CRI Final Compilation (Sample)

2

Creative Research and Innovation

Solar-Venti for Covercraft. Co

TP016786

Executive Summary

The product to be proposed in document is known as Solar-Venti and will be proposed

to Covercraft Company that expertise in custom-fit vehicle covers. Solar-Venti is a Car

shade with solar cell which powers three mini fans to cool the inner car environment.

The target market for this product would be the drivers who parked their cars under the

hot sun when they go for work or study. This product could help them in keeping the car

cooler and saves their time in getting into the car and start driving. Solar- Venti will be

competing against Easy-Fit from UPPAbaby and Collapsible Sunshade from

AutoExpressions.

In this document, the techniques used to generate quality ideas and the techniques

used to evaluate the ideas feasibility will be recorded accordingly. Among the ideation

technique, S.C.A.M.P.E.R, Mind mapping, Attribute listing, Concept Fan, Lotus

blossom, and Force Fitting Trigger are the techniques used to generate idea for the

product Solar-Venti. As for ideas evaluation, Force Field Analysis, Sticking Dots, and

Plus-Minus Interest Analysis (PMIA) are used to evaluate the feasibility of the product.

The detail explanations regarding the product and the techniques used will be described

in the document below.

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ContentsExecutive Summary.........................................................................................................1

1. Introduction...............................................................................................................4

1.1 Profile of the company........................................................................................4

1.2 Objective Finding................................................................................................4

2. Fact Finding..............................................................................................................5

2.1 Competitor Analysis............................................................................................5

2.2 Market Segment Analysis...................................................................................7

2.2.1 Demographic....................................................................................................7

2.2.2 Geographic......................................................................................................7

2.2.3 Psychographic.................................................................................................7

2.2.4 Behavioral........................................................................................................7

3. Problem Finding........................................................................................................8

3.1 Laddering Technique (combined with Lateral Thinking).....................................8

3.2 Problem Statement.............................................................................................9

4. Idea Generation......................................................................................................10

4.1 Concept Fan.....................................................................................................10

4.2 Mind mapping...................................................................................................11

4.3 SCAMPER........................................................................................................12

4.4 Attribute Listing.................................................................................................13

4.5 Lotus Blossom..................................................................................................14

4.6 Force Fitting Trigger..........................................................................................16

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4.7 Summary of Ideas /Evaluation..........................................................................19

5. Product Description.................................................................................................21

6. Idea Evaluation.......................................................................................................24

6.1 Force Field Analysis (FFA)................................................................................24

6.2 Sticking Dots (or Sticking Squares/Stars/Smiley) **..........................................27

6.3 Plus-Minus-Interesting (PMI) Analysis**...........................................................28

7. References..............................................................................................................29

8. Appendix.................................................................................................................30

Appendix A.................................................................................................................30

Appendix B.................................................................................................................31

9. Bibliography............................................................................................................33

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1. Introduction

1.1 Profile of the company

Covercraft was founded in 1965, by Mr. Bob Lichtmann in Southern California’s San

Fernando. Covercraft started manufacturing custom-patterned car covers with only two

employees during 1965. Today, Covercraft has grown to a company with more than 400

employees and expanded into three manufacturing location.

Today, Covercraft custom fit vehicle covers has more than 67000 patterns and continue

to grow with new application daily. From time to time, Covercraft increase the variety of

products from exterior to the interior protection of automobile. This includes windshield

sunshade, pet travel items, and seat protectors.

Covercraft has also earned the certificate to both TS16949:2002, a worldwide quality

system standard, and ISO 14001, an environmental quality program which shows that

their products are the top notch quality. (SuperCarCovers, 2010)

1.2 Objective Finding

In Malaysia, the weather is hot and most parking lots are not shaded. When the duration

is long heat starts to build up within the car. Drivers tend to cover their car with

windshield sun shade, but it doesn’t fully prevent the heat from the scorching sun to

penetrate the car’s interior. So, Solar-Venti is the combination of sunshade with solar

panel to power three small fans to provide airflow within the car and help to reduce

interior temperature.

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2. Fact Finding

2.1 Competitor Analysis

It is important to analyze the current product that is similar with the to-be-released

product so product penetration into the market can be done smoothly. The existing

product that might threaten the sales of Solar-Venti would be the collapsible car shade

and stretchable shade.

