Luminescent Solar Power-PV/Thermal Hybrid Electricity Generation for Cost-Effective Dispatchable Solar Energy

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Materials Science
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• The primary challenge in solar energy is not generation cost but utility-scale energy storage and supply flexibility.
• Existing low-cost thermal energy storage (TES) solutions often require expensive heat engines.
• Photovoltaic (PV) cells face efficiency limitations due to excessive heat generation during operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate the concept of luminescent solar power (LSP) as a novel approach to solar energy storage and generation.
• To present a hybrid system that integrates photoluminescent absorbers with PV cells for efficient energy conversion and thermal storage.
• To explore the potential of LSP in providing a base-load solar power solution and reducing electricity costs.

Main Methods:

• Development of photoluminescent (PL) materials designed to absorb sunlight and re-emit it at a wavelength optimized for adjacent PV cells.
• Integration of PL absorbers with PV cells to minimize heat loss and enable efficient energy conversion.
• Experimental demonstration of a system capable of storing excess thermal energy generated during the process.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a luminescent solar power system where the PV cell operates efficiently with minimal excess heat.
• Achieved experimental results showing tailored luminescent materials supporting an additional 1.5 kWh of PV electricity for every 1 kWh of (virtual) heat engine electricity.
• Showcased a dynamic shift capability between PV electricity generation and thermal energy storage.

Conclusions:

• Luminescent solar power (LSP) offers a promising solution for solar energy storage and flexible electricity generation.
• The demonstrated hybrid system has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of electricity, enabling a base-load solar power solution.
• Further development of LSP technology could overcome current limitations in solar energy storage and grid integration.