︎ Solar Oracle Walkman device
︎ Solar Oracle Walkman I-V curve library
︎ Solar Oracle Walkman - concept
《Solar Oracle Walkman》是一件結合手工太陽能電池、生成聲音與身分驗證研究的可攜式藝術裝置。它從一片染料敏化太陽能電池（DSSC）開始：光線進入玻璃，材料產生電力，也透過電性回應顯露製作過程留下的細微差異。裝置讀取元件的電流—電壓曲線，將材料與光的關係轉譯為聲音。作品持續追問：當環境、身體與經驗都在變化，什麼讓一個存在仍然能被辨認為它自己？
這個問題同時貫穿作品對自我的探索，以及為自主代理建立物質身分依據的研究。DSSC的微結構與界面差異，提供了探索物理不可複製函數（PUF）的起點：在指定的光照挑戰下，能否從帶有雜訊與變動的電性回應中，可靠地重建穩定的密鑰？身分在此不只是被寫入裝置的一串編號，而是需要透過材料、刺激、量測與辨識程序反覆建立的關係。
這種重建與我們記憶自身的方式形成呼應。我們透過回想、選擇與重新敘述，將不同時刻的經驗接續為「我的經驗」。過去不只是被保存的內容，也持續參與現在的判斷，改變我們如何理解自己。然而，密鑰的重建要求精確一致，自我的延續卻可能包含矛盾、遺忘與修正。作品因此將兩種不同的一致性並置：一種為了驗證而排除差異，另一種在差異之中維持連續。哪些變化應被視為雜訊，哪些變化又構成了身分本身？
自我的邊界也不止於個人的記憶。我們記得自己，也被他人記得；我們敘述自身，也出現在並非由我們主導的敘述之中。《Solar Oracle Walkman》試圖揭示一種自我意識：意識到自己也是另一個人夢中的人物。這不是失去自我，而是認出自己並非自身形象的唯一作者。如同材料的身分需要在光線、回應與辨識的關係中顯現，我們對自身的理解也在與他人的相遇中形成、受到修正，並持續取得暫時的一致性。
而分散式綠色證明與分散式作者性，則是這個問題的在社會上的兩個制度面向。前者追問能源事件如何取得可信的來源證據，後者追問創作中的貢獻、權利與責任如何被辨認與分配。材料指紋提供來源線索，卻不能單獨決定所有權或授權。《Solar Oracle Walkman》將能源、代理與作者身分帶入同一個實驗：當行動與創作不再只出自一個中心，我們如何確認「這仍然是我」，又如何容許這個「我」繼續改變？
Solar Oracle Walkman is a portable artwork combining handmade solar cells, generative sound, and research into identity verification. It begins with a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC): light enters the glass, producing electricity while its electrical response reveals subtle differences left by fabrication. The device reads the cell’s current–voltage curves and translates the relationship between material and light into sound. The work asks: when environments, bodies, and experiences change, what allows something to remain recognizable as itself?
This question connects an inquiry into selfhood with research into material identity for autonomous agents. Variations in the microstructure and interfaces of DSSCs provide a starting point for exploring physical unclonable functions (PUFs): under specified light challenges, can a stable cryptographic key be reliably reconstructed from electrical responses affected by noise and variation? Identity here is not simply a number assigned to a device. It is a relationship repeatedly established through material, stimulus, measurement, and recognition.
This reconstruction finds an echo in how we remember ourselves. Through recollection, selection, and reinterpretation, we connect experiences across time and recognize them as our own. The past is not merely preserved content; it participates in present judgments and changes how we understand ourselves. Yet reconstructing a key demands exact agreement, while the continuity of a self may accommodate contradiction, forgetting, and revision. The work places these different forms of consistency alongside one another: one excludes variation to enable verification; the other sustains continuity through difference. Which changes count as noise, and which constitute identity itself?
The boundaries of the self do not end with personal memory. We remember ourselves, but we are also remembered by others; we tell our own stories, yet appear within narratives we do not control. Solar Oracle Walkman seeks to reveal a form of self-awareness: to recognize oneself as a figure in another person’s dream. This is not the disappearance of the self, but the recognition that we are not the sole authors of who we are. Just as material identity becomes discernible through relationships between light, response, and recognition, our understanding of ourselves takes shape, undergoes revision, and finds provisional coherence through encounters with others.