Figure 1

Source from

http://www.autoexpressions.com/sun-and-window/collapsible-shades/Basix/standard-

jumbo

This collapsible sunshade is able to block the sunlight and prevent direct exposure of sunlight into the car causing the interior of the car to be hot. This sun shade is collapsible for storage when not in use. The price should be approximate RM 20 – RM 50.

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http://www.autoexpressions.com/sun-and-window/collapsible-shades/Basix/standard-jumbo

http://www.autoexpressions.com/sun-and-window/collapsible-shades/Basix/standard-jumbo

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The advantage of having a collapsible sunshade is that it helps to prevent direct exposure of sunlight and heat into the interior of the car. It can also be folded up when it is no longer in used. It is very light so anyone can use them without having much trouble. This collapsible sunshade is also affordable.

As for drawback, collapsible sunshade could not provide efficient filtering of heat and sunlight into the interior of the car. The metal body of the car still absorbs heat and the interior of the car is still hot if there is no airflow.

Image source from http://www.uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=17

On the other hand, the stretchable sunshade from Uppababy is also a threat and competitor to Solar-Venti. Stretchable sunshade is able to reduce the sun rays from entering the car. It is also able to shrink into palm size when not in use. The cost of the stretchable sunshades is about RM 30

As for advantage, it has the stretchable function provide the flexibility of it to fit any shapes of windows. When not in use, the sunshade is small and handy to be carried around.

The drawback of this shade it is limited in size as the mesh has a maximum effective size. Besides that this shade does not have heat protection as it is reducing only sun rays, and it is inefficient when to use them in the parking.

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Figure 3Figure 2

http://www.uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=17

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2.2 Market Segment Analysis

Market Segment Analysis is important to identify the scope of people that will use and benefits from this product. Market segment analysis can also help the organization push the products’ market by identifying the appropriate strategies to promote the product. Customer analysis can be divided into homogenous groups.

Solar-Venti’s market Segment analysis will be explained below

2.2.1 Demographic

Solar-Venti is targeting the drivers that parked the cars under the hot sun for a long

period of time especially the college student and office workers.

2.2.2 Geographic

Solar-Venti is very much recommended in countries that are hot and having a good

amount of sunlight to power the fans attached to Solar-Venti. Solar-Venti will be used

frequently by those who parked their car in open air car park. For example, Malaysian

drivers require this product as most car parks are open air car park.

2.2.3 Psychographic

Solar-Venti is suitable for people who loves techies gadget with stylish design. The

passion of consumer to try new products will allow Solar-Venti to have a stand in the

market.

2.2.4 Behavioral

Solar-Venti utilizes the renewable solar energy when user parked their car under the sun and it is environment friendly.

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3. Problem Finding

3.1 Laddering Technique (combined with Lateral Thinking)

Laddering technique is particularly helpful in eliciting goals and underlying values

and therefore, possibly helps during early stages of user experience research

(Micheal Hawley, 2009)

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Car accesories

Air care Interior CoveringsWindshield and

window

Foldable shades

Sun Shades + min fans

Solar-Venti

Collapsible shades

Glare reduction Decals Tint film

Organization

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3.2 Problem Statement

Most drivers are facing problem of heat trapped within their cars after hours of parking on the open air car park.

The initial solution was using high density tinting to reduce the sun rays from entering the car, but due to security issues of some countries windshield and windows are only allow to be tinted at a certain percentage.

As solution, people use sunshades to prevent sunlight exposure, but there is still some amount of heat trapped within the car because heat can still penetrate the car from the metal roof of the car.

Therefore, Solar-Venti is introduced to provide a shield from sun rays to enter and also fans to circulate the airflow in the car in order to lower the car interior temperature.

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4. Idea Generation

4.1 Concept Fan

Concept fan is developed by Edward de Bono. It is a technique to discover

alternative approaches to problem when all obvious solution is rejected. It develops

principle of ‘taking one step back’ to get a broader perspective. (Mind Tools, 2010)

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Combining sunshade with mini fans

Technology

Reflective UV Shield

Prevent direct UV exposure

Convenient

Can be folded and bring along

Solar Cell

Thin solar film

Environment Friendly

Design

Stylish Design

Multiple colour

Scenery pictures / Abstract drawing

Storage Design

Mini fans with clips

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4.2 Mind mapping

Mind mapping is proposed by Tony Buzan in 1994 to help organize the thoughts on a specific theme (Nina Makofsky, 2010). It is used most of the time to create less hierarchical with more visual outline for the discussed topic.

