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  • Author Author: Catwell
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2013 Solar Decathlon and the OLED solar panel

Catwell
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Solar Decathlon grounds (via DOE)
 
An innovation-stirring biennial competition is travelling to the west coast in 2013 for the first time in its decade-long existence. The Solar Decathlon will be in California this year for the 20+ college teams participating from all parts of the globe. (Normally held in Washington DC) Competition organizers hope to engage a new audience with innovations of technology and design from the 20 U.S. universities competing to make the best solar powered home.
 
The Decathlon put teams of students from all over the country against each other to compete in 10 categories. Using solar energy to power the home is only part of the challenge. The houses must be functionally and cost effective as well as incorporate a modern design. Solar technology progress is made yearly. Increases in efficiency, innovative applications, and the use of organic materials will make the biennial competition exciting.
 
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From transparent to a light source, the OLED solar cell (via Phillips)

One example of a possible contender in the event comes in the form of solar cells and light bulbs, combined. Lumiblade organic LEDs (OLEDs) are emerging technologies being developed by Philips and the chemical company BASF. These light sources produce light by running a current through a thin layer of organic semiconductor material. The collaboration of Philips and BASF has produced Lumiblade OLEDs of just 1.8 mm thickness, with materials and dyes that become transparent when light is not being emitted. Furthermore, this OLED can be put between solar cells to capture solar energy. The applications for transparent panels that capture solar energy and emit light can be used through out the modern solar home.
 
Dr. Felix Görth, OLED and Photovoltaics head at BASF, described the tech best, " This combination allows the driver to enjoy a unique open-space feeling while it generates electricity during the day and pleasantly suffuses the interior with the warm light of the transparent, highly efficient OLEDs at night."
 
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Solar OLED (via Phillips)
 
Innovations similar to the Lumiblade will surely be showcased in the 2013 Solar Decathlon. The Department of Energy’s Secretary, Steven Chu, explained what we can expect, “The Solar Decathlon will unleash the ingenuity, creativity and drive from these talented students to demonstrate new ideas for how families and businesses can reduce energy use and save money with clean energy products and efficient building design.”
 
Cabe
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  • in reply to Catwell

    I agree to a point, but we really do need to encourage the next generation of engineers.

    These contests help to do that.

    What I would really like to see is a lower level event where every high school could compete and run the contest through state and country levels.  If we could just hook the kids on the joys of technology, we could encourage a future with even neater accomplishments.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    Perhaps the raised bar of seasoned engineers will make the students think harder or outside the norm.

     

    However, I would like to say the last contest colleagues of mine were in was for a government contract. Which is better, a trophy or $800,000 for phase two of a project?

     

    Cabe