Solar powered naval patrol boat operating on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC'S) utilizing fruit and spice extracts

Abstract

Preliminary investigations on the identification of natural pigments in the dye-sensitization of nanocrystalline Ti02 were carried out. Fresh extracts of Mangoostein, Rambutan, Mango, Tomato, Carrot, Kingcoconut, Pumpkin, Red Banana, Beetroot, Turmeric, Venival, Orange, Grape,Spinach, Ginger etc. were employed as sensitizes in thin-layer sandwich type photo electrochemical dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC's)for installation and operation on a 12feet long model Naval Patrol Boat. After analysis, it was observed that many useful dyes which could be extracted from natural products by simple procedure could be used as photo sensitizers for DSSC's.It was also observed that dye extracts of Turmeric and Mangoostein yielded better results. The current voltages curves obtained with solar cells employing the photo anodes with Ti02 sensitized with different dyes were observed. The values of short circuit current (Jsc),open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (ff) and efficiency (I)) obtained for solar cells employing photo anodes with Ti02 sensitized with different fruit / vegetable extracts were noted. The dye extracts ofTurmeric root and Mangoostein fruit were found to be superior to those obtained from other dyes, and were Jsc= 0.540 mAcm-2 and 0.444 mAcm-2; Voc = 599.1mA and 565.2mVJ i= 69.03% and 65.66%, I) = 0.223%and 0.165% respectively. The DSSC'sconstructed utilizing Mangoostein fruit and Turmeric root extracts will be installed in series (to increase voltage) and in parallel (to increase current) to obtain 12 Volts DCto operate 2 Nos. 12 Volts 48Ampere Hour Lead Acid Batteries. These batteries will be float- charged by the DSSC'swhen exposed to sunlight, and with electrically operated switchgear the vessel will be able to travel forward, reverse,turn to port and starboard, operate navigational lights, portable radar and satnav navigational equipment. The Vessel will also have a 0.50mm machine gun and 60mm mortar pod for convert amphibious offensive operations especially in rivers in jungle areas by Naval Special Boat Squadron (SBS)troops.