KAUST Researchers Innovate Cooling Technology To Boost Solar Cell Efficiency And Lifespan

A team of international researchers, led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and including experts from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), has created a new composite material that boosts solar cell performance. This material enables solar cells to generate more power and operate longer than those without it. It is also cost-effective to produce, reducing maintenance expenses.

According to KAUST, solar energy is crucial for Saudi Arabia's net-zero carbon goals but poses challenges. Commercial panels convert only about 20% of sunlight into electricity; the rest becomes heat or is reflected. This heat decreases solar cell efficiency and lifespan, necessitating replacements sooner than expected.

Cooling systems like fans and pumps require electricity, but passive cooling does not. KAUST Professor Qiaoqiang Gan stated, "We specialize in nanomaterials that enable passive cooling. These materials are thin and can be placed on different systems that require cooling to operate, like greenhouses and solar cells, without affecting performance."

The research team developed a composite material that absorbs moisture at night and releases it during the day. When applied to solar cells in coastal Saudi Arabia, this material kept them cooler while enhancing power output and lifespan. Passive cooling also cut electricity generation costs by 18%.

Experiments were conducted in various environments, including some of the coolest regions of mainland United States under rainfall conditions. These tests confirmed that passive cooling technology is effective worldwide. The study's findings are published in Materials Science and Engineering: R.

Professor Abdulrahman Albadri from KACST highlighted the study's alignment with Vision 2030 goals to increase renewable energy's share in electricity production. He noted that the material is effective in general solar cell applications, especially those developed in KACST labs where high temperatures are common due to concentrated light.

Future Prospects

The material has potential uses beyond solar cells, such as improving light emitters' efficiency at high temperatures. Preliminary studies have shown promising results for these applications. Dr. Abdullah AlMoqbel from KACST emphasized the importance of cleanroom research aligned with national energy priorities.

The developed material provides a low-cost solution for cooling challenges in solar projects both within Saudi Arabia and globally. It also opens new opportunities for lighting and laser technologies.

With inputs from SPA