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The research presented in this study aims to tackle a pivotal challenge in solar energy technologies: how to sustain energy production when direct sunlight is not readily available. By introducing a novel photothermal radiator that effectively harnesses diffused light through plasmonic Fe₃O₄@Cu2-xS nanoparticles, we seek to offer a sustainable solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without heavy reliance on traditional solar sources. Our approach involves the use of UV and IR lights to photothermally activate transparent Fe₃O₄@Cu2-xS thin films, showcasing a proactive strategy to optimize energy capture even in low-light scenarios such as cloudy days or nighttime hours. This innovative technology carries immense potential for energy-neutral buildings, paving the way to reduce dependence on external energy grids and promoting a more sustainable future for indoor heating and comfort control. The developed photothermal radiator incorporates multiple transparent thin films infused with plasmonic Fe₃O₄@Cu2-xS nanoparticles, known for their robust UV and IR absorptions driven by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR). Through the application of UV and IR lights, these thin films efficiently convert incident photons into thermal energy. Our experiments within a specially constructed Diffused Light Photothermal Box (DLPB), designed to simulate indoor environments, demonstrate the system's capability to raise temperatures above 50°C effectively. This pioneering photothermal radiator offers a promising pathway for sustainable heat generation in indoor spaces, harnessing ubiquitous diffused light sources to enhance energy efficiency.
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A photothermal solar tunnel via multiple transparent Fe3O4@Cu2-xS thin films for heating utility application
A Photothermal Solar Tunnel Radiator (PSTR) is designed and developed by employing multiple transparent photothermal glass panels (TPGP). The primary objective is to pioneer a transformative approach to achieve energy-neutral building heating utilities, exemplified by a lab-scale "Photothermal Solar Box" (PSB) exclusively heated with TPGP under natural sunlight. The PSTR presents a novel paradigm for sustainable energy, enabling direct solar energy capture through transparent glass substrates with photothermal coatings. The high transparency of Fe3O4@Cu2-xS coated glass substrates enhance efficient solar harvesting and photothermal energy generation within the Photothermal Solar Box. The system demonstrates an impressive thermal energy output, reaching up to 9.1x105 joules with 8 photothermal panels in parallel. Even under colder conditions (ambient temperature: -10 °C), with accelerated heat loss, the interior temperatures of the PSB with partial thermal insulation achieve a commendable 35 °C, showcasing effective photothermal heating in cold weather. These findings indicate the system's resilience and efficiency in harnessing solar energy under diverse conditions, including partial cloudy weather. The initiative contributes to broader sustainability goals by providing a scalable and practical alternative to traditional solar heating methods, aligning with the global mission for a cleaner, greener future.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1953009
- PAR ID:
- 10503538
- Publisher / Repository:
- Elsevier
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Solar Energy
- Volume:
- 271
- Issue:
- C
- ISSN:
- 0038-092X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 112444
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- 3D solar harvesting, spectral selective films, energy-neutral, photothermal energy generation, transparent multi-panels
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2024.112444
