DSSC Starvation Synth

DSSC Starvation Synth is an experimental solar-powered sound instrument and research object developed from dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) studies. It connects graphical W-type DSSC series circuits with a low-power starvation synth, turning unstable sunlight, handmade photovoltaic glass, and material variation into sound.

The work comes from DSSC research around graphical TiO₂ and platinum electrodes, developed through the KUBU residency context after earlier research in Taipei with Marc Dusseiller. It treats the solar cell not only as an energy device, but also as an image, circuit, sensor, and speculative musical interface.

Best for

• Artists, researchers, hackers, and educators working with solar energy, sound, and experimental electronics
• Noise, modular synth, and low-power circuit experiments
• DSSC / dye-sensitized solar cell demonstrations, workshops, and material research
• Speculative design research around self-powered vision, smart lenses, solar wearables, and alternative photovoltaic interfaces
• Collectors of handmade experimental art objects, not mass-produced electronic products

Key features

• Handmade dye-sensitized solar cell research prototype
• Graphical W-type series connection circuit concept
• Starvation synth driven by limited and unstable solar energy
• Sound affected by light, angle, material condition, and circuit variation
• Connects photovoltaic research, image-making, analog sound, and speculative engineering
• Part of Shih Wei Chieh’s ongoing solar, e-textile, and experimental hardware practice

Research context

The project investigates how DSSC circuits can be both graphical and functional. The challenge is to create TiO₂ and platinum electrodes with image-like features while maintaining usable electrical behavior and conversion efficiency.

This proof-of-concept points toward more complex Voronoi fractal patterns in future work. These patterns are not only visual elements; they may also support research into self-powered robotic eyes, smart contact lenses, sunglasses, and focus-free micro-lens array systems.

Technical notes

Before ordering

• This is an experimental handmade object, not a consumer mass-production synthesizer.
• Each piece may differ in output, appearance, voltage behavior, and long-term stability.
• Performance depends on sunlight, angle, material condition, circuit variation, and use environment.
• Please contact us before purchase if you need to confirm the current batch, intended use, audio connection, shipping schedule, or suitability for exhibition / workshop / research use.

Project links

• DSSC Starvation Synth documentation
• Hackteria wiki: Abao KUBU residency
• GitHub: w-type DSSC
• The Garden And The Hedge Summer Exhibition And Program