Unsaturated polyester resin blended with MMA as potential host matrix for luminescent solar concentrator

The Luminescent Solar Concentrator (LSC) is a polymer plate that contains a luminescent specimen with photovoltaic (PV) cells attached to its edges. Light entering on the plate is absorbed by the luminescent material which in turn emits light. Part of the emitted light propagates through the plate and arrives at the PV cells through the total internal reflection. The ratio of the area of the relatively cheap polymer plate to that of the expensive PV cells is increased. At present, PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate)) is the preferred host matrix for LSCs due to its satisfactory optical clarity, refractive index, photo-stability and mechanical resistance. In order to maximize the benefits of using LSCs, this paper proposes an alternative host matrix made of unsaturated polyester (UP). An appropriate amount of MMA is used in producing LSCs in order to enhance the optical transparency and refractive index of LSCs. The cost of such LSCs is lower than that of PMMA. ► Unsaturated polyester resin is used as the host material for luminescent solar concentrator. ► The cost of luminescent solar concentrator made of UP can be reduced. ► Appropriate amount of methylemethacrylate (MMA) is added into UP resin to improve the optical clarity of LSC. ► The optical clarity of UP is maintained well over a long period of heat treatment.