In a recently published YouTube video, British maker Robert Murray-Smith presents a 3D-printed structure he has developed that works like an optical fiber and can increase the efficiency of solar cells.
According to Murray-Smith, the idea is based on fluorescent acrylic glass that collects light and emits it along its edges. He found a 3D printing plastic with similar properties and printed a rectangular prism that serves as a waveguide for the sunlight.
In tests, he was able to increase the performance of the solar cell by over 10% compared to an uncovered cell. According to Murray-Smith, however, the prism is not yet optimally designed and could be made more transparent to further improve efficiency.
He is calling on other inventors to take up the idea, optimize the design and share the results. The use of 3D printing for fluorescent light guides offers great potential for more efficient solar cells.
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