Solar concentrator based on transparent glass silicon nanostructures

Device for converting solar energy into electricity using a transparent panel of inorganic material, such as glass.

Patent title Method for realising a support slab provided with silicon nanostructures and an inorganic luminescent solar concentrator provided with this support slab
Thematic area Climate, Energy and Mobility
Ownership ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA' DI BOLOGNA, CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
Inventors VITTORIO MORANDI, MARIA CONCETTA CANINO, Giacomo Bergamini, Raffaello Mazzaro, Francesco Romano, Paola Ceroni
Protection Italy
Licensing status Available for development agreements, option, license and other exploitation agreements
Keywords Luminescent, solar concentrators, photovoltaics, silicon nanostructures, non-toxic, transparent
Filed on 27 July 2017

Sunlight is the most economical, most evenly distributed, abundant and renewable energy source on Earth. The power of solar radiation that hits the surface of our planet is 10,000 times higher than the current global energy demand. In order to be usable, however, solar energy must be converted into forms that can be directly usable. One of the possibilities for converting solar energy into electricity currently being studied is linked to the use of luminescent solar concentrators.

Device for converting solar energy into electric power using a transparent panel of inorganic material, such as glass.

Applications:

  • Sustainable architecture;
  • Building and construction;
  • Renewable energies.

 

Advantages:

  • Chemical and photochemical stability of nanostructures encapsulated in the glass;
  • Simplicity of the nanomaterial production process, which avoids the use of dangerous reagents;
  • High transparency in the visible and optical properties.

 

Page published on: 26 September 2018