G24 Innovations, a light energy harvesting company, which recycles indoor light into power, has acquired high efficiency indoor performance rates for its dye-sensitized cells. The cells have achieved conversion efficiency averaging 26%, which is greater than its prior achievement,15%.
This conversion rate has been achieved based on the latest work of Professor Michael Graetzel and his colleagues from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The new dye-sensitized cells, developed by Prof. Graetzel, simulates the photosynthetic light reaction.
The electrolyte and dye of the cell have been specially designed in order to harvest the light spectrum effectively from the indoor ambient light and hence, generates more recycled power from light.
According to Prof. Graetzel, 30% threshold is reachable through the invention and with this type of light source, nearly 40% power conversion efficiency can be achieved.
The Chief Operating Officer of G24i, Richard Costello, stated that the building of fabrication plants will not be required for the new PV cells when compared to other silicon solar cell or semi-conductor technology advancements and the cells in use can be replaced with new contents easily at the Cardiff manufacturing unit of the company.
The PV cells of the company are replacing the batteries for power and is used for a range of products ranging from computer peripherals like wireless keyboards to shade and blind systems for hotels. This invention will significantly improve the international market prospects of the company and eventually, batteries will be replaced by renewable electricity for consumer use on daily basis.
In addition, the technology offers a clean interface between the electricity grid and consumer electronics, which decreases the standby power wastage, amounting to 8% of residential electricity usage in UK.