Mathematical power-generation model of a four-terminal partial concentrator photovoltaic module for optimal sun-tracking strategy

Daisuke Sato, Yuki Yamagata, Kenji Hirata and Noboru Yamada

Energy, 2020, vol. 213, issue C

Abstract: High-efficiency solar energy is an emerging technology which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A four-terminal (4T) partial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV+) is a promising hybrid concept to maximize the electricity yield by integrating existing photovoltaic technologies. This paper describes the mathematical modeling of a 4T CPV+ module for sun-tracking control optimization. The CPV+ module consists of low-cost auxiliary solar cells placed around the concentrator multijunction solar cells. We derived a mathematical model to predict the generated power of the 4T CPV+ module that incorporates inclination angle of array, location, date/time, lens optical efficiency, and solar irradiance data. The simulation revealed that the 4T CPV+ module with mono-facial auxiliary solar cells should always face toward the sun, similar to the conventional CPV modules, regardless of irradiance conditions. The short-term outdoor experiment using a prototype module validated the mathematical model and stayed within the margin error for generated power-per-unit module area (∼14 W/m2). The derived model will be fundamental for enhanced modeling and design optimization of the 4T CPV+ module.

Keywords: Solar energy conversion; Concentrator photovoltaics (CPV); Mathematical model; Solar tracking system; Direct solar radiation; Diffuse solar radiation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:213:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220319617

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118854

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