Comparison of operational performance and analytical model of high concentrator photovoltaic thermal system at 2000 concentration ratio

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a model based on efficiency equations to evaluate the performance of an HCPV/T system and compares its outputs with data of an operational case-study system installed in Palermo, Italy. The model is validated with data of the operational system to show real performance. The model can evaluate (a) the electric efficiency of the InGaP/InGaAs/Ge TJ solar cell and (b) electrical and thermal power/energy production potential of one module. The model predictions are compared with experimental electric and thermal data by obtaining linear regression plots of experimental results vs. analytical results; the R2 for experimental electrical and thermal results are 0.91 and 0.87 respectively. Using the model, the evaluated average daily analytical and experimental InGaP/InGaAs/Ge TJ solar cell efficiencies are 33 % and 25 % respectively; with a maximum daily experimental value of 30 %. It was found that the annual analytical and potential (based on derived equations from experimental data) electric energy produced by one module are 158 kWh/m2/year and 144 kWh/m2/year respectively, while the annual analytical and potential thermal energy are 375 kWh/m2/year and 390 kWh/m2/year respectively.

Performance Analysis of a Prototype High‐Concentration Photovoltaic System Coupled to Silica Optical Fibers

“…This information can be obtained by considering that, for our systemwhere the first factor is the optical efficiency of the mirror–fiber coupling and the second is the electric conversion efficiency of the cell. As we know that , [ 24 ] the optical efficiency of the system can thus be calculated as…”

Environmental Impact of the High Concentrator Photovoltaic Thermal 2000x System

“…Based on the experimental results, the annual electrical and thermal energy production potential was calculated for the 11 m 2 to be 1584 kWh/year and 4290 kWh/year, respectively. The average and maximum experimental daily efficiency of the InGaP/InGaAs/Ge solar cell was calculated to be 25% and 30% respectively [4]. The average and maximum experimental daily thermal conversion efficiency of the thermal energy system is 56% and 78% respectively ( Figure 5).…”

“…The case-study HCPV/T 2000x system is presented in Figures 2 and 3 while Figure 4 presents a diagram of the electrical and thermal systems. Figure 2 shows the experimental system which comprises of four modules (1)(2)(3)(4). Each module is divided into two semi-modules and the electrical energy system (Figure 4) comprises of a parallel electric circuit arrangement of two semi-modules (North-side and South-side, denoted [1a] and [1b] respectively in Figure 2).…”

“…LCPV/T and HCPV/T integrates solar thermal technology with LCPV and HCPV respectively, to produce electrical and thermal energy. In a typical solar thermal technology, the heat exchanger, heat sink, Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) and thermal storage work together to simultaneously cool the PV cells and extract thermal energy [2][3][4]. Additional advantages of LCPV, LCPV/T, HCPV…”

“…Pictorial description of the operating HCPV/T 2000x system; 1-4 are the HCPV/T 2000x system modules (number 2 was the experimentally study module), (a)-reflective mirror, (b)-BK7 frustum optical receiver (integrated with InGaP/InGaAs/Ge solar cell), (c)-2 inlet pipes (it leads to 1 outlet pipe), (d)-2 YF-SF01 volumetric flowmeter, (e)-flow separation point with PT100 platinum thermometer sensor and pipe that leads to the 2 inlet pipes, (f)-close loop pipe, (g)-structural foot support, (h)-demineralized water storage and (i)-2 pressure sensors (1 before and after the Priux master 25-90 circulating pump)[4].…”