Quantum Dot Based Solar Windows to Power the Base of the Future

Air Force facilities, such as AFCEC, AFIMSC, and Base of the Future strongly rely on structural and energy resilience, mitigating power loss and increased stability of building materials. An interesting approach to achieve this goal is to use laminated glass solar windows for both increased structural stability and protection, as well as for covert power generation. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) represent a specific kind of solar window technology that enables window-integrated sunlight harvesting for electricity generation, in which an adjustable portion of light absorbed by the window “tint” is shifted to a specific color and directed towards small solar cells attached at the edges of the glass. Inherently, laminated glass LSC solar windows combine the safety benefits of laminated glass with solar energy generation in a single autonomous device. When combined with an embedded battery, the window can provide a steady uninterrupted supply of power for any local need, or be optimized for putting the energy into the local power grid. In its simplest implementation, the LSC is comprised of two panes of glass sandwiching a fluorescent polymer interlayer, with attached solar cells covering the perimeter of the window. Up to now, this concept was mostly developed for use in commercial buildings with a goal of optimizing performance and aesthetics relative to cost, and the company is deploying the first projects now. The purpose of this Phase 2 effort is to perform an RDTE power and cost study of UbiQD, Inc.’s luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) solar harvesting windows to demonstrate the viability of solar windows as a power alternative for Air Force installations. The goal is to explore the extent by which solar harvesting windows can supplement grid power, cut energy costs, and augment base power in case of grid blackouts due to extreme weather like blizzards, tornados, or hurricanes. The project will involve the construction and deployment of a test R&D structure that takes power and cost readings in the colder DAF test environment and compares it against a control environment at UbiQD HQ in New Mexico. The results of the study will inform non-recurring engineering that needs to occur for future retrofits and new constructions for Air Force bases.