A Highly-Efficient 3-Dimensional Nanotube Solar Cell for Visible and UV Light, William Yuan invented a novel solar panel that enables light absorption from visible to ultraviolet light. He designed carbon nanotubes to overcome the barriers of electron movement, doubling the light-electricity conversion efficiency. William also developed a model for solar towers and a computer program to simulate and optimize the tower parameters. His optimized design provides 500 times more light absorption than commercially-available solar cells and nine times more than the cutting-edge, three- dimensional solar cell
For two years, Yuan researched the other scientists’ work and came up with his own unique design that is supposed to work for visible and UV light. Other research focused on one or the other, but he combined the two and also, it appears, made them more efficient and powerful.
Here’s a quote from the Davidson Institute For Talent Development, which gave him the scholarship:
In his project,˜A Highly-Efficient 3-Dimensional Nanotube Solar Cell for Visible and UV Light, William invented a novel solar panel that enables light absorption from visible to ultraviolet light. He designed carbon nanotubes to overcome the barriers of electron movement, doubling the light-electricity conversion efficiency. William also developed a model for solar towers and a computer program to simulate and optimize the tower parameters. His optimized design provides 500 times more light absorption than commercially-available solar cells and nine times more than the cutting-edge, three dimensional solar cell.
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September 28th, 2008 at 4:19 am
Actually he didnt come up with this. There was a patent and existing research on this dating back to (I believe) 2005. He did not invent this.
September 28th, 2008 at 5:17 am
I think this is wonderful that THIS young man understands these principles. I believe that everyone has every idea that could be. Some just come to their conclusions sooner than others. Yes, there are many papers published on “Carbon nanotubes: a multi-functional material for organic optoelectronics” but how many people, just how many can understand these principles at this age, let alone any age.
September 28th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Read what the article says. He *perfected the design*; it says nothing about him inventing anything but a redesign of a current technology.
September 28th, 2008 at 7:40 am
This is a wonderful accomplishment. He may not have “invented” anything new, but no scientist really do that. This young man like all scientist take the ideas of other scientist and combine them in some unique way or they expand on an it.
September 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Do Asian kids have nothing better to do with their lives? While the rest of the world is out living their lives to the fullest, Asian kids are sitting inside doing stuff like this? Asian people are not smarter than the rest of the world, they just have no problem with devoting every second of their lives to doing something. We only have so long on this earth, go outside and enjoy it.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
There’s no way that this new solar cell can absorb “500 times” more light that commercially available cells. Commercially available cells are well over 30% efficient nowadays (heading for 40%), so if true, his solar cell absorbs 1500% to 2000% of the available light. See a problem here?
I’m not going to believe anything I hear about this “breakthrough” until I hear numbers that make some sort of physical sense.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I’m glad there are people out there that are willing to devote their time to such a cause. Any individual willing to put time and effort to help the rest of the world benefit from such research is noteworthy.
@Bill, it’s not that he’s Asian or a student, or a kid. Individuals like him that care enough to protect this world so selfish people like you can enjoy it is what makes their devotion so great.So while your philosophy is to enjoy the world while it rots away may suit you, others may wish to maintain this world so that everyone can continue to live the life they wish. Hopefully you’ll mature one day to understand that you too can save this world that you like to enjoy so much.
September 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Chuck just owned you Bill.
He is right, you enjoy a rotting world, while others seem to try and save it for you.
Contradiction imo.
September 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
LOL @ bill. no mater what anyone does in life, someone always hates for no reason. Bill is a fine example for hating.
September 28th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Bill is just jealous. His kids or he will never be this smart.
I hope they actually are able to mass produce this invention and bring it to the real world.
September 28th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
@SantaBJ: First sentence is says he invented it. Learn to read.
September 28th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Apparently I need to proof read as well. is=it
September 28th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I read an article where silicon nano-tubes were used to absorb almost 100% of IR. Now can this kid figure out a way to add this to his cell? If so he deserves to get rich and live on an island with a harem and have his name etched on the moon.
September 29th, 2008 at 5:20 am
the question is, how applicable is this optimization.
It could be nice and efficient on paper, but costly for manufacturing.
If this is the case, it is yet again another patent waiting for nanotechnology to grow up.
REMEMBER: the widespread use of alternative energy (thus the solution to energy crisis) is defined by:
$/W (dollars per watt)
September 29th, 2008 at 5:32 am
(continuing from above)
The 3D solar cells resemble the towers in a big american city but on the nano scale (many towers = bigger surface for sulight to hit on). I guess he positioned the “towers” in such way in order to maximize the sunlight that hits on their surface.
There is no MAGIC or divine knowledge. Just simple ideas and systematic work. You CAN be a scientist AND have a life.
Bill would agree.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Bully for him! Figuring out how to harness VISIBLE and UV rays at the same time to increase efficiency of solar cells!
Hopefully the engineers can figure out some non-rare material (affordable vs. expensive) which will work with the design he has invented.
Painting cars and buildings with “solar cell paint” has taken a step closer toward reality.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
You asians get the fuck out of my country! GOD BLESS AMERICA! GO MCCAIN! Obama is an evil muslim extremecist!!! We don’t need your kind inventing stuff. Our economy and everything is fine! GO HAVE FUN! INVENTING STUFF IS FOR IDIOTS! GOD BLESS AMERICA
October 10th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Hyperspaced hit it on the head…
The real deal for solar is …..
Dollar per Watt
If the technology is too expensive then the great idea is just another scientific exercise and not a viable product…
Time will tell