Performance Potential of a Concentrated Photovoltaic-Electrochemical Hybrid System

Yingyan Lin, Ronghui Xiao, Liwei Chen () and Houcheng Zhang ()
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Yingyan Lin: School of Mechanic and Electronic Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365000, China
Ronghui Xiao: School of Mechanic and Electronic Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365000, China
Liwei Chen: School of Mechanic and Electronic Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365000, China
Houcheng Zhang: College of New Energy, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: A novel hybrid system model, combining a concentrated photovoltaic cell (CPC) with a thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle (TREC), is proposed. This innovative setup allows the TREC to convert heat from the CPC into electricity. The model incorporates mathematical equations that explicitly define power output, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency for both the CPC and the TREC individually, as well as for the hybrid system as a whole. The outcomes of the computations reveal that the hybrid system surpasses the performance metrics of the CPC alone. Specifically, the hybrid system achieves a notably higher maximum power density (MPD), maximum energy efficiency (MEE), and maximum exergy efficiency (MMEE) compared to the standalone CPC, with improvements of 392.68 W m −2 , 10.33%, and 11.11%, respectively. Through thorough parametric analyses, it was observed that specific factors positively impact the hybrid system’s performance. These factors include higher operating temperatures, increased solar irradiation, specific concentration ratios, and alterations in the internal resistance or temperature coefficient of the TREC. However, it was noted that elevating the operating temperature of the CPC adversely affects the hybrid system’s performance. Furthermore, augmenting solar irradiation and optical concentration ratios amplifies the limiting electric current. Conversely, reducing the internal resistance of the TREC enhances the overall performance of the hybrid system. These discoveries have practical implications for optimizing the design and operation of a functional CPC-TREC hybrid system, providing valuable insights into maximizing its efficiency and effectiveness.

Keywords: concentrated photovoltaic cell; thermally regenerative electrochemical cycle; power output; efficiency; exergy; performance analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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