Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Electronics Science and Technology Division, dive into underwater photovoltaic research to develop high bandgap solar cells capable of producing sufficient power to operate electronic sensor systems at depths of 9 meters.
Power density of GaInP and crystalline silicon cells, underwater, as a function of depth. 
Credit: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Underwater autonomous systems and sensor platforms are severely limited by the lack of long endurance power sources. To date, these systems must rely on on-shore power, batteries or solar power supplied by an above water platform. Attempts to use photovoltaics have had limited success, primarily due to the lack of penetrating sunlight and the use of solar cells optimized more towards the unimpeded terrestrial solar spectrum.
"The use of autonomous systems to provide situational awareness and long-term environment monitoring underwater is increasing," said Phillip Jenkins, head, NRL Imagers and Detectors Section. "Although water absorbs sunlight, the technical challenge is to develop a solar cell that can efficiently convert these underwater photons to electricity."
Even though the absolute intensity of solar radiation is lower underwater, the spectral content is narrow and thus lends itself to high conversion efficiency if the solar cell is well matched to the wavelength range. Previous attempts to operate solar cells underwater have focused on crystalline silicon solar cells and more recently, amorphous silicon cells.
High-quality gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) cells are well suited for underwater operation. GaInP cells have high quantum efficiency in wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers (visible light) and intrinsically low dark current, which is critical for high efficiency in lowlight conditions.
The filtered spectrum of the sun underwater is biased toward the blue/green portion of the spectrum and thus higher bandgap cells such as GaInP perform much better than conventional silicon cells, states Jenkins.
Preliminary results at a maximum depth of 9.1 meters reveal output to be 7 watts per square meter of solar cells, sufficient to demonstrate there is useful solar power to be harvested at depths commonly found in nearshore littoral zones.
Contacts and sources:
Daniel Parry,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Underwater autonomous systems and sensor platforms are severely limited by the lack of long endurance power sources. To date, these systems must rely on on-shore power, batteries or solar power supplied by an above water platform. Attempts to use photovoltaics have had limited success, primarily due to the lack of penetrating sunlight and the use of solar cells optimized more towards the unimpeded terrestrial solar spectrum.
"The use of autonomous systems to provide situational awareness and long-term environment monitoring underwater is increasing," said Phillip Jenkins, head, NRL Imagers and Detectors Section. "Although water absorbs sunlight, the technical challenge is to develop a solar cell that can efficiently convert these underwater photons to electricity."
Even though the absolute intensity of solar radiation is lower underwater, the spectral content is narrow and thus lends itself to high conversion efficiency if the solar cell is well matched to the wavelength range. Previous attempts to operate solar cells underwater have focused on crystalline silicon solar cells and more recently, amorphous silicon cells.
High-quality gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) cells are well suited for underwater operation. GaInP cells have high quantum efficiency in wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers (visible light) and intrinsically low dark current, which is critical for high efficiency in lowlight conditions.
The filtered spectrum of the sun underwater is biased toward the blue/green portion of the spectrum and thus higher bandgap cells such as GaInP perform much better than conventional silicon cells, states Jenkins.
Preliminary results at a maximum depth of 9.1 meters reveal output to be 7 watts per square meter of solar cells, sufficient to demonstrate there is useful solar power to be harvested at depths commonly found in nearshore littoral zones.
Daniel Parry,
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Solar cell panels under water is hard to imagine. But it is an assignment of scientists to find the best way of its work. Nice post, actually!
ReplyDeleteHmm. I feel like its going to be a while before we come up with a solar panel that can very efficiently turn sunlight into power, in the seas. Lets keep in mind, how much sunlight can really penetrate through water? Its way less direct and concentrated. Distortion would occur. But we'll see in the future, right? right.
ReplyDelete-Sharone Tal
Solar Panel Installation New Jersey
As I know that a photovoltaic system typically includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and or solar tracker and interconnection wiring. Thus we can say that a solar panel`s compatibility depend on battery life time. Alternative Energy Kent
ReplyDeleteEnvironmentalists add that the effects of polluted water will be felt in the next 50 years in most of the local towns and the productive farms due to mining on river catchments and fertile soil.
ReplyDeleteDon Blankenship
Solar Photovoltaic is a form of solar energy generation which uses solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.All solar cells that can be joined together to form arrays that known as solar panel.Depending on the size and quality of solar panel and with the level of light the panel are exposed,that much level of electricity generated.Solar cell under water is one of the innovative research has done by scientist.Really wonderful post shared here energy market research
ReplyDeleteI could say that this is very much appreciated so better to keep on posting but aside from this I'm interested also to the post of solar panels Mississauga. That's it, thanks for having me here.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePresent Solar Energy Scenario in India http://rlcppl.com/
ReplyDeletehi. quite an interesting post. will be looking for more updates.
ReplyDeleteSolar Rooftop Lease Ontario
Awesome pointers you have here. Indeed, the solar technology has come a long way for the past 10 years. With the Green Deal in place, every home has a chance to have free energy. Visit our website to check out the best solar panel deals.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite interesting if you know how solar panel works. People will always be auspicious if they continue using solar panels to their homes. Well, this is a good way to prevent air pollution, a great way to help the environment. Click this to get more information about solar panels.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first opportunity to visit this website. I found some interesting things and I will apply to the development of my blog. Thanks for sharing useful information.
ReplyDeleteSolar Energy Panels
Wow. Amazing post. The sunlight is a natural resource that we should utilize to solve the energy crisis nowadays. The sun delivers heat and light as well as energy to sustain every living being’s stay on this globe.
ReplyDelete