To convert a large amount of light energy radiated outward from the sun into electrical energy, an energy conversion device is necessary. A solar cell is actually an energy converter that converts light energy into electrical energy. This battery is made according to the principle of the “photovoltaic effect”.
A single solar cell cannot be used directly as a source of energy. In practical applications, several or dozens of individual solar cells are connected in series or parallel to form a solar cell array, and considerable electrical energy can be obtained.
Solar cell module Solar cells have lower efficiency and higher cost, but compared with other methods of using solar energy, they have the advantages of good reliability , a long lifespan, the absence of rotating parts and ae easy to use and maintain. . , so it can be widely used.
Solar cells were initially used in space technology and then expanded to many other areas. According to statistics, 90% of the world's artificial satellites and spacecraft are powered by solar cells. The United States researched and developed solar cells with excellent performance in 2008, with a photoelectric conversion rate of 35.6% on the ground and 30.8% in space. Solar cells made in Australia using laser technology have a conversion rate of 24.2% when unfocused, and their cost is low, similar to diesel power generation.
In the solar cell array, a battery is usually installed, which is an energy storage device to ensure continuous power supply at night or rainy days. When thesun shines, the electrical energy generated by the solar cell can not only meet current needs, but also provide a certain electrical energy to be stored in the battery.
Through solar cells, it provides convenient and reliable energy for artificial satellites and spacecraft to explore space. In 1953, the American Bell Telephone Company developed the world's first silicon solar cell. In 1958, the United States launched the first solar-powered satellite, “Pioneer 1.” Nowadays, various satellites and space vehicles are equipped with iron wings covered with solar cells, allowing them to fly high in space.
What are the applications of solar cells?
Function of solar cell: convert light energy into electrical energy
Purpose of solar cell: convert clean solar energy into electrical energy that can be transported andstored to provide energy for the operation of the equipment. Can be used in satellites, Mars probes, solar cars, solar planes, solar ships, solar street lights, solar power stations, etc. !
Solar cell is a special device with a semiconductor coating that can convert sunlight shining on the solar panel into electrical energy. It is considered a special small source of energy. \x0d\At present, the application of solar cells is not new. There are often special sports car competitions using solar cells as energy sources abroad. The speed range of some solar sports cars is similar to that of light motorcycles. \x0d\Solar cells have also been tested abroad as a power source for aircraft. However, aircraft weight requirements are relativeively high. These are special models similar to human-powered aircraft and cannot be widely used at present. .\x0d\Solar cells are also used in building storage lighting, but their cost is too high, so they are no longer used in densely populated and wealthy areas. \x0d\\x0d\The application of solar cells in China is relatively rare. A few years ago, there was a small cruise ship on West Lake in Hangzhou whose roof was covered with solar panels, which could power batteries and motors in sunny weather. days. \x0d\A teacher from Nanjing Aeronautical College also used it last year. He added a roof to the bike and used solar cells to power the motor. This may be the first solar-powered electric bike in China. \x0d\Due to the high cost of solar cells, which require greaternd surface area and better sunlight for their application, and the power is too low to provide energy for transportation, there are very few practical applications in vehicles. \x0d\\x0d\Given the current high cost of solar cells and the need to rely on sunlight for their application, practical applications often need to be used in conjunction with batteries, and it is best to use them in low current situations. \x0d\Although solar cells have little hope for energy applications in electrical machines, according to the author's personal opinion, solar cells can also be developed and applied in many special occasions. \x0d\\x0d\ 1. As a special charging power supply, it is used for unmanned weather stations on islands or mountains. This approach is similar to satellite communicationllites artificial, and its long-term stability is useless. \x0d\ 2. As a special charging power supply, it can be connected to a solid-state radio, and you can listen to the radio when there is sunshine, which is very convenient for remote areas with low supplies and no traffic all year round. \x0d\ 3. As a special charging power supply, it can be connected to KO machine or mobile phone to chronically charge the battery and greatly extend battery life. This method is not too difficult, similar to a calculator. \x0d\ 4. For watches or wall clocks that only use a battery for a few months, it is better to attach a small piece of solar cell as a special charging power source to completely avoid the trouble of battery replacement. battery. \x0d\\x0d\The methods mentioned above are not difficult, but aAfter many years of waiting, no such product is available. It is okay to modify the radio yourself, but it is more difficult to make more sophisticated ones. I still hope that manufacturers will have products on the market.