Event Details

Dr. Vivian Ferry, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, is presenting.

The solar spectrum is a broad and diffuse light source, but solar panels operate most efficiently at specific wavelengths near the semiconductor bandgap and over a limited range of incident angles. Different strategies can be used with nanostructured optical materials to enhance the performance of photovoltaics. Luminescent solar concentrators harvest diffuse sunlight, concentrate sunlight onto small-area solar cells, and can be integrated into architectural panels. To create these panels, we synthesize luminescent materials and create nanostructured surfaces to guide light toward the solar cell. In the field, thermal management in photovoltaic modules exhibit decreased performance due to elevated operating temperature. I will discuss the use of nanostructured surfaces to enhance the energy yield of the module by simultaneously reducing the operating temperature and improving photocurrent generation. 

Snacks at 3 p.m.