Ultra-Low-Cost and Stable OPV Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-174 Topic Title: Ultra-Low-Cost and Stable OPV Proposal No.: N102-174-0662 Firm: TDA Research, Inc. 12345 W. 52nd Ave. Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Contact: Michael Diener Phone: (303) 940-2314 Web Site: http://www.tda.com Abstract: Bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics (BHJ OPV) are a promising technology for converting sunlight into electricity because, in principle, they can be manufactured by coating a wide range of substrates by various solutions containing the organic (and inorganic) materials. However, current BHJ OPV formation in the laboratory uses a variety of labor-intensive, non-scalable deposition techniques. Moreover, champion devices are inherently unstable and incorporate materials whose manufacture is prohibitively expensive. In this project, we will use an exceedingly low-cost and scalable technique for the ambient atmosphere manufacture of all the layers of BHJ OPV modules on both glass and flexible transparent substrates, focusing exclusively on an entirely air-stable device architecture. The technology developed herein will allow BHJ OPV to realize its promise of low-cost manufacturing while also delivering sufficient stability and efficiency to enable its adoption by both the military and commercial markets. Benefits: Developing true low-cost manufacturing of BHJ OPV devices with credible air-stability and based on materials which are not prohibitively expensive will allow the technology to be adopted for a wide variety of electrical power generating applications. Initial markets are likely focus on power production in remote locations, particularly where flexible OPV modules can be carried at a substantial weight savings to other methods of electrical power generation. For example, combining rechargeable batteries with OPV could reduce the battery load weight of a soldier by half. Secondary markets will be building-integrated PV (BIPV), wherein the low cost of BHJ OPV modules trumps the moderate efficiency to provide electricity at a lower cost than traditional technologies. For example, military bases with BIPV will be self-sufficient in energy generation and independent of the outside grid, enhancing security and mission readiness. Return