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4.3 SCAMPER

SCAMPER is a “checklist” type creative thinking tool that helps people to think of

changes they might make to an existing product to create a new one by Robert F.

Eberle (Mind Tools, 2010). Every letter from S.C.A.M.P.E.R represents a separate word

which allows further elaboration of ideas to be done.

SubstituteWhat can be substitutes in the context of making this product better?

Solar-Venti substitutes the original foil surface on the car shade with plastic and solar thin film.

CombineWhat can we combine to make something new to this product?

Solar-Venti combines both the traditional car shade with three mini fans to provide airflow and lower the temperature within the car.

AdaptWhat can we adapt to make something more suited to its task and environment

Solar-Venti adapt to sunshade’s purposes of preventing sunlight exposure by having default reflective foil, and bubble wrap. It also has fans to lower the temperature of the car.

ModifyWhat can we change about the colour, shape, function, to add a new dimension?

Solar-Venti is designed to be foldable so the user can easily keep them when not in use. Solar-Venti can be modify from car shades into picnic shades by adding legs support to it

Put to other purposesWhat can we re-purpose and give to new uses?

Solar-Venti can be used as an alternative for shades during picnic other than being used in the car.

EliminateWhat can we eliminate in the context to improve this product?

Eliminate the strap that use to tie the sunshade when not in use by introducing the clips of three fans to

Reverse / RearrangeWhat can we improve by rearranging the laid out?

-

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Material Colour Marketable Countries

Shape Power Source

Plastic Red Brazil Round Kinetic

Cotton Green England Rectangular Solar

Bubble Wrap Silver Germany Square Thermal

Cloth Black Malaysia Foldable Alternating current

Foil Yellow Japan Stretchable Battery

Cardboard Teal China Triangle Nuclear

4.4 Attribute Listing

Attribute listing is an idea generation tool introduced to help people examine all possible aspects of the problem by R. P Crawford, 2010. This can be done by breaking the problem into multiple attributes and see what the alternatives can be introduced in the

listed attributes. (Morgan. M, 1993)

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4.5 Lotus Blossom

Lotus blossom was developed by Yasuo Matsumura. This technique helps users to

diagrammatically organize the thinking around significant themes. (Michalko M, 2010)

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Cardboard Plastic Asbestos Solar Kinetic A/C Singapore Australia Malaysia

Thin film solar cells

Materials Paper ThermalPower Option

Battery Japan Country China

Foil Cloth Bubble wrapLithium Ion

BatteryFuel Cell Wind Brazil German France

Blue Green Silver MaterialPower Option

Country Fan Mist spraySelf

Powered

Red Color Black Color CarSunshade

FeaturesHeat

ReflectorFeatures

Foldable for storage

White Fuchsia Purple Shape Users SizeUtilize Solar

energyMobility Collapsible

Round Square Foldable Motorcyclist ToddlersOffice Clerks

Small Medium

Stretchable Shape RectangleCollege student

Users Admin staff Foldable Size Large

Pentagon Triangle Tiled Lawyer Lecturer Stretchable Extra Large

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4.6 Force Fitting Trigger

Force fitting trigger is a technique that requires three different pictures and list out

whichever topics or items that is related to the chosen pictures. The topics or ideas are

filled in columns under each respective picture. Then from the listed items, propose

sensible combinations and jot them down as brand new ideas.

