Electrical Mondriaan generates energy
Utrecht-based scientists develop 'stained-glass' solar panels
Inspired by the colourful paintings of Piet Mondriaan, solar power researchers at Utrecht University have developed 'stained glass' panels that can generate electricity. Thanks to hidden solar cells, a panel can supply energy on a sunny day that is equivalent of charging three mobile phones.
Stained glass windows were once installed in stately homes. However, even in today's homes, stained glass panels are hung in front of windows as decorations or a window screening object. According to Wilfried van Sark, solar energy expert at Utrecht University, such panels are also perfectly suitable for converting sunlight into electricity.
Converting sunlight into electricity
Van Sark: "Luminescent perspex solar concentrators have been incorporated into our panels. These are sheets in which sunlight is absorbed and concentrated on the side of the sheets. We have already researched this subject at Utrecht University."
All the panels are linked to narrow solar cells, which have been attached to the side. A total of 100 solar cells measuring 15 cm long and 0.5 cm wide have been incorporated into Van Sark's 'stained glass' panel. The connections are hidden in the wooden frame. "We have built the window in such a way that it converts about half a percent of the captured sunlight into electricity. On a sunny day, that supplies enough energy to charge three mobile phones."
Electrical Mondriaan
The coloured pieces of glass from the former stained glass windows, combined with the coloured squares from the paintings by Piet Mondriaan, were the source of inspiration source for Van Sark. In the design of his 'Electrical Mondriaan' the coloured surfaces are made of five different colours of plastic: red, pink, green, yellow and blue.
The concept devised by Van Sark was executed by students of the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences.
Large-scale application
The importance of research into luminescent solar concentrators extends far beyond this 'Electrical Mondriaan', according to Van Sark. "The coloured panels offer an aesthetic alternative to the familiar blue or black solar panels. They can also be integrated into the façades of office buildings on a large scale."