Abstract
The aim of this paper is the determination of a concentrating thermo-photovoltaic (CPV/T) system dynamic model by means of the finite element method (FEM). The system consist of triple-junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge (indium-gallium phosphide/indium-gallium-arsenide/germanium) solar cells connected to a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) placed on a coil circuit used for the thermal energy recovery. In particular, the main aim is to determine the fluid outlet temperature. It is evaluated corresponding both to a constant cell temperature equal to 120 °C, generally representing the maximum operating temperature, and to cell temperature values instantly variable with the direct normal irradiation (DNI). Hence, an accurate DNI analysis is realized adopting the Gordon-Reddy statistical model. Using an accurate electric model, the cell temperature and efficiency are determined together with the CPV/T module electric and thermal powers. Generally, the CPV system size is realized according to the user electric load demand and, then, it is important to evaluate the necessary minimum concentration ratio (Cmin), the limit of CPV system applicability, in order to determine the energy convenience profile. The fluid outlet temperature can be then obtained by the FEM analysis to verify if a CPV/T system can be used in solar heating and cooling applications.
Highlights
In concentrating photovoltaic systems (CPV), sunlight is concentrated on the solar cells by means of optical devices [1]
The CPV system use depends on its energy and economic convenience in comparison with a traditional power generation system
In this paper is a dynamic model of a concentrating thermo-photovoltaic systems (CPV/T) system has been studied and the finite element method (FEM) technique has been adopted
Summary
In concentrating photovoltaic systems (CPV), sunlight is concentrated on the solar cells by means of optical devices [1]. Higher temperatures are reached [2] and this affects the electric performance, and allows a high thermal energy recovery. The concentration systems that use triple-junction cells are less affected by the temperature increase, preserving a good electric efficiency [3]. The concentrating thermo-photovoltaic systems (CPV/T) allow one to obtain electric energy and thermal energy. Systems which recover thermal energy from GaAs cell arrays are evaluated in [4]. In [5] the concentrating system thermal energy is used to supply a
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