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Genting Highlands image available from http://www.agagtravel.com/en/images/stories/genting/genting-sky.jpg

Car image available from http://www.solidsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/virtools-car-shade.jpg

Solar Thin Film image available from http://solarpanelspower.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nanosys_solar.jpg

Mist Car Shade Solar cell

Cool Breeze Radio Power generator

Theme park Air conditioner Renewable energy

Arcade Engine Environment Friendly

Hotel Travelling Malleable

Vacation Racing Thin

Casino Steering Low cost

Windy Bumper

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http://solarpanelspower.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nanosys_solar.jpg



http://www.solidsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/virtools-car-shade.jpg



http://www.agagtravel.com/en/images/stories/genting/genting-sky.jpg

http://www.agagtravel.com/en/images/stories/genting/genting-sky.jpg

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Combination of attributes /Outcomes

Car shade + windy + solar cell = Solar car shade with fan

Arcade + Travelling + thin = Mobile thin arcade machine

Theme park + air conditioner + Low cost + solar = Solar powered indoor air-conditioned theme park

Vacation + radio + malleable = Malleable radio for vacation

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4.7 Summary of Ideas /Evaluation

Ideation Technique

Summary Advantages of Technique

Disadvantages of Technique

Mind Mapping A diagram that represent words, ideas and other items that linked to the central idea

Widespread of ideas

Overloading of ideas to be filtered

Attribute Listing Attributes listing is a technique that list out the possible characteristic of a certain item and further derived into alternatives that can be use to replace the original one.

Able to identify core attributes of products and further improve by using alternatives

Attributes alternatives listed may not be logical

S.C.A.M.P.E.R SCAMPER helps people to think of possible changes by using guidelines like Substitute, Combine, Modify,Put to other use,Eliminate,And Reverse/ Rearrange

S.C.A.M.P.E.R provides clear guideline on generate new ideas

S.C.A.M.P.E.R encourage ideas to be generated on existing product

Not all phrase or guidelines can be used.

Ideas generation are limited to S.C.A.M.P.E.R guidelines

Concept Fan Concept fan is a tool that systematically expands the range and number of

Show a clear flow of problems and

Many branching may cause off-

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concept in order to end up with broad range of ideas to be chosen as solutions

solution. tracking

Lotus Blossom Lotus blossom starts with a central idea/ problem and expand into themes and subthemes. The petals around the core are figuratively “peeled back” one at a time revealing a key component of theme. This approach is pursued until topic is comprehensively explored. (Michalko M, 2010)

Lotus blossoms allows the expand of ideas from one main topic to many subtopic, and for each subtopic relevant attributes or items can be listed and further expanded to generate more ideas

Some external “petals” of lotus blossom might not be able to bloom with sufficient attribute

Force Fitting Trigger

Force fitting trigger requires three pictures to be listed their attributes and by combining them triggers a new product with attributes from the three pictures

Any combinations of pictures’ attributes will provide ideas in making new products

Some of the combination may not be feasible

Pictures may have only limited attributes.

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5. Product Description

Figure 4 the View from interior of car when the shade is placed.

Figure 5 Top view of unfolded sunshade

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Mini Fans

Sun shade

Mini Fan

Sun Shade

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Figure 6 Mini fan side views

Figure 7 Back view of folded sunshade.

Figure 8 Side View of folded sunshade

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Soft padded

foam to prevent

scratching or

damaging

anything

Fan

Clip

Wire

coil

Fan’s

motor

Fan’s

soft

blade

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Figure 9 Top view of folded sunshade

This is the product to be proposed to Covercraft. Co .This is a sun shade which combines the solar thin film with the traditional bubble wrap sun shade to power 3 fans that can provide airflow within the car. This product is recommended to individuals who parked their cars under the hot sun.

The main concept of this product is to provide air flow to the interior of the car and reduce the temperature. There are some times where the sun is absence to power the fan, but when the sun is not up that means the car does not require air flow to keep it cool since it doesn’t build up heat without the sun.

The sunshade will have 5 layers:

a) The first layer will be thin plastic film to protect the solar film.

b) Second layer will be thin solar film (Refer to appendix A)

c) Third layer will be UV coating. (Refer to appendix B)

d) Fourth layer will be the bubble wrap.

e) Fifth layer will be reflective foil with graphical design.

The usage of this product is rather easy, users have to first unfold the sun shade and place it on the windshield. Then, clip the fans onto the rear mirror and the glaring shade. It is recommended that the user open their window slightly to maximize airflow and increase efficiency of cooling the car.

The proposed price for this product would be around RM 80 to RM 100.

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6. Idea Evaluation

6.1 Force Field Analysis (FFA)

Kurt Lewin developed force field analysis to analyze the idea by identifying the driving

factors and restricting factors of a product. Scores are assigned from 1 to 5 depending

on how powerful will the factors affect the product (5 highest). Then recommendations

are made to minimize restraining factors.

