FEATURE<strong>ITRI</strong> <strong>TODAY</strong>▂Summer 2010 Quarterly▂2Technology1The Transparent Solar CellWindow ModuleSource: <strong>ITRI</strong>The Transparent Solar Cell Window Module usesnanomaterials to transform windows into mechanismswhich can process solar energy. Structurally, a diffuser-made nanomaterial is first placed between two panes ofglass, and after permanent fixture, the sunlight guidancepanel within the diffuser will let sunlight refract towardsthe other windows of the house. The other windows willhave solar energy chip modules embedded within theirframes, so that solar power will be instantly generatedonce solar refraction is in progress.Normally, diffusers are added within PMMA or PC,and the optical path can only provide limited transmissionfor 10cm, with the result that the sunlight on the center ofthe window pane is not transmitted outwards towards theframes for utilization. Dr. Gan Lin Hwang, a researcherin <strong>ITRI</strong> South's Nano Powder & Thin Film TechnologyCenter explains that <strong>ITRI</strong>’s patented technology is uniquein that it uses the compound structure which can conductand diffuse light to converge the sunlight to the solar batterieson the window frames. Use of the wider windowpane area to collect sunlight to be transferred to the narrowerwindow frame structure allows the batteries on theframes to collect 10 to 20 times the amount of energy, andsimultaneously maintains non-obstructed window viewing,while producing high-efficiency power generation.Mr. Ruei Tang Chen, a researcher in <strong>ITRI</strong> South's NanoPower & Thin Film Technology Center, states that a solarenergy window that is one square meter wide can provideenough energy to recharge at least two cell phones, anda twenty-floor glass-fiber building would in turn produce130.5 thousand watts of energy, providing enough powerfor 3,375 desktop PCs.Because future design trends for electronic productsare to make them function at the lowest power level possible,both LED and buildings are ideally suited to adaptthe Transparent Solar Cell Window Module. Moreover,the module provides shielding from heat and exposure, aswell as wind, and even bullets. The Transparent Solar CellWindow Module only needs to be attached to the originalstructure, and any device with a USB can be plugged tothe window frame to start recharging. Recharging canalso be conducted via solar batteries. Energy conservationand carbon reduction can thus be achieved, using <strong>ITRI</strong>’smodule, which provides tremendous improvement inpower generation and in lowering electricity costs.Technology2Sunlight Guiding PanelSource: <strong>ITRI</strong>Sunlight illuminates in two ways: by direct lighting andscattered lighting. The Sunlight Guiding Panel can redirectthe course of sunlight, creating an evenly illuminatedinterior. Dr. Ta-Hsin Chou, deputy director of AdvancedManufacturing Core Technology Division of <strong>ITRI</strong>’sMechanical and Systems Research Laboratories (MSL),explains that <strong>ITRI</strong>’s Sunlight Guiding Panel is a perfectexample of how micro-structure is utilized to refract andcomprehensively reflect sunlight from all elevation anglesas much as possible towards the interior ceiling. This reducesthe need for electric lighting during daytime, andalso lowers discomfort caused by glare, contributing tocreating visually relaxing interior spaces.To achieve the above mentioned effects, <strong>ITRI</strong> usesglass-like material which has the benefit of being durable,as well as weather and ultra-violet resistant. Because UVrays with wavelengths of 313 nanometers are highly destructiveto glass or any high-molecular matter, and cancause cracking and yellowing, new breakthroughs in theuse of material were required.Because the Sunlight Guidance Panel will be locatedoutdoors, it must possess the toughest weather-resistant
<strong>ITRI</strong> <strong>TODAY</strong>▂Photograph by YU-KAI HSUSummer 2010 Quarterly▂3
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