Characterization of Double-Doped Polymer Optical Fibers as Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Abstract

This work reports on a diameter dependence analysis of the performance as luminescent solar concentrators of three self-fabricated polymer optical fibers (POFs) doped with a hybrid combination of dopants. The works carried out include the design and self-fabrication of the different diameter fibers; an experimental analysis of the output power, of the output irradiance and of the fluorescent fiber solar concentrator efficiency; a comparison of the experimental results with a theoretical model; a study of the performance of all the fibers under different simulated lighting conditions; and a calculation of the active fiber length of each of the samples, all of them as a function of the fiber core diameter. To the best of our knowledge, this paper reports the first analysis of the influence of the POF diameter for luminescent solar concentration applications. The results obtained offer a general perspective on the optimal design of solar energy concentrating systems based on doped POFs and pave the way for the implementation of cost-effective solar energy concentrating devices.

Effects of Fabrication Methods on the Performance of Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Doped Polymer Optical Fibers

“…As can be observed, for short illuminated lengths, the output signal in all samples increases, but, afterwards, it tends to saturate. The same behavior has already been detected in previous works [ 23 , 24 , 26 ]. In agreement with the results obtained in Section 3.1 , the fibers made by the casting method emit higher output intensity for any illuminated fiber length.…”

“…The concentration factor C can be thought of as an effective enlargement factor of an area of a PV device when it is coupled to an LSC. The concentration factor of a doped POF increases linearly with its length up to reach the saturation fiber length [ 23 , 24 ].…”

The Hidden Potential of Luminescent Solar Concentrators

“…Cylindrical LSC devices could allow for greater light concentration than standard rectangular plates. By reducing the cross-sectional area, one can produce fibers with a variety of geometries, including circular, [64][65][66][67][68][69] square, [70] asymmetric (see Figure 9), [71] with a core/cladding construction, [72] or as hollow tubes. [73] Fibers may be produced inexpensively, and at large scales, [67] and can be used individually or in bundles.…”

POF-Based Solar Concentrators Incorporating Dyes and Europium Chelates

“…Nowadays, LSCs are not only seen as a complement of photovoltaic systems employed to reduce the necessary area of solar cells and, thus, their cost, but also as versatile devices whose capacity of concentrating light can be utilized for diverse applications, such as optical sensors or chemical reactors [2]. Although LSCs made from planar waveguides have traditionally been the focus of attention of researchers, those based on doped polymer optical fibers (POFs) are attracting their interest nowadays [2][3][4][5][6]. These POFs can incorporate one or multiple dopants, including a wide variety of available organic dyes and some metalorganic compounds, among others.…”