PHOTOVOLTAIC CONCENTRATOR SYSTEM

The objective of this study is a first attempt to arrive at a realistic estimate of the solar energy generating cost based on the existing photovoltaic technology and the proposed solar concentrator system.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the essential components that correspond to the operation of a photovoltaic receiver.

The support structure of the receiver is formed by a pair of structural members 76 and 77 joined to each other by the reinforcing frames 75.

A concentrating photovoltaic module basically consists of an array of solar cells 70 encapsulated between a lower sheet of glass with antireflection coating 71 and an upper plate of aluminum with longitudinal fins for dissipating the excess of heat, or heat sink 72. The borders are framed with an insulated frame of aluminum 73.

The PV module is secured to the reinforcing frames 75 by respective clamps 74. There are longitudinal apertures between the support structure and the PV module. Air thus enters the space between them, its temperature being raised by the action of the heat sink, and flows out by the upper space between both structural members.

The technical and economic feasibility of a commercial-scale prototype is outlined in this report. The basic design of the solar collector for a low-level concentration incorporates six flat mirrors 0.60-m wide and 50-m long in each concentrator unit; the PV receiver being 0.60-m wide and 50-m long.

These numbers result in a theoretical concentration ratio equal to the number of mirrors, that is CR = 6 X ; but it is reduced by the receiver’s shadow that generally obscures one mirror, and by the mirror’s efficiency (about 90%) , so that the actual concentration ratio would be: CR = 4.5 X.

The total mirrored surface area for the collector unit is 180 m², and the total solar cell area is 30 m². The collector-concentrator will be oriented in the North-South direction, the mirrors rotating from East to West.

The peak power generated by the concentrating PV system is given by formula:

P = A x I x r x η  being:

MORE INFORMATION:

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION   -   TABLE I   -   TABLE II   -   TABLE III