Abstract
A transient 3D thermal model based on the thermal quadrupole method, coupled to ray tracing analysis, is presented. This methodology can predict transient temperature maps under any time-fluctuating irradiance flux—either synthetic or experimental—providing a useful tool for the design and parametric optimization of concentration photovoltaics systems. Analytic simulations of a concentration photovoltaics system thermal response and assessment of in-plane thermal gradients induced by fast tracking point perturbations, like those induced by wind, are provided and discussed for the first time. Computation times for time-resolved temperature maps can be as short as 9 s for a full month of system operation, with stimuli inspired by real data. Such information could pave the way for more accurate studies of cell reliability under any set of worldwide irradiance conditions.
Highlights
Despite a constant rise in concentration photovoltaic (CPV) cell efficiency, currently more than45% [1], CPV technologies struggle in the photovoltaic system market, as they require high precision tracking systems in order to take full advantage of direct solar radiation, and they need appropriate cooling
The main purpose of this research is the development of analytic tools for CPV system thermal analysis resolved in space and time
It should be pinpointed that commercial lens is employed in order to inspire the script-based Fresnel lens model
Summary
Despite a constant rise in concentration photovoltaic (CPV) cell efficiency, currently more than. 45% [1], CPV technologies struggle in the photovoltaic system market, as they require high precision tracking systems in order to take full advantage of direct solar radiation, and they need appropriate cooling. Tandem solar cells endure localized high heat fluxes and high operation temperature gradients. Concentration optics deliver non-uniform irradiance profiles onto cell surfaces, due to their inherent ray tracing properties and manufacturing imperfections. Baig et al [2] and Franklin et al [3] found that non-uniform illumination induces efficiency losses. Non-uniform illumination induces in-plane temperature gradients that follow complex time regimes according to ambient stimuli: slow day-night cycles, fast daytime cloud shading periodicity, and faster wind-induced tracking point perturbations. Wind influence on CPV systems performance has raised great interest in research: Chih-Kuang et al [4] quantified how much wind induces
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