Certification Grade Quantum Dot Luminescent Solar Concentrator Glazing with Optical Communication Capability for Connected Sustainable Architecture

TL;DR

This paper presents a fully assembled quantum dot luminescent solar concentrator glazing that meets international standards and can also function as a visible light communication receiver, integrating energy generation and wireless connectivity for sustainable architecture.

Contribution

It introduces the first real-world, standards-compliant quantum dot luminescent solar concentrator glazing capable of energy harvesting and optical communication in building applications.

Findings

Device meets all international standards for photovoltaic glazing.

Capable of functioning as an efficient VLC receiver under full sunlight.

Demonstrates integration of energy and wireless communication in building materials.

Abstract

Energy sustainability and interconnectivity are the two main pillars on which cutting-edge architecture is based and require the realisation of energy and intelligent devices that can be fully integrated into buildings, capable of meeting stringent regulatory requirements and operating in real-world conditions. Luminescent solar concentrators, particularly those based on near-infrared emitting reabsorption-free quantum dots, are considered good candidates for the realisation of semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing, but despite important advances in optical property engineering strategies, studies of finished devices suitable for real-world operation are still lacking. In this paper, we demonstrate the first example of a fully assembled quantum dot luminescent solar concentrator-based photovoltaic glazing that meets all international standards for photovoltaic and building elements. We also show that these devices are capable of functioning as efficient Visible Light Communication (VLC) receivers even under full sunlight, thus combining energy and wireless connectivity functions in a realistic solution for smart, sustainable buildings.