Distributed green proof and distributed authorship give this inquiry two institutional dimensions. One concerns how energy events acquire credible evidence of origin; the other concerns how contributions, rights, and responsibilities are recognized and allocated. A material fingerprint offers evidence of provenance but cannot, by itself, determine ownership or authorization. Solar Oracle Walkman brings energy, agency, and authorship into a shared experiment: when action and creation no longer originate from a single center, how do we establish that “this is still me”—while allowing that self to change?
染敏飢餓合成器
DSSC starvation synth
在今年二月與 Marc Dusseiller 於台北進行的前期研究後，本次為期五週的 KUBU 駐村計畫正式展開，作為「The Garden And The Hedge 夏季展覽與計畫」的一部分，由 Teresa Dillon 和 Tuomo Tammenpää 策劃與組織。
本藝術駐村研究旨在於染料敏化太陽能電池中開發兼具圖像和功能的W-type串聯電路設計，以同時滿足藝術與電子工程的需求。其挑戰在於如何製作具圖像特徵的二氧化鈦與鉑電極，同時保持良好的電氣特性與轉換效率。
此次所開發的概念驗證原型預計未來將基於 Voronoi 分形結構，產生更複雜的圖案。這些圖像不僅具有藝術價值，也具備工程應用的潛力。例如，此原型未來可能應用於進一步研究，如自供能的機器人眼睛、智慧隱形眼鏡或太陽眼鏡等，因為分形結構的串聯電路可與無需對焦的微透鏡陣列系統整合，進而實現 DSSC 在智慧視覺系統中的創新應用。
本藝術駐村研究旨在於染料敏化太陽能電池中開發兼具圖像和功能的W-type串聯電路設計，以同時滿足藝術與電子工程的需求。其挑戰在於如何製作具圖像特徵的二氧化鈦與鉑電極，同時保持良好的電氣特性與轉換效率。
此次所開發的概念驗證原型預計未來將基於 Voronoi 分形結構，產生更複雜的圖案。這些圖像不僅具有藝術價值，也具備工程應用的潛力。例如，此原型未來可能應用於進一步研究，如自供能的機器人眼睛、智慧隱形眼鏡或太陽眼鏡等，因為分形結構的串聯電路可與無需對焦的微透鏡陣列系統整合，進而實現 DSSC 在智慧視覺系統中的創新應用。
Few previous researches has been made before this residency in Taipei with Marc Dusseiller in February. This 5-weeks residency at KUBU, is part of the The Garden And The Hedge Summer Exhibition And Program, organized and curated by Teresa Dillon and Tuomo Tammenpää.
This artist in residency research aim to develop graphical W-type series connection in DSSC to satisfy both artistic and electric engineering purposes; the challenge is to have graphical TiO₂ and platinum electrodes without failing it's electric properties and efficiency.
This proof of concept prototype is expected to generate more complicated pattern base on the voronoi fractal foundation in the future. The graphics could be also engineering useful too, for example, this POC could be useful for further researches, such as self-powered robotic eyes, smart contact lens or sunglasses in the future due to the fractal series circuits could corporate with the micro lens array in the focus-free lens system to exploit DSSC in the manner of smart visions.
This artist in residency research aim to develop graphical W-type series connection in DSSC to satisfy both artistic and electric engineering purposes; the challenge is to have graphical TiO₂ and platinum electrodes without failing it's electric properties and efficiency.
This proof of concept prototype is expected to generate more complicated pattern base on the voronoi fractal foundation in the future. The graphics could be also engineering useful too, for example, this POC could be useful for further researches, such as self-powered robotic eyes, smart contact lens or sunglasses in the future due to the fractal series circuits could corporate with the micro lens array in the focus-free lens system to exploit DSSC in the manner of smart visions.
一百五十四萬奈米的適當離網染料敏化太陽能
1,540,000nm of DSSC Appropriate Off-Grid Solar RAVE
雖然當今最先進的半導體製程已達 2 奈米，「1,540,000 奈米」意在象徵一種 DIY 精神。這檔展覽是關於「適切的離網太陽能狂歡」的場域特定計畫——聚集並分享自身創造的能量。染料敏化太陽能電池（DSSC）在當代以「離網 off-grid」小裝置追求能源自主的論述中，或許顯得陳舊而不切實際，然而它體現了去中心化、低成本可複製，以及「適切科技」的願景。
展覽聚焦於施惟捷對 DIY DSSC 製作的研究，並透過教學型工作坊與對談式實驗室，把科學學習的方法轉化為一種社會性教學。運用自製工具、臨時材料與在地植物作為染料來源，計畫開啟了關於開源能源、DIY 太陽能技術，以及在課堂內外進行原型製作之挑戰等關鍵提問。
施惟捷持續以 DIY 方法重塑先進技術，作為對「異化科技」的一種反叛；其脈絡橫跨藝術、科學與展覽實踐，並與市場與專有技術保持距離。
以獨立自己自足的視野為出發點，施惟捷將 hack lab 的方法帶入混合型社群實驗室（hybrid social labs），串連非營利獨立空間，橋接科技與知識社群，拼裝完成本計畫。這檔展覽是一種公開的立場宣言——不躲在黑箱後，而是體現在不按常規、往往凌亂卻活躍的社群教育中，以回應能源脆弱性與知識階序。
展場中的太陽能板也以開源資源的方式分享此意圖：手工製作並公開釋出，作為他人可複製的開源裝置；其中的瑕疵被保留為具有生成潛力的特性。透過這些「太陽能小書」，作品傳遞自我賦能的訊息：高科技門檻不是令人疏離的，而可以是人人得以親手創造與創新的事物。
展覽聚焦於施惟捷對 DIY DSSC 製作的研究，並透過教學型工作坊與對談式實驗室，把科學學習的方法轉化為一種社會性教學。運用自製工具、臨時材料與在地植物作為染料來源，計畫開啟了關於開源能源、DIY 太陽能技術，以及在課堂內外進行原型製作之挑戰等關鍵提問。
施惟捷持續以 DIY 方法重塑先進技術，作為對「異化科技」的一種反叛；其脈絡橫跨藝術、科學與展覽實踐，並與市場與專有技術保持距離。
以獨立自己自足的視野為出發點，施惟捷將 hack lab 的方法帶入混合型社群實驗室（hybrid social labs），串連非營利獨立空間，橋接科技與知識社群，拼裝完成本計畫。這檔展覽是一種公開的立場宣言——不躲在黑箱後，而是體現在不按常規、往往凌亂卻活躍的社群教育中，以回應能源脆弱性與知識階序。
展場中的太陽能板也以開源資源的方式分享此意圖：手工製作並公開釋出，作為他人可複製的開源裝置；其中的瑕疵被保留為具有生成潛力的特性。透過這些「太陽能小書」，作品傳遞自我賦能的訊息：高科技門檻不是令人疏離的，而可以是人人得以親手創造與創新的事物。
Although the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing process today reaches 2 nanometers, the title “1,540,000 nanometer” is meant to symbolize the spirit of DIY. This exhibition is a site-specific project on appropriate off-grid solar rave—gathering and sharing one’s own creative energy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) might appear obsolete and entirely impracticable in the modern discourse on “off-grid” gadget-based energy independence, yet they embody decentralization, low-cost reproducibility, and a vision of appropriate technology.
This exhibition highlights Shih Wei Chieh’s research into DIY DSSC fabrication, featuring tuition workshops and talk labs that reframe methods of science learning into social pedagogy. Using DIY tools, makeshift materials, and local plants as dye sources, the project opens critical questions about open source energy, DIY solar technologies, and the challenges of prototyping in classrooms and beyond.
Shih Wei Chieh continues to reinvent advanced technology through DIY methods as a rebellion against alienated technology in the context of art, science, and modes of exhibition against market and proprietary technologies.
With a vision of self-reliant access, Abao incorporates hack labs in hybrid social labs, along with activities in Asia and Europe that bridge technology and knowledge communities. This exhibition is a declaration of interest—not hidden behind black boxes, but embodied by an education in offbeat and often messy communities that respond to both energy precarity and knowledge hierarchies.
