Title :
On the efficiency of solar energy harvesting with nano-dipoles
Author :
Zhongkun Ma ; Xuezhi Zheng ; Vandenbosch, Guy A. E. ; Moshchalkov, Victor V.
Author_Institution :
Dept. Electr. Eng, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Abstract :
Nano-antennas or nantennas are considered as a possible alternative to conventional solar cells. The radiation efficiency of a nantenna is the first factor in the total efficiency product by which these systems are able to convert incident light into useful energy. This efficiency is investigated in terms of the metal used as conductor and the dimensions of the nano-antenna. The results define upper bounds for any possible process transforming light into electrical energy. Silver shows the highest efficiencies, with radiation efficiencies near or slightly above 90 %, and a total solar power harvesting efficiency of about 60 - 70 %. This is considerably higher than conventional solar cells. It is found that fine-tuning of the dipole dimensions is crucial to optimize the efficiency.
Keywords :
antenna radiation patterns; dipole antennas; energy harvesting; nanotechnology; solar power; sunlight; conductor; electrical energy; nanoantennas; nanodipoles; nantenna radiation efficiency; solar cells; solar energy harvesting efficiency; upper bounds; Dipole antennas; Glass; Metals; Substrates; Solar energy harvesting; nano antennas; nano dipoles; solar radiation;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), 2013 7th European Conference on
Conference_Location :
Gothenburg
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4673-2187-7
Electronic_ISBN :
978-88-907018-1-8
