Australia’s national science organisation, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is researching and creating new innovations that are unlocking new possibilities for solar energy. Led by Noel Duffy, head of Solar technology, they are using concentrated solar thermal technologies and tandem solar cells, to convert sunlight into electricity, and solar cells that work at night. All in all, CSIRO is dedefining how Australia generates and uses power (CSIRO).
The US Environmental Protection Agency explains that, “Electric power generation is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide pollution, contributing to climate change, which is threatening ecosystems, public health and economies on various levels. Currently there are more than 3,400 fossil fuel powered plants in the United States alone… When these fossil fuels are heated up, they release these stored gases into the atmosphere, causing dramatic changes in our climate, such as global warming. These pollutants also harm our natural environment.
“Solar energy is the energy from the sun’s light and heat, which can be harnessed using a range of technologies. CSIRO are unlocking new possibilities for solar energy, in order to redefine how we generate and use power.”
One of CSIRO’s innovations includes solar panels that work both day and night. Typically PV or “solar cells,” are utilised in solar panels, and when the sun shines onto them energy from the sunlight is absorbed creating electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell. This causes the electricity to flow. A setback for this however is that the electrons creating energy only move when light shines on them, which is caused when photons in the sun’s light hit the top layer. This forces the electrons to jump out of the negatively charged layer and to flow around the circuit and seat into the gaps in the positively charged layer (Think Solar Group), but when there isn’t any light, the panels won’t generate any electricity.
However, CSIRO found that using concentrated solar thermal technologies that use mirrors to focus sunlight onto a target, can generate high temperatures. The heat is captured and stored in a material for use on demand.
Yet, what really sets it apart is its innovative receiver, heat exchanger and ceramic particles that collect and transfer solar energy. The technology can reach up to 1000 degrees celsius and it can be stored for up to 16 hours, this is a great alternative for coal and gas (CSIRO).
To commercialise their research CSIRO partnered with Osaka gas. The company accounts for 20% of Australia’s carbon footprint, but they are hoping to change that. They have also partnered with Mars Pet Food to help their Wodonga factory achieve 100% renewable energy before 2026. “Industrial partnerships are crucial for turning years of research into real-world solutions to support emission reduction goals,” said Noel Duffy, head of CSIRO’s Solar Technology.
Another of CSIRO’s solar innovations is “breaking” the efficiency ceiling. Traditionally, solar cells can’t convert 100% of the sun’s energy into electricity, however they have designed tandem solar cells, which are combining silicon and perovskite. Their next gen solar integrates advanced materials not only increasing efficiency but also reducing cost.( CSIRO) “By integrating these advanced materials with silicon, we are pushing power conversion efficiency beyond current limits and offering a cost-effective solution for a growing solar market,” added Duffy.
https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2024/November/solar-technology-advances