Driving Forces Restraining Forces

4

Solar Venti :

Car Sunshade

with Mini Fans.

3

2 2

2 4

3 3

Total= 11

Total= 12

Recommendations

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Environment Friendly Price

Stylish Design

Provide airflow

Heat reflective

Not 100% heat

reflective

Different size of

windshield

New to market

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a) Increase the fan speed and air output

b) Use UV shield as coating to provide better heat protection

c) Introduce the product by using Advertisement and Promotion

d) Increase variety of design from plain color to pictures and graffiti.

e) Provide different sizes for different types of car.

Driving Forces Restraining Forces

4

Solar Venti :

Car Sunshade

with Mini Fans.

3

4 2

3 1

4 2

Total= 15

Total= 8

As compared to the previous net total, the score of driving forces increases and the net

total increased from -1 to +7 which indicate the product is feasible after the

improvement.

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Environment Friendly

Stylish Design

Provide airflow

Heat reflective

Not 100% heat

reflective

Different size of

windshield

New to market

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6.2 Sticking Dots (or Sticking Squares/Stars/Smiley) **

Sticking dots is a voting technique that allows users to rate on the idea displayed on

board. Stars are allocated according to how much the particular attribute is preferred.

Features Normal Sunshade Solar-Venti

01 Price

02 Storage

03 Features

04 Environment friendly

05 Design

06 Unique

07 Technology

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6.3 Plus-Minus-Interesting (PMI) Analysis**

PMIA is to compare the positive and the negative score upon the product. Scores are

assigned from 1 to 5 depending on the impact of attributes (5 as Highest).

Plus (+) Minus (-) Interesting

Affordable (+2) New to market (-3) Solar thin film Technology(+3)

Heat Reflective (+4) Dusty when need to open window (-5)

UV Shield (+5)

Environment Friendly (+2) Stretchable (-4)

Helps regulates car interior temperature (+3)

Increase efficiency of cooling the car (+3)

Cool Design (+4)

Total = 18 Total = 12 Total = 8

Net total (18+8 -12 = 14)

PMI result above shows that the product is feasible for considerable profit margin.

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7. References

Colenso M, 2009 How Solar-powered Sunglasses Work [Online] available from

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-powered-sunglasses1.htm [Accessed on 18 May

2010]

Crow M.L, 2010, BRIDGING ANALYTICAL THINKING TO CREATIVITY, [Online], available

from http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/suppmat/crow.pdf [Accessed 8 May 2010]

Harris W, 2008 How Thin-film Solar Cells Work [Online] available from

http://science.howstuffworks.com/thin-film-solar-cell2.htm [Accessed on 18 May 2010]

Hawley. M, 2009 Laddering: A Research Interview Technique for Uncovering Core

Values [Online] available from

http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2009/07/laddering-a-research-interview-

technique-for-uncovering-core-values.php [Accessed on 19 May 2010]

Makofsy. N, 2010 Definition of Mind Mapping [Online] available from

http://www.ehow.com/about_5048434_definition-mind-mapping.html [Accessed on 19

May 2010]

Michalko. M, 2010 Lotus Blossom Approach [Online] available from

http://www.creativethinking.net/DT06_LotusBlossomApproach.htm?Entry=Good

[Accessed on 21 May 2010]

Mind Tools, 2010 SCAMPER, [Online] available from

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_02.htm [Accessed on 16 May 2010]

Mind Tools, 2010 Concept Fan, [Online] available from

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_06.htm [Accessed on 17 May 2010]

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http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_06.htm


http://www.creativethinking.net/DT06_LotusBlossomApproach.htm?Entry=Good

http://www.ehow.com/about_5048434_definition-mind-mapping.html

http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2009/07/laddering-a-research-interview-technique-for-uncovering-core-values.php

http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2009/07/laddering-a-research-interview-technique-for-uncovering-core-values.php

http://science.howstuffworks.com/thin-film-solar-cell2.htm

http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/suppmat/crow.pdf

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-powered-sunglasses1.htm

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Mind Tools, 2010 Attribute listing, Morphological analysis & Matrix Analysis, [Online]

available from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_03.htm [Accessed on 16

May 2010]

