EFFICIENT PRODUCTS FEATURE
High-rise buildings typically draw their power from the traditional carbon fuel grid and are therefore contributing to the ever increasing carbon emissions and air pollution in major metropolises. Here, Matthew Stone, chairman at nanotechnology research specialists, NextGen Nano, explains how the integration of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells to commercial buildings can assist in the production of green energy for cleaner cities
GREENER, CLEANER, ENERGY THANKS TO OPV CELLS
OPV cells, applied to the glasses of skyscrapers, will still make skyscrapers aesthetically beautiful, but ensure that these buildings are sustainably and sufficiently powered
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kylines across the world are shaped by skyscrapers. With the urban
population of the world expected to rise from 3.6 billion to 6.3 billion between now and 2050, according to the United Nations, skyscrapers will be a necessity in order to provide enough space for both living and business purposes. However, one study shows that the amount of electricity used per square metre of floor area is nearly two and a half times greater in high-rise office buildings than in low ones. In addition, the study noted that the gas for the heating in skyscrapers is 40% higher than normal buildings and total carbon emissions are twice as high. The problem with glass skyscrapers
is related to heat leaks in cold weather and extreme high temperatures in the summer, which increases the need for air conditioning as people are not allowed to open windows. By using air conditioning constantly, carbon emissions from offices are currently 60% higher than offices that use a natural ventilation.
HOW BIPVS CAN HELP To reduce carbon emissions and provide enough energy to skyscrapers, one of the best solutions would be to install building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). At the moment, there are four main types of BIPV products – the crystalline silicon solar panels for ground-based and rooftop power plants; the amorphous crystalline silicon thin film solar PV
modules; the Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) based thin film cells on flexible modules, which are laminated either to the building envelope element or mounted directly onto the building envelope substrate; and the double glass solar panels with inside square cells. Current solar panels present PV
cells that absorb the photons from semiconducting materials. Photons handle exciting charge carried in the semiconductor materials, which are consequently extracted from the cell to electrodes to generate electrical current. This process doesn’t require the use of carbon fuels or other materials that can produce air pollution. However, there is no guarantee that the PV panel itself is produced using environmentally friendly materials, unless the panel consists of organic PV (OPV) cells. The challenge in realising truly green
BIPVs is that higher power efficiencies are required to make building- integrated solar practical. OPVs have typically offered lower efficiencies than conventional PVs, but research continues to pave the way for more efficient OPVs to meet this requirement. As an example, UK technology company
Nextgen Nano is leading the way in the development of transparent organic solar cells using advanced nanotechnology. Nextgen is currently developing highly efficient, flexible organic solar cells that support efforts for decentralised energy
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generation and power consumption. This innovation has led the company to develop OPVs that have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency currently achieved by third-generation solar technologies. The PolyPower division of Nextgen Nano
explores the use of earth-friendly organic materials that can provide a lightweight, flexible and affordable approach to solar energy. PolyPower is developed at a nano level with transparency and flexibility, which means it has the exciting potential to be applied as a semi-transparent thin layer to the surface of a skyscraper and its windows, allowing power generation, lighting and temperature control.
MOVING FORWARD By investing in nanotechnologies for solar panels, it is possible to move forward in the sustainability mission by reducing air pollution in big cities exponentially. OPV cells, applied to the glasses of skyscrapers, will still make skyscrapers aesthetically beautiful, but ensure that these buildings are sustainably and sufficiently powered. Most importantly, by aggressive
investment in these technologies now, it might be possible to reduce carbon emissions well ahead of 2050 – allowing us a much-needed breath of fresh air in cities like London and New York.
NextGen Nano
http://nextgen-nano.co.uk
ENERGY MANAGEMENT | SPRING 2021 19
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