Mar 17 2009
The Tecnalia Technological Corporation has signed a strategic agreement for joint working with the Japanese Kyosemi manufacturer of semiconductors in order to jointly research new technologies for the photoelectric energy sector with application to sustainable building.
Tecnalia and the Japanese semiconductors manufacturer, Kyosemi, have presented the Kyotec project, which is to develop a curtain wall based on latest-generation photovoltaic modules for the construction market. This project falls within the framework of the II International Photovoltaic Power Generation Exposition (PVEXPO 2009), held in Tokyo between the 25 and 27 of February.
These photovoltaic modules have much higher transparency and efficiency characteristics than those currently on the market of photovoltaic application for buildings and are based on Sphelar® technology, involving spherical solar cells of small-sized crystalline silicon — 1.8 mm in diameter. Their spherical geometry enables them to take advantage of the incident radiation from all directions and, thus, do not need to be pointed towards the sun. Moreover, they can catch the internal reflections of light on walls and other surfaces, which make them ideal for their incorporation into roofs and façades of buildings. These photovoltaic modules have, moreover, electronics designed specifically for the Sphelar® technology, favouring their incorporation into buildings, as well as their monitoring and maintenance.
The project, initiated at the beginning of 2008, involves various Tecnalia centres and different technological spheres: materials, electronics and communications, photovoltaic systems and construction, apart from the Japanese corporation itself. 15 people are currently taking part in the project with the goal, by the end of this year, of installing various, real-sized prototypes in the new laboratory that Tecnalia is presently building at the Bizkaia technological park.