Dracula Technologies: Printed Solar Cells Harvesting Ambient Light

The Growing Challenge of E-Waste and a Novel Solution

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is simplifying numerous daily activities. However, this convenience is accompanied by a significant environmental consequence. Global e-waste generation is projected to reach 52.2 million metric tons this year, according to the United Nations, with a substantial portion stemming from discarded batteries.

Dracula Technologies and LAYER: Organic Photovoltaic Technology

Addressing this issue, Dracula Technologies, a French startup currently showcasing its innovations at Computex, presents its inkjet-printed organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology. Known as LAYER – or Light As Your Energetic Response – these OPV modules are designed to operate indoors, utilizing both natural and artificial ambient light to power low-energy devices.

Key Advantages of LAYER OPV Modules

• Customizable Form Factor: Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, the printing process allows for greater flexibility in module shape.
• Environmentally Conscious Materials: LAYER modules avoid the use of rare earths and heavy metals, instead relying on carbon-based materials.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The company asserts that LAYER can lower the total cost of ownership by a factor of four when compared to battery solutions.

The modules are created from carbon-based material, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional power sources.

Collaborations and Development

Dracula Technologies is actively collaborating with manufacturers to integrate its technology. A notable partnership exists with Renesas Electronics, a Japanese semiconductor company, and AND Technology Research (ANDtr) to develop a self-powering, batteryless IoT device.

This device will be capable of transmitting data via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a mobile application.

Company History and Funding

Founded in 2011, Dracula Technologies originated from a research project undertaken in conjunction with the CEA (Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives), France’s leading public research organization.

Brice Cruchon, the company’s chief executive officer, recognized the technology’s commercial viability. Following six years of dedicated research and development, LAYER was introduced through the Hello Tomorrow program, which supports deep tech startups.

To date, Dracula Technologies has secured 4.4 million euros (approximately $5.4 million USD) in funding. This includes a 2 million euro investment in 2016 from angel investors to establish a pilot production line, and a further 2.4 million euros raised last year from MGI Digital and ISRA Cards.

These funds are being utilized to scale up the production of its photovoltaic modules during the pre-industrialization phase.

Future Plans and Partnerships

The company anticipates transitioning to full-scale industrial production in 2024, aiming to manufacture millions of modules annually.

MGI Digital, specializing in digital printing and finishing technologies, and ISRA Cards, a producer of high-value electronic cards, serve as Dracula Technologies’ key industrial partners.

Furthermore, the company is recognized as part of the Solar Impulse Foundation’s #1000 Solutions initiative, a resource showcasing scalable green energy solutions.