DEPHOTEX

Development of Photovoltaic Textiles based on novel fibres

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The goal of the project is to research and develop textile solar cells in order to get flexible photovoltaic textiles based on novel fibres allowing taking benefit from the solar radiation so as to turn it into energy. Photovoltaic solar energy is being widely studied as one of the sources of renewable energy with major application potential, being considered a real alternative to fossil fuels. Since the development of first photovoltaic cells, solar energy is being an object of continuous research focused on improving the energy efficiency as well as the structure of photovoltaic cells. Last innovations on photovoltaic technology have allowed obtaining flexible solar cells which offer a wide range of possibilities, mainly in wearable applications that need autonomous systems. The present project is in line with last developments and the target is to research on the development of flexible and textile solar cells to obtain photovoltaic textiles, which offer a range of useful applications in a variety of consumer application sectors: home textiles, sports, leisure, clothing, automotive industry… For instance, solar tents and parasols with the capability of energy generation. The project research is based on the development of novel fibres with conductive properties as substrate of the structure of flexible photovoltaic cells. From the development of a conductive textile substrate, the project will focus on the research and deposition of different layers that will compose the structure of a textile photovoltaic cell. These cells will be developed with organic and inorganic semiconductive materials. The main technological innovation is based on the development of a wearable and flexible energy source directly on textile products. Fabrics with the capability of generation of clean, usable and wearable energy thanks to their sun exposure, offer a great added value.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Scientists in Spain are looking at how photovoltaic panels can be integrated into common objects or textiles.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Solar energy is a rapidly growing market. However, a lack of flexibility and conformability means that it remains difficult to integrate photovoltaic panels into common objects or clothes. Researchers believe this problem needs to be rectified as many sun-exposed surface areas, such as clothes, car interiors or outdoor articles like solar tents and parasols, are textile based and could be significant providers of solar energy.

Scientists in the 'Development of photovoltaic textiles based on novel fibres' (Dephotex) project will therefore identify the specific needs of these textiles, namely their geometrical dimensions, durability, electrical properties (voltage and power), and cost sustainability for various industrial sectors, such as home textiles, sports, leisure, clothing and the automotive industry. Secondly, the research team will investigate various conductive textiles, in particular, carbon nano-tubes and conductive polymers, as potential substrates for the photovoltaic cells.

In parallel to this activity, researchers will study photovoltaic active materials, barrier materials and deposition techniques, leading ultimately to the fabrication of new devices for two distinct markets. First, the project will develop the technology necessary for applications where pieces of fabric can be processed with industrial tools. A second technique will enable the production of photovoltaic patches that can be pasted on to large surface area textiles, such as sizeable stadium awnings, that cannot be processed in a factory.