Polymer dispersed liquid crystal device with integrated luminescent solar concentrator

Polymer dispersed Liquid crystal (PDLC) windows are regarded as a good choice for curtain-free windows. However, conventional PDLC needs external electricity to operate, which causes extra energy consumption. These devices cannot be combined with traditional solar cells for energy savings. In this study, a new design of luminescent solar concentrator (LSC)-based PDLC device is presented. In particular, we successfully demonstrate that the PDLC can be integrated with LSC as its back scatter and potentially contributes towards the enhancement of power output by minimising backside light losses. Multi-luminophore LSC is employed to increase the absorption of air mass 1.5 solar irradiance. The edge emission measurements show multiple-luminophore-based PDLC-LSC gives the maximum edge emission power which is 1.7 times more than that of single luminophore-based PDLC-LSC device. Photocurrent measurements are also performed as an additional evidence for the improved performance of PDLC-LSC device. Finally, the visual properties of PDLC-LSC devices are evaluated to realise the compatibility of using such devices in the built environment.