Advanced photovoltaic concentrator system low-cost prototype module
- Solar Engineering Applications Corp., San Jose, CA (United States)
This report describes the continued development of an extruded lens and the development of a PV receiver, both of which will be used in the Solar Engineering Applications Corporation (SEA) 10X concentrator. These efforts were pare of a pre-Concentrator Initiative Program. The 10X concentrator consists of an inexpensive, extruded linear Fresnel lens which focuses on one-sun cells which are adhesive-bonded to an anodized aluminum heat sink. Module sides are planned to be molded along with the lens and are internally reflective for improved on- and off-track performance. End caps with molded-in bearings complete the module. Ten modules are mounted in a stationary frame for simple, single-axis tracking in the east-west direction. This configuration an array, is shipped completely assembled and requires only setting on a reasonably flat surface, installing 4 fasteners, and hooking up the wires. Development of the 10-inch wide extruded lens involved one new extrusion die and a series of modifications to this die. Over 76% lens transmission was measured which surpassed the program goal of 75%. One-foot long receiver sections were assembled and subjected to evaluation tests at Sandia National Laboratories. A first group had some problem with cell delamination and voids but a second group performed very well, indicating that a full size receiver would pass the full qualification test. Cost information was updated and presented in the report. The cost study indicated that the Solar Engineering Applications Corporation concentrator system can exceed the DOE electricity cost goals of less than 6cents per KW-hr. 33 figs., 11 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Solar Engineering Applications Corp., San Jose, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5110091
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-91-7011; ON: DE92002598
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
DESIGN
FABRICATION
ALUMINIUM
CONFIGURATION
CONNECTORS
COST ESTIMATION
EXTRUSION
FRESNEL LENS
HEAT SINKS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
LENSES
MATERIALS WORKING
METALS
SINKS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators