Development and indoor characterization of a concentrator photovoltaic assembly for tracking-integrated systems. (1st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ceballos, Maria A.; Valera, Álvaro; Sanmartín, Pablo; Almonacid, Florencia; Fernández, Eduardo F.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 255(2023)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01
• Subjects: Tracking-integrated -- Low Concentrator Photovoltaics -- Aspheric lens -- Optical simulation -- Indoor characterization; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2023.03.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: The main limitation of CPV systems is related to the use of heavy solar trackers. Integrating tracking within the CPV system is one of the possible solutions. This work studies two concentrations, determining their impact on the performance. Optical simulations and indoor measurements of the two systems are carried out. Results show an optical efficiency above 80% and 70% for each concentration at ± 50°. Abstract: Tracking-integrated Concentrator Photovoltaics (CPV) represents an alternative to conventional CPV. The elimination of expensive and heavy solar trackers contributes to reduce the cost of conventional CPV, and open new market segments. This technology, still under development, needs further investigation. In this work, two tracking-integrated focusing systems with two different concentration levels, consisting of a fixed bi-convex aspheric lens and a movable triple-junction solar cell, are analysed. Initially, by means of detailed optical modelling, the concentrator elements are optimized. After that, they are experimentally investigated at Concentration Standard Test Conditions (CSTC) by varying the angle of incidence ± 50°. The results show an optical efficiency > 80% and > 60% for a geometric concentration of 10.0x and 82.5x, respectively, within the whole angular range. These systems could contribute to novel CPV applications such as agrivoltaics or building integrated.