Simulation and partial prototyping of an eight‐junction holographic spectrum‐splitting photovoltaic module
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- Thomas J. Watson Laboratories of Applied Physics California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
- Thomas J. Watson Laboratories of Applied Physics California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics Tulane University New Orleans LA USA
Abstract Spectrum‐splitting photovoltaics incorporate optical elements to separate sunlight into frequency bands, which can be targeted at solar cells with bandgaps optimized for each sub‐band. Here, we present the design of a holographic diffraction grating‐based spectrum‐splitting photovoltaic module integrating eight III‐V compound semiconductor cells as four dual‐junction tandems. Four stacks of simple sinusoidal volume phase holographic diffraction gratings each simultaneously split and concentrate sunlight onto cells with bandgaps spanning the solar spectrum. The high‐efficiency cells get an additional performance boost from concentration incorporated using a single or a compound trough concentrator, providing up to 380X total concentration. Cell bandgap optimization incorporated an experimentally derived bandgap‐dependent external radiative efficiency function. Simulations show 33.2% module conversion efficiency is achievable. One grating stack is experimentally fabricated and characterized.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AR0000333; SC0001293
- OSTI ID:
- 1579750
- Journal Information:
- Energy Science & Engineering, Journal Name: Energy Science & Engineering Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 7; ISSN 2050-0505
- Publisher:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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