Abstract
This paper investigates the potential of a new integrated solar concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system that uses a solo point focus Fresnel lens for multiple multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs). The proposed system comprises of an FL concentrator as the primary optical element, a multi-leg homogeniser as the secondary optical element (SOE), a plano-concave lens, and four MJSCs. A three-dimensional model of this system was developed using the ray tracing method to predict the influence of aperture width, height, and position with respect to MJSCs of different reflective and refractive SOE on the overall optical efficiency of the system and the irradiance uniformity achieved on the MJSCs’ surfaces. The results show that the refractive homogeniser using N-BK7 glass can achieve higher optical efficiency (79%) compared to the reflective homogeniser (57.5%). In addition, the peak to average ratio of illumination at MJSCs for the reflective homogeniser ranges from 1.07 to 1.14, while for the refractive homogeniser, it ranges from 1.06 to 1.34, causing minimum effects on the electrical performance of the MJSCs. The novelty of this paper is the development of a high concentration CPV system that integrates multiple MJSCs with a uniform distribution of rays, unlike the conventional CPV systems that utilise a single concentrator onto a single MJSC. The optical efficiency of the CPV system was also examined using both the types of homogeniser (reflective and refractive).
Highlights
With increasing concerns about global warming, there has been a shift in focus towards solar power as a renewable and limitless energy source for replacing conventional fossil fuels
concentration photovoltaic (CPV) systems are generally classified on the basis of a geometrical parameter called the concentration ratio (CR) achieved by the geometry and the material of the system
Bbaasseedd ccoonncceennttrraattoorrss tthhaatt ccoonncceennttrraattee ssoollaarr rraaddiiaattiioonnss oonnttoo aa ssiinnggllee MMJJSSCC, aa nneeww iinntteeggrraatteedd ssoollaarr ccoonncceennttrraatteeddpphhoototovvooltlatiacicsyssytsetmemthathtautseusseassiangsilne gploeinptofionctufsoFcuressnFerel slennesl floernms fuolrtmipuleltiMplJeSCMsJShCass bheaesnbedeenvedleovpeeldo.pCedO.MCSOOMLSMOuLltMipuhlytispichsy®siCcFs®DCsFimDusliamtiounlatsioofntwsoarftewwaares used for ray tracing simulation to study the effect of varying the different geometrical parameters on the irradiance uniformity achieved on multi-junction solar cells (MJSCs) surfaces and the system optical efficiency
Summary
With increasing concerns about global warming, there has been a shift in focus towards solar power as a renewable and limitless energy source for replacing conventional fossil fuels. The parameters tested were the (i) width and the (ii) height of the homogeniser inlet aperture, (ii) the position of the concave lens with respect to MJSCs on the concentration levels, and (iv) the irradiance uniformity achieved on the MJSCs’ surfaces.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.