The solar panels on display share this intention as an open-source resource: handmade and openly available, these functions act as open-source devices replicable by others, with imperfections left as generative affordances. Through these solar notebooks, the work communicates a self-empowering message that technology does not have to be inaccessible or alienating, but could be something everyone can create and innovate with their own hands.
This exhibition highlights Shih Wei Chieh’s research into DIY DSSC fabrication, featuring tuition workshops and talk labs that reframe methods of science learning into social pedagogy. Using DIY tools, makeshift materials, and local plants as dye sources, the project opens critical questions about open source energy, DIY solar technologies, and the challenges of prototyping in classrooms and beyond.
Shih Wei Chieh continues to reinvent advanced technology through DIY methods as a rebellion against alienated technology in the context of art, science, and modes of exhibition against market and proprietary technologies.
With a vision of self-reliant access, Abao incorporates hack labs in hybrid social labs, along with activities in Asia and Europe that bridge technology and knowledge communities. This exhibition is a declaration of interest—not hidden behind black boxes, but embodied by an education in offbeat and often messy communities that respond to both energy precarity and knowledge hierarchies.
The solar panels on display share this intention as an open-source resource: handmade and openly available, these functions act as open-source devices replicable by others, with imperfections left as generative affordances. Through these solar notebooks, the work communicates a self-empowering message that technology does not have to be inaccessible or alienating, but could be something everyone can create and innovate with their own hands.
Loose Energy Curriculum At The Humuspunk Library + Bioclub + SGMK residency
這個實驗藝術駐村行動由藝術網絡、創客空間以及獨立實驗室組成，地點橫跨日本和瑞士，為時 3 個月，內容由研究駐村和藝術展覽組成。我在日本 Bioclub Tokyo 和 Fabcafe Tokyo 初步進行了奈米銀線合成。接下來在蘇黎世的 SGMK的Hacker in residency 進行後續實驗，並同步在 Regenerative Energy Community （REC）組織的 「ENERGY GIVEAWAY AT THE HUMANPUNK LIBRARY」 展覽中展出作品。
本駐村研究內容與目標圍繞著 DIY 太陽能紡織品，包括奈米銀線的合成方法。奈米銀線是製造透明且導電薄膜的重要材料，也是許多太陽能穿戴織品的解決方案。雖然最終沒有成功合成出足夠長度的奈米銀線，但是其合成技術在製造藝術品和藝術表現方法層面上有許多啟發。
這個游牧式的研究型展覽計劃藉由三個獨立組織共同完成，可以被看成在策展資源不足下，獨立藝術網絡和藝術家之間透過協作調配靈活運用現有資源組織非典型駐村模型的範例。
本駐村研究內容與目標圍繞著 DIY 太陽能紡織品，包括奈米銀線的合成方法。奈米銀線是製造透明且導電薄膜的重要材料，也是許多太陽能穿戴織品的解決方案。雖然最終沒有成功合成出足夠長度的奈米銀線，但是其合成技術在製造藝術品和藝術表現方法層面上有許多啟發。
這個游牧式的研究型展覽計劃藉由三個獨立組織共同完成，可以被看成在策展資源不足下，獨立藝術網絡和藝術家之間透過協作調配靈活運用現有資源組織非典型駐村模型的範例。
This self-organized residency program, focused on DIY dye-sensitized solar cell textiles, is comprised of several components primarily located in Japan and Switzerland, spanning a total duration of three months. The initial phase unfolded at Bioclub Tokyo within Fabcafe Tokyo, while the subsequent segment transpired at the Hackteria Open Source Biological Arts Platform in Zurich, indirectly receiving support from the exhibition "Energy Giveaway at The Humuspunk Library," orchestrated by the Regenerative Energy Community (REC).
The residency research centers on the production of flexible, functional dye-sensitized solar cell films or textiles through a DIY protocol. Additionally, a minor aspect involves preliminary experiments with silver nanowires and the synthesis method of it. A crucial material for crafting transparent and flexible conductive substrates at room temperature. The conclusive outcomes of the residency experiments are detailed in the provided wiki link.
The residency research centers on the production of flexible, functional dye-sensitized solar cell films or textiles through a DIY protocol. Additionally, a minor aspect involves preliminary experiments with silver nanowires and the synthesis method of it. A crucial material for crafting transparent and flexible conductive substrates at room temperature. The conclusive outcomes of the residency experiments are detailed in the provided wiki link.
