Abstract
Low concentrating photovoltaic technologies (LCPV) for building application offer viable solutions in improving the conversion efficiency of solar cells leading to an improved electrical output per unit cell area required when compared to conventional solar photovoltaic modules. The current study explores the feasibility of different geometrically equivalent LCPVs designed for building application through indoor experimental characterisation and analytical investigations. LCPV concentrator geometries were designed and simulated to predict optical efficiency at various truncation levels and range of angles of incidence using ray trace module in COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.3. The geometric concentration ratios of LCPVs investigated Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC), V-Trough and Asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrator (ACPC) with geometric concentration ratios of 1.46, 1.40, and 1.53 respectively. These prototypes were manufactured and their electrical conversion efficiency in conjunction with crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar photovoltaic cells were measured using OAI Trisol Class AAA solar simulator. Analytical model developed in the present study predicts the annual energy output generated and payback period for the LCPVs compared to an equivalent area of conventional flat module. Theoretical modeling results have showed that Asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrator (ACPC) with mono-crystalline silicon cells (m-Si) have generated highest energy output per unit area of 177 kWh/m2 as compared to the other configurations which make it economically viable for building retrofit with a predicted payback period of 9.7 years.
Highlights
Buildings account for 40% of Europe’s total energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions [1]
Theoretical modeling results have showed that Asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrator (ACPC) with mono-crystalline silicon cells (m-Si) have generated highest energy output per unit area of 177 kWh/m2 as compared to the other configurations which make it economically viable for building retrofit with a predicted payback period of 9.7 years
The short circuit current generated by the Low concentrating photovoltaic technologies (LCPV) panels showed a decreasing trend as the AoI increased, which is attributed to the cosine effect, see Fig. 14
Summary
Buildings account for 40% of Europe’s total energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions [1]. Hadavinia and Singh [14] through an experimental study reported that a CPC with geometric concentration ratio of 2.7 generating 2.4% higher power than a geometrically equivalent V-Trough These studies have shown CPC and V-Trough based LCPV systems in conjunction with c-Si solar PV technologies have several advantages as compared to the conventional flat panel devices in terms of a higher electrical conversion efficiency and an effective use of the roof space. Their high performance is limited to within narrow acceptance angles these have been originally designed for, sacrificing optical concentration at angles of incidence outside this range. The daily, monthly and annual energy output and payback period of the LCPV modules are presented with a view to identify the best CPV module for fitting onto buildings, new or existing, by employing an in-house analytical tool developed in the study
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