Morgan. M, 1993 ATTRIBUTE LISTING CREATING WORKFORCE INNOVATION, BUSINESS

AND PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHING [Online] available from

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Techniques/attributes.htm

[Accessed 25 May 2010]

Mycoted, 2006 myCoted – Creativity and Innovation: Science &Technology. [Online]

available from http://www.mycoted.com/Concept_Fan [Accessed 29 May 2010]

Passuello, L 2008 Creative Problem Solving with SCAMPER. [Online] available from

from http://litemind.com/scamper/ [Accessed 30 May 2010]

SuperCarCovers, 2010 About Covercraft, [Online] available from

http://www.supercarcovers.com/covercraft/ [Accessed on 20 May 2010]

Tyson. J, 2000 How Sunglasses Work, [Online] available from

http://science.howstuffworks.com/sunglass8.htm [Accessed on 18 May 2010]

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http://science.howstuffworks.com/sunglass8.htm

http://www.supercarcovers.com/covercraft/

http://litemind.com/scamper/

http://www.mycoted.com/Concept_Fan

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~charles57/Creative/Techniques/attributes.htm


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8. Appendix

Appendix A

How Sunglasses Work

Ultraviolet CoatingSeveral of the most serious eye problems can be linked to one cause: UV light. UV is often separated into two categories based on the frequency and wavelength of the light: UV-A and UV-B.As a natural protection mechanism, the cornea of your eye absorbs all of the UV-B and most of the UV-A light. But some of the UV-A light reaches the lens of the eye, and over time this absorption can lead to cataracts. The small amount of UV-A that gets past your cornea and reaches the retina can eventually lead to macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people older than age 65. Intense and prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause either cancer of the eye or photokeratitis, which is basically a sunburn on your retina. Because it occurs most often when a person is outside on bright winter day, with sunlight glaring off the snow, this condition is commonly known as snow blindness.A good UV coating on your sunglasses can eliminate UV radiation, and you should check to make sure that your sunglasses filter out 100 percent of both types of UV rays. There should be a statement on the label telling you how much UV protection the sunglasses have. You want 100-percent protection.

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http://science.howstuffworks.com/sunscreen.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/cancer.htm

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Appendix B

Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Two designers have come up with some conceptual shades that generate power.

Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) technology, also called Grätzel cells, were first introduced in 1991 by Michael Grätzel, a chemist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, and his colleagues.

There have been a few iterations of DSC technology, and the latest type of solar cell belongs to a new age of thin-film photovoltaic devices. They are engineered in layers: a photosensitive layer made of ultrathin, nano-sized semiconductor crystals over a thin layer of titanium dioxide. When photons (from sunlight) hit the photosensitive layer, the freed electrons accumulate on the layer of titanium dioxide and create an electrical current. Previously, a liquid electrolyte was needed to carry the electrons from one layer to another but in the newest generation of Grätzel cells, a dye made of amorphous organic material is used to coat the titanium dioxide -- the dye absorbs light and attracts excited electrons, which generates a charge.The results are cells that can be used to create low-cost, lightweight, transparent and flexible sheets or dye that could be used to coat glass, such as the windows of your house to supply energy to your home. Or it could be used to coat the lenses of sunglasses and provide power to small-device batteries.DSC technology is highly efficient compared to other forms of solar cells, producing efficiencies greater than 11 percent -- meaning that 11 percent of the captured solar energy is converted to electrical energy -- rather than 4 to 5 percent [source: ScienceDaily]. But in small applications, such as in sunglasses, there could be one potential problem: Solar cells need to be facing the sun to absorb rays. How often do you stare into the sun?

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http://science.howstuffworks.com/sun.htm

http://howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=solar-powered-sunglasses.htm&url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060918201621.htm

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/battery.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/sunglass.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/light.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/electricity.htm

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm


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Appendix C

Structure of Thin-film Solar Cells

Because structure and function are so closely linked with solar cells, let's take a

moment to review how they work. The basic science behind thin-film solar cells is the

same as traditional silicon-wafer cells.

Photovoltaic cells rely on substances known as semiconductors. Semiconductors are

insulators in their pure form, but are able to conduct electricity when heated or

combined with other materials. A semiconductor mixed, or "doped," with phosphorous

develops an excess of free electrons. This is known as an n-type semiconductor. A

semiconductor doped with other materials, such as boron, develops an excess of

"holes," spaces that accept electrons. This is known as a p-type semiconductor.

