Pivotry Radiometer Newsletter June 2010
Pivotry
Radiometer
is a free
monthly newsletter about new developments
in the solar renewable energy industry and based upon the “game
changers” from the Pivotry Perspectives Workshops conducted by Wayne
Chang, Ph.D. You are welcomed to share this newsletter with others.
Pivotry
Radiometer
is in four
sections this month:
1.
New
Materials
At the recent Photonics North and
Photovoltaics Canada
National Scientific Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (June
1-3,
2010), many examples were shown of materials and innovations being
developed at
universities across Canada (ref-1.1). An invited presentation from the
University of Toronto’s Advanced PV and Devices Research Group
(ref-1.2)
showcased the integration of photonic crystals in thin film Si
photovoltaic
cells. Photonic crystals as optical materials are potential solutions
to
improved light trapping in photovoltaic devices. The presentation
described photonic crystal applications such as back-reflectors for
thin-film
amorphous Si, selectively transparent and conducting photonic crystal
based on
nano-particles and films of transparent conducting oxides, and
intermediate
reflectors for tandem junction Si cells. Pathways to improved cell
efficiencies will include novel device designs to utilize such
materials as
these.
2.
Hybrid
Systems and Integration
At the recent Photonics North and
Photovoltaics Canada
National Scientific Conference, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (June
1-3,
2010), work titled: BIPV Systems in Cold Climates, was presented by the
Canadian Solar Buildings Research Network (ref-2.1) and Concordia
University
(ref-2.2) on building integrated PV and thermal hybrid (BIPV/T) systems
and
case studies. A comprehensive energy design model was developed and
integrated multiple parameters such as passive solar design, energy
storage and
control, conservation measures, renewable energy systems, building
envelope
integration. These contributions further the development of net-zero
energy buildings or even net-zero solar communities.
3.
Photovoltaic
Technology Roadmaps and Standards
At the recent Industry-Academic PV Workshop,
McMaster
University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (May 31, 2010), it was announced
that the
newly launched PV Innovation Network will be working to develop a PV
Technology
Roadmap for Canada. This is the first year (out of five) for the
research
network which includes universities and private-sector companies from
across
Canada (ref-3.1). At the recent Canadian Solar Industry Association
(CanSIA)
Western Solar Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (May 25-26, 2010),
it was
announced that a new industry roadmap will be developed (ref-3.2). The
project will begin later this year and will cover both photovoltaic and
thermal
industry sectors. These high-value projects starting this year are
some
of the advantages of being in such networks and associations to support
the
growth of solar industries within Canada.
4.
CULTURE
Perspectives
In hi-tech and renewable energy industries
there are
discontinuous innovations that in many cases affect our current
behaviour or to
modify products and services that we rely upon (ref-4.1).
Hewlett-Packard
and the inkjet printer technology completely replaced dot-matrix
printers and
helped create the desktop printer industry. Microinverters for solar
PV
systems are beginning to displace central inverters in some markets by
increasing flexibility and scalability of installation configurations.
Continuous innovations are improvements in product performance, etc
which
doesn’t change your behaviour, e.g. new car models with improved
gasoline
mileage. All companies claim a culture of innovation, some will risk
more
on discontinuous innovations because the potential rewards will be
substantial.
REFERENCES &
LINKS
1.1 http://www.photonicsnorth.com/
1.2 http://www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~kherani/index.html
2.1 http://www.solarbuildings.ca/en/network
2.2 http://www.bcee.concordia.ca/index.php/Dr._A._Athienitis
3.1 http://www.pvinnovation.ca/page.aspx?page=301&app=185&cat1=453&tp=15&lk=no&menu=42
3.2 http://www.cansia.ca/solar-conference/2010-western-conference/conference-agenda
4.1 http://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Chasm-Marketing-High-Tech-Mainstream/dp/0066620023
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This newsletter is
based upon information
that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate
or
complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.
© Pivotry
Consulting Group Inc. 2010
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