Flat concentrator photovoltaic system for automotive applications. (15th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vu, Ngoc Hai; Pham, Thanh-Tuan; Shin, Seoyong
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 190(2019)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2019-09-15
• Subjects: Automotive application -- Flat concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) -- Lateral sun-tracking -- Photovoltaic system -- Planar waveguide; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.08.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: A concept of flat, spectrum splitting concentrator photovoltaic system for electric vehicle roof is presented. The flat structure and the lateral displacement of sun tracking mechanism allow installation on EV's roof. Simulations show the system can harvest 4.48 kWh on a summer day. A car, Kia Ray can travel 37.7 mk using this amount of energy. Simulations for different climates show the proposed system is more suitable with high DNI area. Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel design and an optical simulation of a flat concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) system for electric vehicle application. The sunlight concentration component is comprised of a planar waveguide integrated dichroic mirror-coated cone prisms and a mirror-coated lens array. Sunlight reflects firstly at the mirror-coated lens array and then strikes the cone prism of the planar waveguide. The prisms are coated by the dichroic mirrors to divide the solar spectrum into two bands. The low-energy band is transmitted and reaches the GaInAsP/GaInAs dual-junction solar cells. The mid-energy band is reflected at the prism surface and coupled inside the waveguide. The exit port of the waveguide is attached with GaInP/GaAs dual-junction solar cells. The simulation results demonstrated a maximum electricity conversion efficiency of 32.88% at the high concentration ratio. The system thickness is 35 mm, which is as thin as the conventional flat photovoltaic panel and system allow for a lateral sun-tracking mechanism. This is suitable for installation on the vehicle's roof. The results showed that the presented flat CPV system is a new approach for a highly efficient application of solar energy to the electrical vehicle.