Towards industrialization of organic photovoltaic cells and modules
From Lab Scale devices to Real Life Applications
Dear Readers,
Dracula Technologies will be taking part in this year's MATSUS (The Materials for Sustainable Development Conference) in Barcelona from March 4 to 8. We will be represented by our CTO, Sadok Ben Dkhil, who will be giving a talk on :
Towards industrialization of organic photovoltaic cells and modules: From Lab Scale devices to Real Life Applications.
In this third edition of the year, the most interesting scientific articles of February await you. We've also selected open access articles on climate change and market opportunities.
Finally, we will also be at LOPEC in Munich from March 5 to 7 to present Dracula Technologies' new innovations and roadmap.
Thank you for your continued interest in our newsletter, and we look forward to keeping you abreast of the latest trends in the exciting world of Energy Harvesting.
Best regards,
The Dracula Team
📚 Great reads
Scientific articles
Wireless body area sensor networks based human activity recognition using deep learning - Open Access
In the healthcare sector, the health status and biological, and physical activity of the patient are monitored among different sensors that collect the required information about these activities using Wireless body area network (WBAN) architecture. Sensor-based human activity recognition (HAR), which offers remarkable qualities of ease and privacy, has drawn increasing attention from researchers with the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology. Deep learning has the ability to extract high-dimensional information automatically, making end-to-end learning. Read more…
Bioinspired polymeric supramolecular columns as efficient yet controllable artificial light-harvesting platform - Open Access
Light-harvesting is an indispensable process in photosynthesis, and researchers have been exploring various structural scaffolds to create artificial light-harvesting systems. However, achieving high donor/acceptor ratios for efficient energy transfer remains a challenge as excitons need to travel longer diffusion lengths within the donor matrix to reach the acceptor. Here, we report a polymeric supramolecular column-based light-harvesting platform inspired by the natural light-harvesting of purple photosynthetic bacteria to address this issue. Read more…
The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have risen over the last few decades worldwide, resulting in a cost burden to healthcare systems and increasingly complex procedures. Among many strategies for treating heart diseases, treating arrhythmias using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death. The battery-powered CIEDs have the inherent challenge of regular battery replacements depending upon energy usage for their programmed tasks. Read more…
Two BODIPY-C60-peptide assemblies were synthesized by CuAAC reactions of BODIPY-C60 dyads and a helical peptide functionalized with a terminal alkyne group and an azide group, respectively. The helical peptide within these assemblies was functionalized at its other end by a disulfide group, allowing formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces. Characterizations of these SAMs, as well as those of reference molecules (BODIPY-C60-alkyl, C60-peptide and BODIPY-peptide), were carried out by PM-IRRAS and cyclic voltammetry. Read more…
This paper proposes and executes an in-depth learning-based image processing approach for self-picking apples. The system includes a lightweight one-step detection network for fruit recognition. As well as computer vision to analyze the point class and anticipate a correct approach position for each fruit before grabbing. Using the raw inputs from a high-resolution camera, fruit recognition and instance segmentation are done on RGB photos. The computer vision classification and grasping systems are integrated and outcomes from tree-grown foods are provided as input information and output methodology poses for every apple and orange to robotic arm execution. Read more…
The need of scalable fabrication of high-efficiency organic photovoltaic cells and modules has gradually emerged. In particular, indoor organic photovoltaics (IOPV) constitutes an attractive energy harvesting solution to power IoT devices, given its deployability, reliability, and power density. A substantial portion of the billions of new IoT devices that will be installed in the coming years are expected to be located inside buildings. Such devices like environmental sensors, can have several shapes and sizes, hence the need to develop custom-made conformable photovoltaic devices to facilitate their integration into the final product. In this context, inkjet printing has become a very attracted printing technology for large-scale printed flexible cells and modules with freedom of shapes and designs.
Herein we demonstrate the challenge to go from lab-scale to industrial scale to achieve highly efficient fully inkjet printed IOPV cells and module. To prove the great advantage of inkjet printing as a digital technology allowing freedom of forms and designs, particular OPV modules with different shapes are demonstrated and integrated into different IoT devices to operate autonomously without using batteries or connections to the grid to ensure sufficient flexibility in their placement. Read more…
🌍 Climate related researches
Rising to the Climate Change Challenge - Open Access
Research shows that the world needs to cut its emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by mid-century to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Yet despite this urgency and the massive economic and health benefits of taking climate action, most countries, businesses, states and cities have yet to make the economic and societal shifts required to secure a better future.
