Field testing of a spectrum-splitting transmissive concentrator photovoltaic module
- Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA (United States)
- Univ. of San Diego, San Diego, CA (United States)
- San Diego State Univ., CA (United States)
- Boeing-Spectrolab, Sylmar, CA (United States)
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 = 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.
- Research Organization:
- Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AR0000473; DEAR0000473
- OSTI ID:
- 1613611
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1636729
- Journal Information:
- Renewable Energy, Vol. 139; ISSN 0960-1481
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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