our sun at the earth surface at varying
illumination conditions (sunny or cloudy days at
different day times etc.).
The solar simulator is structured as follows. It consists
of:
darkened chamber | light source | computer with the
company software | power supply | measuring
terminals | height-adjustable sample table
The light source of the solar simulator can generate
different solar spectra with different irradiances, which
allows the solar cells to be measured under different
irradiances. The company software enables the fully
automated recording of current-voltage characteristic
and calculates the resulting parameters such as the
efficiency of the cell. Thus, the cells can be reliably
compared with each other.
However, the solar simulator can only provide
values for cells under laboratory conditions. For
the measurement of the cells under real
conditions, the solar house has a self-made
outdoor measuring station.
Read more about the solar house >> here
Prototypes of this technology, which is still to be
researched and developed, are to be presented
at least outside the evaluation at the HDU in
Wuppertal.