WRI aims to stabilize the climate while meeting people’s needs and protecting nature. We work with policymakers, businesses, civil society and others to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support communities in building resilience to the impacts of climate change. Read more…
Registered Report for climate research - Open Access
In this issue, we are pleased to publish our first Registered Report and introduce the format to our readers. Although the published version of a Registered Report looks very similar to other research articles, the peer-review process differs drastically. Before conducting their study, researchers submit their proposal to the journal with detailed research hypotheses and planned procedures, and editors will assess the novelty, relevance and broad interest of the question that is intended to be addressed to decide whether to send the Registered Report out for peer review. Read more…
💰 Energy Harvesting and IoT Market opportunities
IDTechEx forecasts the annual water electrolyzer market value to exceed US$70 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 40.7% over 2024-2034. This growth is driven by the increasing focus from companies and governments on developing green hydrogen plants to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. Hydrogen demand is expected to grow globally from incumbent applications, including refining and ammonia production, as well as from new markets such as in methanol, green steel, and transport applications. Additional growth drivers include the continued development and innovation of water electrolysis technologies and installation of large electrolyzer manufacturing capacities worldwide. Read More…
IDTechEx forecasts the annual water electrolyzer market value to exceed US$70 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR of 40.7% over 2024-2034. This growth is driven by the increasing focus from companies and governments on developing green hydrogen plants to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries. Hydrogen demand is expected to grow globally from incumbent applications, including refining and ammonia production, as well as from new markets such as in methanol, green steel, and transport applications. Additional growth drivers include the continued development and innovation of water electrolysis technologies and installation of large electrolyzer manufacturing capacities worldwide. Read More…
it is crucial to understand the growth trajectory of the Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting market to assist clients in making informed business decisions. Extensive market research indicates a substantial increase in demand for this technology in recent years. Factors such as the increasing awareness about sustainable energy solutions, the growing adoption of IoT devices, and the need for efficient power generation in remote locations have fueled the market's expansion. With advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, offering new opportunities for businesses and driving the development of innovative piezoelectric energy harvesting solutions. Read More…
Peatlands provide a variety of ecosystem services besides being important ecosystems for biodiversity. Sustainable peatland management requires that its impacts are identified, and all management is allocated in a cost-efficient manner. In this study, we assessed how peatland management influences the habitat suitability of red-listed plant species and the financial performance of management measured as net present value (NPV). The study was done in three landscapes in Finland. We considered four peatland management scenarios i.e., no management activity (NOMANAGE), hydrological restoration (REST), wood harvesting for bioenergy (BIOENERGY), and timber production (TIMBER). The NPVs of different management scenarios were compared to the habitat suitability of red-listed peatland plant species. Read More…
💡 Learning Content
Who is leading in Renewable Energy in 2024
Explore the global race to renewable energy with us! From Costa Rica's impressive 99.7% reliance on renewables to China's massive renewable capacity, we delve into the metrics and leaders shaping the transition. Discover who's excelling in wind power, who's harnessing solar energy most effectively, and which countries are leveraging innovative technologies like geothermal and bioenergy. But it's not just about numbers – we'll also discuss the importance of international collaboration and policy support in driving this crucial shift towards a sustainable energy future. Join us as we navigate the diverse landscape of renewable energy adoption worldwide!
Investigation of Wave Energy Harvesting in Malta presented by G. Šimkonienė - Video
📅 Events to consider this month
Events to attend this month: list of exciting events, webinars, and videos for you to explore this month.
March, 4-8: MATSUS - The Materials for Sustainable Development Conference - Barcelona, Spain
The Conference consists on a combination of symposia of basic and multidisciplinary science, and applied symposia focused on Sustainable Development areas. More Info
LOPEC (Large-area, Organic & Printed Electronics Convention) is the world's leading exhibition and conference for flexible, organic and printed electronics. Every year, the leading players from application to research from all continents meet in the high-tech metropolis of Munich. 168 exhibitors from 25 countries and more than 2,400 visitors from 43 countries made LOPEC 2023 the most important meeting place for the industry. Register
March, 14: The Role of Hydrogen in the Future Energy Mix
Hydrogen has a significant role to play in the future fuel mix but it is still in early stages and there are a number of obstacles to overcome. This event will explore where early inroads have been made into hydrogen project development and share experiences of what has worked, what the key drivers were and how they have demonstrated commercial feasibility to get the investment required. Register
March, 21 : The Data Revolution and AI Boom come to Materials R&D
This webinar will provide:
The latest commercial developments in the field, including the impact of new industry interest in the age of AI
Assessment of the different strategic approaches being adopted
The key technology pillars required for a MI approach
Industry pain points
Application case studies
We value your readership and encourage you to share your feedback or suggestions. Together, let us shape a sustainable future powered by innovation.
To contact us: contact@dracula-technologies.com
The Dracula Team.