The DysCrete™ project began with the idea of a concrete block that would generate electricity when fruit juice was poured over it. Initial attempts proved that cement could serve as the basis for a targeted synthesis of photoreactive particles and building materials. DysCrete™ is an innovative approach to the generation of energy, based on the same underlying principles as dye-sensitized solar cells (DYSC), from which it gains its name. Like other cells based on DYSC technology, DysCrete uses organic dyes to absorb light and produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. Analysis of this still novel process reveals a high degree of compatibility between DYSC technology and the chemistry and physics of concrete, including its material logic and production methods. DYSC cells are modeled on nature. Much like chlorophyll-bearing plants, they absorb light not with semiconductor materials, but with organic dyes held in suspension. In this sense, the technology is an adaptation of the photosynthetic process. DysCrete™ proofs that the logic of prefabricated concrete materials is highly compatible with the logic of DYSC, making use of this compatibility for an electrifying solar active concrete for the first time.

DysCrete™ is determined both by its visual and physical macro properties, as well as by micro and nano scale effects. Technically, the DysCrete™ cell is based on a simple structure of functional layers. These combine to form a redox reaction coating that generates energy through an electrochemical process when exposed to light. This coating can be created on concrete surfaces by systematically modifying their physical and chemical structure while applying and integrating specific substances. The electricitygenerating material is refined through a process of synthesis and layering, a combination of sintering and spray deposition that can easily be integrated into the production of prefabricated elements. By adjusting the dye and electrolyte components, the layer system can be tuned to specific wavebands of light, including the very edges of the visible spectrum. DysCrete™ uses a spray-coating method that can be performed in situ. The conventional encapsulation process, in which the failure of a single component renders the entire cell useless, is replaced by a layer grouping system with a renewable sandwich structure that offers exceptional versatility in cell construction. One major advantage of DysCrete™ is its relatively low production cost, giving the system great potential as a low-cost energy source.

DysCrete™ combines the advantages of technological photosynthesis and concrete. The basis of the system is concrete, with its many positive qualities as a structural product (fire resistance, high strength and durability, variety of construction methods). The energy-generating function is produced with freely available components, with no additional toxic emissions. The innovative system of materials is renewable, largely recyclable and environmentally friendly. Because it can make use of the energy in diffuse light, its structural applications are virtually unlimited compared to conventional photovoltaic systems, opening up a world of possibilities in the field of structurally integrated photovoltaics. DysCrete™ is ideally suited for manufacturing prefabricated concrete elements for building construction, for new types of building facades, and for indoor and outdoor wall and floor systems. DysCrete™ opens up new perspectives for the design process.

Weiterführende Informationen zu DysCrete – www.baukunsterfinden.org >>

The fed­er­al min­is­ter Dr. Bar­bara Hen­dricks is vis­it­ing the research platfom BAU KUNST ERFIN­D­EN | Prof. Heike Klussmann | University of Kassel at the For­schungs­in­i­tia­ti­ve Zu­kunft Bau to dis­cuss DysCrete's tech­no­log­i­cal po­ten­tial as "Low Cost En­er­gy Source".

On the occasion of the Future of Building Congress 2014, invited by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) and the Research Initiative Future Building from the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR), Heike Klussmann is giving a lecture about DysCrete - Solar Energy produced by Concrete at the Wasserwerk Bonn.

May, 13 – 14 2014
Bonn, Wasserwerk

Future of Building Congress – Download programme >>

Further informationen about DysCrete – solar concrete >> www.baukunsterfinden.org >>

The series of energy producing pictures is based on the principles of the dye-sensitized solar cell, that use organic dyes to absorb light and produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. The energy-generating function is produced with freely available components, with no additional toxic emissions. A special feature is that it can make use of the energy in diffuse light.

Heike Klussmann
Heidelberger Kunstverein
Energy Producing Pictures, Glass, Graphit, Toothpaste, Juice, diverse materials, 2012
Heidelberger Kunstverein

The series of energy producing sculptures is based on the principles of the dye-sensitized solar cell, that use organic dyes to absorb light and produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. The energy-generating function is produced with freely available components, with no additional toxic emissions. A special feature is that it can make use of the energy in diffuse light.

Heike Klussmann
Heidelberger Kunstverein
Energy Producing Pictures, Glass, Graphit, Toothpaste, Juice, diverse materials, 2012
Heidelberger Kunstverein