Optimisation of concentrator in the solar photonic optoelectronic transformer: comparison of geometrical performance and cost of implementation

Abstract

Abstract. The Solar Photonic Optoelectronic Transformer(SPOT) is one of the components of the SolarBrane, a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system developed by SolarEmpower Ltd. The SPOT employs 2-D linear dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (DTIRC) to increase the collection efficiency of the sun's rays and reduce the amount of photovoltaic (PV) material used. In this paper, an optimised DTIRC design for the SPOT, based on the maximum concentration method (MCM), is discussed. Next, the geometrical properties of the optimised DTIRC design are explained and compared to a DTIRC based on the phase conserving method (PCM). A cost analysis of implementing the MCM is also presented. The results obtained from simulations in MATLAB show that the MCM offers higher geometrical concentration gains and at the cost of increasing the concentrator size. The new optimised concentrator offers a lower cost of implementation, shorter payback period and an even higher annual return as compared to the existing design.

Rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator for concentrating photovoltaic applications

“…For two concentrators with the same height, the one fabricated with a higher index of refraction has a higher geometrical concentration gain and larger halfacceptance angle. These three behaviours support the findings by Ning et al [28] and Muhammad-Sukki et al [19,22,25].…”

“…Researchers have produced various types of concentrators for CPV purposes [16,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. One of the most popular designs is known as the compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) and has been explored for various applications since 1960s [31].…”

A review of optical concentrators for portable solar photovoltaic systems for developing countries

“…Although the DTIRC fulfils the requirements of low complexity, maintenance and high reliability, the concentrator height, which is determined by the design algorithm, increases with the concentration ratio making it cost prohibitive [84]. Figure 9 Dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator, redrawn from [85] The wedge prism concentrator directs the light within the lens towards the exit aperture using TIR ( Figure 10). This lens design is more commonly used for light direction rather than light concentration due to its low concentration ratio compared to other concentrator designs as presented in this work.…”

Annual Prediction Output of an RADTIRC-PV Module

“…The electricity generated can be consumed by the building, which reduces the electricity bill since the generation coincide with the electricity demand of the day. Additionally, the electricity could also be fed back into the national grid [36].…”

“…Sarmah et al [57] showed that their CPV design which utilized an asymmetrical CPC could cut the solar panel cost per kW by 20% when compared with a non-concentrating PV panel. Another analysis by Muhammad-Sukki et al [36] showed that their optimized concentrator design could minimize the overall cost of installation by 41% when compared to a non-concentrating system.…”