Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Copt (NTT), Toyko Japan, combines photovoltaic and thermal harvesting in the same container with an added benefit of up to 50% increase of current output. Sanyo Semiconductor Co's silicon PV cells are housed in a water-tight, transparent, enclosure in a staggered stair like configuration. This setup can provide power normally. However NTT fills the container with water, the water then refracts and reflects the light in such a way that the PV cells current output increases up to 50%. The PV cells absorb the visible light, while the water inside absorbs the infrared. The water is then heated and can be pumped out to be used.
The water has a similar effect like the "FUSION" film I wrote about in another post, but seems to have a greater effect. The film is cheap, while the NTT water enclosure is not. So, for now the water option will remain in the research lab. My question is, how deep does the water have to be to provide that effect?
I hope to see more from NTT.
Eavesdropper