Field testing of a spectrum-splitting transmissive concentrator photovoltaic module

John Robertson, Brian Riggs, Kazi Islam, Yaping Vera Ji, Christopher M. Spitler, Naman Gupta, Dimitri Krut, Jim Ermer, Fletcher Miller, Daniel Codd and Matthew Escarra

Renewable Energy, 2019, vol. 139, issue C, 806-814

Abstract: Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal systems can decouple IR light from visible light, allowing it to be collected separately by spectrum-optimized mechanisms for increased total efficiency. To demonstrate this, we have designed and prototyped a transmissive spectrum-splitting concentrator photovoltaic module that maximizes solar energy conversion by utilizing the entire solar spectrum. The system first collects visible light using IR-transmissive triple-junction photovoltaic cells to achieve an in-band module efficiency of ηmIB = 34.7% for light of wavelengths λ < 870 nm. Simultaneously, 58.8% of light with λ > 870 nm is transmitted through the cells for collection by a thermal receiver. By combining electrical and thermal power collection, 75% of incident solar power is collected, far surpassing the collection capability of only photovoltaics. The module was tested on a dual-axis tracked parabolic concentrator dish at up to 160 suns for 60 cumulative on-sun hours while maintaining photovoltaic cell temperatures at an average of 50 °C via active cooling. The system performed as expected based on modeled values, and represents a cost-effective path forward for dual-generation of electricity and high-temperature heat with increased total efficiency. The capability is valuable in a wide range of commercial and industrial cogeneration applications.

Keywords: Solar; Thermal; Cogeneration; Hybrid; Photovoltaic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:139:y:2019:i:c:p:806-814

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.02.117

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