Construcción y caracterización de celdas solares sensibilizadas por pigmentos naturales extraídos de plantas existentes en el Ecuador y determinación de la eficiencia de conversión energética.

Abstract

In this paper, it has researched the performance of energy conversion of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, using natural dyes as photosensitizers elements. The dyes were extracted of eight plants growing in Ecuador: achiote, attacked, eggplant, Jamaica flower, blackberry Castile, mortiño, radish and tree tomato. As part of the above investigation, first, a highly repeatable methodology for the development of this kind of cells was developed. As well as an appropriate methodology for physical characterization and performance of DSSC's was established. As a special contribution of the work, the use of innovative adaptations both in the manufacture and characterization of the cells to the methods described in the literature is implemented. Has obtained encouraging results regarding the potential that the mortiño and Jamaica flower exhibit for these applications. As it has been left the necessary basis for further research around the issue not only in the type of cells DSSC, but generally emerging solar cell technologies.