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DIY大型染料敏化太陽能電池 DIY Large Dye Sensitized Solar Cell
本實驗挑戰製造一個 30 × 60 cm 的大型染料敏化太陽能電池。染料敏化太陽能是一種易於製造且具製造成本相對低的光伏裝置。本實驗所使用的化學試劑主要來自 Greatcell Solar，成本約為每平方公分0.7美金。然而，此DIY版本的轉換率仍相對低，遠不及商業標準，這主要受限於系統內 FTO 或 ITO 層的高方阻、缺乏沙林膜封裝和電解液分布不均。
本實驗原型由12個子電池構成，並以 Z 型串聯組態構成，每個子電池尺寸為3x28cm，間距為2公分。每個次電池為並在對電極上印刷銀電極線，銀線寬度約為5mm，測得開放電壓5.8V 和短路電流 53mA。
一項主要的發現是以玻璃窯450ºC燒結的大型玻璃具有熱變形現象，這造成了注入電解液的困難。電解液注入得助於兩片平整玻璃間毛細作用的幫助，任何輕微的變形都會破壞毛細作用的維持。升溫速度約為每分鐘8ºC，到達450ºC後持溫30分鐘，再於窯內自然降溫到室溫。
本實驗原型由12個子電池構成，並以 Z 型串聯組態構成，每個子電池尺寸為3x28cm，間距為2公分。每個次電池為並在對電極上印刷銀電極線，銀線寬度約為5mm，測得開放電壓5.8V 和短路電流 53mA。
一項主要的發現是以玻璃窯450ºC燒結的大型玻璃具有熱變形現象，這造成了注入電解液的困難。電解液注入得助於兩片平整玻璃間毛細作用的幫助，任何輕微的變形都會破壞毛細作用的維持。升溫速度約為每分鐘8ºC，到達450ºC後持溫30分鐘，再於窯內自然降溫到室溫。
This experiment challenges the fabrication of a large-scale dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with dimensions of 30 × 60 cm. DSSCs are a type of photovoltaic device known for their relatively low-cost and accessible fabrication process. The chemical reagents used in this experiment were mainly sourced from Greatcell Solar, with a material cost of about 0.7 USD per cm².
However, the conversion efficiency of this DIY version remains relatively low and falls short of commercial standards. The main limitations arise from the high sheet resistance of the FTO/ITO layer, the absence of Surlyn film sealing, and the incomplete injection of electrolyte.
The prototype consists of 12 sub-cells connected in a Z-shaped series configuration. Each sub-cell measures 3 × 28 cm with a 2 cm spacing. On the counter electrode, silver electrode lines (approx. 5 mm wide) were screen-printed. The device demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 5.8 V and a short-circuit current of 53 mA.
One key finding is that large glass substrates sintered at 450 °C in a glass kiln showed noticeable thermal deformation, which created difficulties during electrolyte injection. Electrolyte filling typically relies on capillary action between two flat glass plates, and even slight warping disrupts this mechanism.
The thermal profile followed a ramp-up rate of about 8 °C per minute to 450 °C, held for 30 minutes, and then cooled naturally in the kiln back to room temperature.
However, the conversion efficiency of this DIY version remains relatively low and falls short of commercial standards. The main limitations arise from the high sheet resistance of the FTO/ITO layer, the absence of Surlyn film sealing, and the incomplete injection of electrolyte.
The prototype consists of 12 sub-cells connected in a Z-shaped series configuration. Each sub-cell measures 3 × 28 cm with a 2 cm spacing. On the counter electrode, silver electrode lines (approx. 5 mm wide) were screen-printed. The device demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 5.8 V and a short-circuit current of 53 mA.
One key finding is that large glass substrates sintered at 450 °C in a glass kiln showed noticeable thermal deformation, which created difficulties during electrolyte injection. Electrolyte filling typically relies on capillary action between two flat glass plates, and even slight warping disrupts this mechanism.
The thermal profile followed a ramp-up rate of about 8 °C per minute to 450 °C, held for 30 minutes, and then cooled naturally in the kiln back to room temperature.