Gemstone Team Research

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Subject: search.filters.subject.solar energy

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    An analysis of the efficacy of low-scale concentrated photovoltaics
    (2012) Brooks, Thomas; Collins, Sean; Edgerton, Alexander; Ford, Blaine; Gautam, Preetha; Goldfinger, Matthew; Hall, Ian; Huang, Billy; Lanzo, Michael; McGowan, Melissa; Myers, Taylor; Salata, Christopher; Zheng, Andy; Adomaitis, Ray
    The plausibility of low-concentrating flat-plate photovoltaics as a viable small-scale energy generation system was explored. A flat-plate photovoltaic panel utilizing an inexpensive parabolic reflector to increase the solar radiation incident on the panel was constructed. The concentration system's performance was compared to a solitary flat-plate photovoltaic panel with no concentration. The concentrating panel experienced a maximum of seven times and averaged three to four times the power output of the flat system. It is projected that similar systems could provide a less costly alternative to consumer scale solar panels that use expensive efficiency-increasing tracking systems.
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    The potential of natural, photosynthetic pigments to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells
    (2011) Barnoy, Eran; Conley, Mark; Gan, A. Stephen; Gefen, Yoni; Lovell, Jana; Mann, Katherine; Shuchatowitz, Adin; Tobin, Christine; Sullivan, Joseph
    Current photovoltaic cells incorporate silicon or synthetic dyes; however, these cells are expensive and the dyes are toxic. Our product uses natural, photosynthetic pigments to sensitize an alternative design solar cell, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Research has shown that plant pigments are suitable sensitizers for these cells, but there is presently no good rationale to determine which pigment combinations may be most effective. Our research goal was to develop and test an absorption index for pigment selection that would increase the output of DSSCs. Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between spectral absorption of the sensitizing dye and power output of the cell. Certain pigment combinations were more effective sensitizers based on combined absorption capabilities, but resolving the mechanisms of the exact relationship requires further research and likely further development of the algorithm used to choose optimal pigment combinations.
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    Detection methods for common problems in solar home systems
    (2009-05) Lomaskin, Mark; Mahony, Rebecca; Mooney, Lindsay; Robinson, Ryan; Teitelbaum, Adam; Chang, Peter
    Solar power is a valuable source of electricity for users in the developing world, yet many solar home systems are working at marginal capacity or not functioning at all. This study has two purposes: (1) to determine how common problems afflicting these systems affect the voltage output, and (2) to use patterns in voltage as a means of detecting these problems, via diagnostic tools. Team SHINE simulated common problems on experimental systems, collecting voltage data from the batteries and panels. Using these data, we created computer algorithms to detect the problem affecting the system. After testing several detection methods, it was found that the most successful performed at 86.5% accuracy. The algorithms can be used in future research to create a device for detecting these problems, allowing them to be addressed earlier.