Open AccessFractal solar panels: Optimizing aesthetic and electrical performances
Author(s) -
Ellis T. Roe,
Alexander Bies,
R. D. Montgomery,
William J. Watterson,
B. A. Parris,
Cooper R. Boydston,
Margaret E. Sereno,
R. P. Taylor
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0229945
Subject(s) - fractal , busbar , computer science , electrode , simulation , artificial intelligence , engineering , electrical engineering , physics , mathematics , mathematical analysis , quantum mechanics
Solar energy technologies have been plagued by their limited visual appeal. Because the electrical power generated by solar panels increases with their surface area and therefore their occupancy of the observer’s visual field, aesthetics will play an increasingly critical role in their future success in urban environments. Inspired by previous psychology research highlighting the aesthetic qualities of fractal patterns, we investigated panel designs featuring fractal electrodes. We conducted behavioral studies which compared observers’ preferences for fractal and conventional bus-bar electrode patterns, along with computer simulations which compared their electrical performances. This led us to develop a hybrid electrode pattern which best combines the fractal and bus-bar designs. Here we show that the new hybrid electrode matches the electrical performance of bus-bars in terms of light transmission and minimizing electrical power losses, while benefiting from the superior aesthetics of fractal patterns. This innovative integration of psychology and engineering studies provides a framework for developing novel electrode patterns with increased implementation and acceptance.