The solar noise barrier project: 1. Effect of incident light orientation on the performance of a large-scale luminescent solar concentrator noise barrier

Michalis Kanellis,Minne M De Jong,Lenneke Slooff,Michael G Debije

doi:10.1016/j.renene.2016.10.078

Michalis Kanellis, Minne M De Jong + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2016.10.078

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Abstract

In this work we describe the relative performance of the largest luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) constructed to date. Comparisons are made for performance of North/South and East/West facing panels during a sunny day. It is shown that the East/West panels display much more varied performance during the day, as the structural elements of the barrier interfere with solar illumination and cause shading, but perform similarly for both front and back illumination conditions. The results of a more extended, 200 day measurement period mirror the results of the single sunny day results. This work demonstrates the importance of frame design to minimize self-shading of the LSC panels.

Highlights

Exploiting the potential of solar energy in a city setting has proven to be a challenge
In this work we describe the relative performance of the largest luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) constructed to date
We have presented the first data related to the Solar Noise Barrier (SONOB) project in Den Bosch, the Netherlands, which involves the monitoring of performance of two 5 Â 1 m2 luminescent solar concentrator panels in two different colors oriented to face due North-South and East-West, each with a 15 tilt from the vertical

Summary

Introduction

Exploiting the potential of solar energy in a city setting has proven to be a challenge. There are a number of research efforts currently dedicated to developing generation urban solar panels. Research on shade tolerant panels, increasing the freedom of shape of the PV and introduction of color are all steps towards bringing solar PV into a built environment on the large scale [1,2]. The LSC is a relatively simple concept for a solar energy generator: it usually is manifested as a polymer plate filled with fluorescent molecules that absorb incident sunlight. The LSC is able to function as either opaque or translucent objects They function in direct and indirect sunlight [8], and are relatively robust. While current electrical generation efficiencies are modest [9,10], their reduced cost and potential for huge area coverage as well as their ability to be used as construction elements reduce the importance of the absolute efficiency

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