Flexible photovoltaic modules
Flexible photovoltaic modules, as well as related systems, methods, and components are disclosed.
1 . A device, comprising:
a housing having a curved outer surface; and
a flexible photovoltaic module disposed on at least a portion of the curved outer surface of the housing;
wherein the device is an illuminating device.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing is cylindrical.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module comprises a flexible substrate.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the flexible substrate has a flexural modulus of less than about 5,000 megaPascals.
5 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the flexible substrate comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalates, polyethylene naphthalates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyamides, polymethacrylates, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, at least some of which are electrically connected.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein at least some of the plurality of dye sensitized photovoltaic cells comprise titania.
9 . The device of claim 6 , wherein at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic cells comprise amorphous silicon.
10 . The device of claim 6 , wherein at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic cells comprises organic photovoltaic cells.
11 . The device of claim 6 , wherein at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic cells comprises tandem photovoltaic cells.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of dyes arranged in a pattern.
13 . The device of claim 12 , wherein at least some of the plurality of dyes have a different color.
14 . The device of claim 12 , wherein the pattern comprises a camouflage pattern or a logo pattern.
15 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module has an efficiency of at least about 5%.
16 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module has an efficiency of at least about 7%.
17 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module has an efficiency of at least about 10%.
18 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a rechargeable battery in the housing.
19 . The device of claim 18 , wherein the flexible photovoltaic module is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery.
20 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a portable lamp, a flashlight, a lantern, a signage, a landscape light, a buoy light, or a traffic light.