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Dynamic kirigami structures for integrated solar tracking

Author

Listed:
  • Aaron Lamoureux

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kyusang Lee

    (University of Michigan)

  • Matthew Shlian

    (School of Art and Design, University of Michigan)

  • Stephen R. Forrest

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan)

  • Max Shtein

    (University of Michigan
    School of Art and Design, University of Michigan)

Abstract

Optical tracking is often combined with conventional flat panel solar cells to maximize electrical power generation over the course of a day. However, conventional trackers are complex and often require costly and cumbersome structural components to support system weight. Here we use kirigami (the art of paper cutting) to realize novel solar cells where tracking is integral to the structure at the substrate level. Specifically, an elegant cut pattern is made in thin-film gallium arsenide solar cells, which are then stretched to produce an array of tilted surface elements which can be controlled to within ±1°. We analyze the combined optical and mechanical properties of the tracking system, and demonstrate a mechanically robust system with optical tracking efficiencies matching conventional trackers. This design suggests a pathway towards enabling new applications for solar tracking, as well as inspiring a broader range of optoelectronic and mechanical devices.

Suggested Citation

  • Aaron Lamoureux & Kyusang Lee & Matthew Shlian & Stephen R. Forrest & Max Shtein, 2015. "Dynamic kirigami structures for integrated solar tracking," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9092
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9092
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Momeni, Farhang & Ni, Jun, 2018. "Nature-inspired smart solar concentrators by 4D printing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 35-44.
    2. Amin Jamalimehr & Morad Mirzajanzadeh & Abdolhamid Akbarzadeh & Damiano Pasini, 2022. "Rigidly flat-foldable class of lockable origami-inspired metamaterials with topological stiff states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Omid Niksan & Lingyi Bi & Yury Gogotsi & Mohammad H. Zarifi, 2024. "MXene-based kirigami designs: showcasing reconfigurable frequency selectivity in microwave regime," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    5. Yuchen Qiu & Bo Zhang & Junchuan Yang & Hanfei Gao & Shuang Li & Le Wang & Penghua Wu & Yewang Su & Yan Zhao & Jiangang Feng & Lei Jiang & Yuchen Wu, 2021. "Wafer-scale integration of stretchable semiconducting polymer microstructures via capillary gradient," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    6. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).

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