DEWA files patent for new redox flow battery tech
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority says its novel redox flow battery stack offers better electrolyte distribution, which could result in higher power densities and lower manufacturing costs.
PEM fuel cell with lower platinum content
A Chinese-US research group has designed a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a hybrid electrocatalyst. The scientists said the device shows remarkable stability and low performance losses.
Longi to use French patent success against Q-Cells in Netherlands
The patent litigation dispute between Hanwha Q Cells and Longi is heating up in Europe.
The mobility rEVolution: Charging on the go via peer-to-peer system to reduce range anxiety
In other news, Stellantis demonstrates wireless charging tech that transfers energy from road infrastructure to EVs, Toyota defies shareholder pressure to step up electrification efforts, and Volkswagen threatens to dethrone Tesla on EV sales by 2024.
Solar panels based on biosourced materials
French solar energy institute INES has developed new PV modules with thermoplastics and natural fibers sourced in Europe, such as flax and basalt. The scientists aim to reduce the environmental footprint and weight of solar panels, while improving recycling.
Amorphous carbon nitride anti-reflection coating for solar cells
Scientists in Iraq have applied an amorphous carbon nitride (CNx) thin film as an anti-reflective layer in commercial crystalline silicon solar cells. They claim they were able to improve their efficiency from 5.52 to 13.05%.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China’s solar cell capacity exceeds 361 GW
Tongwei has also secured another massive polysilicon order and Golden Glass has invested in more heterojunction solar cell capacity. Furthermore, China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) said 23.7 GW of new solar was deployed in China in the first five months of the year.
Four-terminal tandem perovskite/CIGS solar cell with 25.5% efficiency
Researchers in China have developed a four-junction tandem perovskite/CIGS cell. They claim it is the most efficient device of its kind with an n-i-p structure thus far. They used a novel surface passivation strategy to improve the perovskite cell efficiency and fill factor.
Tandem tin-lead perovskite solar cell with 25.5% efficiency
The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory has made a tandem perovskite solar cell that can retain 80% of its original efficiency after 1,500 hours of continuous operation, or more than 62 days. To improve its stability, they used a hole-transporting material made of phenethylammonium iodide and guanidinium thiocyanate.
Vehicle integrated solar to power refrigerated trailers
German VIPV specialist Sono Motors has signed an agreement with French refrigerated vehicle supplier Chereau to develop refrigerated vehicles powered by an integrated solar array. The two companies will build and test a prototype vehicle, and begin to evaluate mass production. Sono estimates that the concept could save around 3,400 liters of fuel and avoid 9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per vehicle, per year.