A PV cell joins n-type and p-type materials, with a layer in between known as a

junction. Even in the absence of light, a small number of electrons move across the

junction from the n-type to the p-type semiconductor, producing a small voltage. In the

presence of light, photons dislodge a large number of electrons, which flow across the

junction to create a current. This current can be used to power electrical devices, from

light bulbs to cell phone chargers.

Traditional solar cells use silicon in the n-type and p-type layers. The newest generation

of thin-film solar cells uses thin layers of either cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper

indium gallium deselenide (CIGS) instead. One company, Nanosolar, based in San

Jose, Calif., has developed a way to make the CIGS material as an ink containing

nanoparticles. A nanoparticle is a particle with at least one dimension less than 100

nanometers (one-billionth of a meter, or 1/1,000,000,000 m). Existing as nanoparticles,

the four elements self-assemble in a uniform distribution, ensuring that the atomic ratio

of the elements is always correct.

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The layers that make up the two non-silicon thin film solar cells are shown below. Notice

that there are two basic configurations of the CIGS solar cell. The CIGS-on-glass cell

requires a layer of molybdenum to create an effective electrode. This extra layer isn't

necessary in the CIGS-on-foil cell because the metal foil acts as the electrode. A layer

of zinc oxide (ZnO) plays the role of the other electrode in the CIGS cell. Sandwiched in

between are two more layers -- the semiconductor material and cadmium sulfide (CdS).

These two layers act as the n-type and p-type materials, which are necessary to create

a current of electrons.

The CdTe solar cell has a similar structure. One electrode is made from a layer of

carbon paste infused with copper, the other from tin oxide (SnO2) or cadmium stannate

(Cd2SnO4). The semiconductor in this case is cadmium telluride (CdTe), which, along

with cadmium sulfide (CdS), creates the n-type and p-type layers required for the PV

cell to function.

But how does the efficiency of thin-film solar cells compare to traditional cells? The

theoretical maximum for silicon-wafer cells is about 50 percent efficiency, meaning that

half of the energy striking the cell gets converted into electricity. In reality, silicon-wafer

cells achieve, on average, 15 to 25 percent efficiency. Thin-film solar cells are finally

becoming competitive. The efficiency of CdTe solar cells has reached just more than 15

percent, and CIGS solar cells have reached 20 percent efficiency.

There are health concerns with the use of cadmium in thin-film solar cells. Cadmium is a

highly toxic substance that, like mercury, can accumulate in food chains. This is a

blemish on any technology that fancies itself part of the green revolution. The National

Renewable Energy Laboratory and several other agencies and companies are currently

investigating cadmium-free thin-film solar cells. Many of these technologies are proving

themselves to be just as efficient as those that require cadmium.

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Reference

http://books.google.com.my/books?

id=7bh56o9m8vwC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=Force+fitting+technique&source=bl&ots=

jIr1QLaZZy&sig=wS7-OZmGvtmPvCc1ApEjz7yX340&hl=en&ei=7WAITKjNDYW-

rAf0uK14&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCwQ6AEwBQ#v=onepa

ge&q&f=false

http://books.google.com.my/books?id=7bh56o9m8vwC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=Force+fitting+technique&source=bl&ots=jIr1QLaZZy&sig=wS7-OZmGvtmPvCc1ApEjz7yX340&hl=en&ei=7WAITKjNDYW-rAf0uK14&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCwQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=scamper&f=false

http://books.google.com.my/books?ei=X2IITO7XFNGxrAeCk8WfAQ&ct=result&id=vVVi7Qc2H0AC&dq=Tony+Proctor%2C+Creative+problem+solving+for+managers%3A+developing+skills+for+decision+making+and+innovation%2C+Routledge%2C+2005&q=scamper#v=snippet&q=scamper&f=false

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http://books.google.com.my/books?id=7bh56o9m8vwC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=Force+fitting+technique&source=bl&ots=jIr1QLaZZy&sig=wS7-OZmGvtmPvCc1ApEjz7yX340&hl=en&ei=7WAITKjNDYW-rAf0uK14&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCwQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false



CRI Final Compilation (Sample)

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