S. Korean scientists invent dye-sensitized solar cell vehicle

YEONGI, South Korea, Feb. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists said Tuesday they
have invented a solar powered hybrid vehicle using batteries that convert
sunlight to energy through photosensitive dyes.
The team, led by Ko Jae-Jung, an advanced material chemistry professor at Korea
University, said it has used a newly developed solar cell panel, which measures
2.4 meters by 1.4 meters, in the development of the vehicle. The panel generates
0.3 to 0.6 kilowatts with an energy conversion efficiency of between 5.5 and 5.8
percent.
Dye-sensitized solar cells were used as a power source for the first time in 2008
by a professor at the University of Tokyo in Japan, but the South Korean team is
the first to apply the large solar cell panels to a vehicle, Ko said.
"The panels will be applicable to bicycles and motorcycles as well when their
energy conversion efficiency rises to as high as 7 percent and with improved
safety," Ko said, adding he expects the panels will be commercialized within two
to three years.
Dye-sensitized solar cells are made using low-cost materials and are thus less
expensive than older solar batteries. The technology was invented by Michael
Gratzel, a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, in 1991.
jia@yna.co.kr
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