The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) has announced a significant breakthrough in the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for applications in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This innovation promises to transform energy harvesting in indoor environments.
Sustainable energy for connected devices
The exponential growth of wireless technologies and the IoT requires sustainable and efficient energy sources. Traditional batteries require frequent replacement, making them a challenge for an expanding network of devices. To meet this need, FEUP researchers have developed photovoltaic cells that harness indoor ambient light as an energy source, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
Innovative technology and high efficiency
Unlike conventional solutions, FEUP’s new DSSCs use copper and carbon-based materials, avoiding the use of expensive and potentially harmful elements such as platinum and iodide. As well as being more economical, these cells show record performance:
10.4% efficiency under standard sunlight (AM1.5G)
28.5% efficiency under indoor lighting of 1000 lux
The monolithic configuration of the cells, where all the layers are deposited sequentially on a single transparent substrate, reduces production costs by 30%, making the technology more accessible for large-scale manufacturing.
Applications and impact
This innovation could extend the life of conventional batteries used in IoT devices or enable the use of more economical and sustainable supercapacitors. With the growing presence of connected devices in homes and offices, advances like this are key to efficient energy management.
As part of the technology’s scalability, FEUP is developing DSSC modules with output voltages of 3V and 5V, ideal for applications such as remote controls, home automation and electrical switches. In addition, an innovative laser encapsulation process has been created to guarantee the durability of the photovoltaic modules in ultra-thin glass, ensuring compatibility with materials sensitive to low temperatures (80°C).
Partnership and investment
This project also involves Pixel Voltaic and has an investment of around 1.2 million euros, which is essential for studying the dynamic processes in DSSCs and further improving their efficiency.
This project is funded by the RRP under the ATE Agenda – Alliance for the Energy Transition.
Image: Canva
