Spectral beam splitting for efficient conversion of solar energy—A review

Mojiri, Ahmad; Taylor, Robert A.; Thomsen, Elizabeth; Rosengarten, Gary

doi:10.1016/j.rser.2013.08.026

Cited by 328 publications

(138 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…Such modules can be engineered to carry heat away from the PV cells thereby cooling the cells and therefore improving their efficiency by lowering resistance. The capture of both electricity and heat allow these devices to have higher exergy [17] and thus have greater overall energy efficient than solar PV or solar thermal alone [18]. A significant amount of research has gone into developing the flat-plate PV/T technology since the 1970s [19].…”

Section: Flat-plate Pv/t Modulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules

Zhang

Shen

et al. 2017

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

117

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Thermal absorbers and their integration methods are critical to solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules. These two elements directly influence the cooling effort of PV layers and as a result, the related electrical/ thermal/overall efficiency. This paper conducts a critical review on the essential thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the currently-available PV modules for the purpose of producing the combined PV/T modules. A brief overview of different PV/T technologies is initially summarized, including aspects of their structure, efficiencies, thermal governing expressions and their applications. Seven different types of thermal absorbers and four corresponding integration methods are subsequently discussed and summarized in terms of their advantages/disadvantages and the associated application for various PV/T modules. Compared to traditional thermal absorbers, such as sheet-and-tube structure, rectangular tunnel with or without fins/ grooves and flat-plate tube, these four types, i.e. microchannel heat pipe array/heat mat, extruded heat exchanger, roll-bond heat exchanger and cotton wick structure, are promising due to the significant enhancement in terms of efficiency, structure, weight, and cost etc. The appropriate or suitable integration method varies in different cases, i.e. the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) based lamination method seems the best option for integration of PV layer with thermal absorber when compared with other conventional methods, such as direct contact, thermal adhesive and mechanical fixing. Finally, suggestions for further research topics are proposed from five aspects. The overall research results would provide useful information for the assistance of further development of solar PV/T modules with high feasibility for widespread application in energy supply even at district or city-level in the near future.

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Section: Flat-plate Pv/t Modulesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules

Zhang

Shen

et al. 2017

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

117

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“…Further we subcategorize light management into (1) spectral beam splitting, which involves manipulating solar irradiation to distribute the light to more than one absorber/converter based on wavelength, and (2) spectral modification that involves changing the spectral distribution of solar irradiation using various methods such as upor down-conversion. The concept of beam splitting and the methodologies used for implementation are provided in the reviews of Imenes and Mills [2] and Mojiri et al [3]. While systems that facilitate spectral modification often add cost and complexity to standard solar converters such as solar parabolic troughs or flat plate PV for example, spectral management allows control of the proportion of solar energy that is converted into thermal, electric, or even chemical energy.…”

Section: What Is Spectral Light Management and Why Is It Used?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Schematic of thin film dichroic mirrors made of n layers [3]. (b) Implementing dichroic mirrors close to the focal region of solar concentrators under concentrated light [25].…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

2016

Self Cite

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Due to the inherent broadband nature of the solar radiation, combined with the narrow spectral sensitivity range of direct solar to electricity devices, there is a massive opportunity to manipulate the solar spectrum to increase the functionality and efficiency of solar energy conversion devices. Spectral splitting or manipulation facilitates the efficient combination of both high-temperature solar thermal systems, which can absorb over the entire solar spectrum to create heat, and photovoltaic cells, which only convert a range of wavelengths to electricity. It has only recently been possible, with the development of nanofabrication techniques, to integrate micro-and nano-photonic structures as spectrum splitters/manipulators into solar energy conversion devices. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in beam splitting techniques, and highlight some relevant applications including combined PV-thermal collectors and efficient algae production, and suggest paths for future development in this field.

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“…These use semiconductors to produce electric potential, on the basis of the photoelectric effect, when exposed to sunlight. Very high PV cell conversion efficiency of 43.5% have been demonstrated in laboratory measurement condition [1]. However, such efficiency comes with a very high fabrication cost, because of the need to manufacture multi-junction solar cells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flat Concentrator Photovoltaic System with Lateral Displacement Tracking for Residential Rooftops

Shin

2018

Energies

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We present a design for a flat concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system that requires only lateral displacement for sun-tracking, intended for residential rooftop applications. Compared with flat-plate photovoltaics (PVs), CPV technology is essential for reducing the use of semi-conductor materials, which also enables cheaper solar power generation. Existing CPV designs are more bulky and complex than traditional PV panel techniques and are therefore better suited to solar farms than rooftop use. In this study, we explore an alternate approach, employing a mirror-coated lenslet array, to demonstrate a flat CPV system for rooftop installation. This mirror-coated lenslet array collects solar radiation and concentrates it with a very short focal length. The lateral movement of lenslet focal points according to a changing incident angle of sunlight allows for the use of a lateral displacement tracking mechanism. A square array of solar cells integrated on a transparent sheet is placed on top of a mirror-coated lenslet array to collect focused sunlight and convert it to electricity. The proposed CPV panel can be achieved with a 35 mm thickness. Simulation models were developed using commercial optical design software (LightTools). The simulation demonstrates an optical efficiency of up to 89.5% when the concentration ratio of the system is fixed to 50×. The simplicity of the structure enables cheaper mass production. Our quest for a lateral displacement sun-tracking mechanism also shows that the system has a high tolerance, thereby enabling cost savings by replacing a highly precise, active sun-tracking system with a lower-accuracy system. The presented flat CPV is a strong candidate for a low-cost, high-efficiency solar energy system that can be installed on the rooftops of residential buildings to deliver energy savings.

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Spectral beam splitting for efficient conversion of solar energy—A review

Cited by 328 publications

References 84 publications

A review of thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules

A review of thermal absorbers and their integration methods for the combined solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) modules

Spectral light management for solar energy conversion systems

Flat Concentrator Photovoltaic System with Lateral Displacement Tracking for Residential Rooftops

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