A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF A THIONINE PHOTOGALVANIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A feasibility study was conducted of the thionine photogalvanic system for converting solar energy to electrical energy. Theoretical and experimental investigations were made to determine the maximum voltage and power available from the system. The effects of operating conditions as well as solution composition variables on cell performance were studied. The low attainable concentration of leucothionine in the photostationary state at present prevents the utilization of the photogalvanic cell as a practical device. Electrode activation and long term dye stability are also important problems. Cell voltages up to 220 mv and power levels up to 1.8 micro watts were obtained. Although the voltage does not represent an improvement over the best previously reported voltage, the power is 1000 times more than the only other reported value. Estimates of the power, weight and cost of a photogalvanic cell have been made on the basis of present knowledge. Recommendations are made for more fundamental investigations to develop a better understanding of this system or similar systems, so that practical devices can be made. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0282878
Entities
People
- L.j. Miller