For decades, heat has been considered the Achilles heel of solar energy. When the sun squeezes and the temperature rises, the solar panels They begin to lose efficiency. In sunny places, from Madrid to Sydney, the paradox is known: a lot of sun to achieve a lot of energy, but also a lot of heat that plays against. However, where some see problems, a new study has found a possible solution.
An unexpected ally. A study by the University of Laughborough, Posted in The Journal of Chemical Physicsturn this logic. Researchers have tried some photoelectrochimic flow cells (PEC), an emerging technology that captures light and stores it.
The most striking thing about this research is that the more heat they receive, the faster they store energy. The team has even identified an “optimal point” around 45 ° C, where performance reaches its maximum before stabilizing.
More in depth. But to understand the importance of this finding, it should be remembered why heat is a problem in conventional photovoltaic panels. The increase in temperature causes an increase in internal electrical resistance. This means that electrons lose energy in the form of heat instead of contributing to electric current, which reduces voltage and efficiency. As we have explained in Xatakafor each additional degree above 25 ºC, the plates lose between 0.05 % and 0.34 % yield, which can translate into falls from 10 to 25 % in very hot days.
Instead, PEC cells behave totally the other way around: heat energizes liquid electrolyte, accelerating the ion movement. In this way, internal conductivity is improved and reduces losses, achieving a faster and more efficient load.
The benefit of heat. The project led by the University of Laughborough by not needing active refrigeration systems, installation and maintenance costs are reduced. For their part, the most benefited regions would be those with abundant sun and high temperatures. As Dr. Bae has highlighted in Interesting Engineering: “This revolutionizes popular belief and gives us a new way of designing solar storage systems that prosper in heat conditions.”
Other ways. Beyond the PEC cells, there are also initiatives that seek to take advantage of heat in solar energy. The Australian startup Coolsheet has designed a passive water cooling system that is installed in the rear of the solar panels. This reduces the temperature of the plate and, at the same time, water is heated that can be used in industrial or domestic processes. As we have explained in Xatakaevery 10 ºC less on the plate can translate into an increase of 4 % in electrical efficiency.
From enemy to ally. Solar energy crosses an intense innovation phase. From technologies such as PECs, which make heat into an ally, to hybrid solutions such as Coolsheet, which reuse leftover heat, the future seems to get away from the traditional vision that heat is a problem to fight.
What is clear is that, As the University of Laughborough concludeswe are one step closer to a scenario in which the sun not only generates electricity, but also enhance the efficiency and reliability of our energy systems.
Image | Freepik
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