Photovoltaic Concentrators

Non imaging optical concentrators can also be used as part of photovoltaic concentrators. Such technology is known under the name CPV technology. In fact it is a combination of high-efficiency solar cells with advanced concentrating optics to provide high energy yield using just a very small area of solar cell in comparison with non-concentrating photovoltaic systems.


Solar concentrators, courtesy Amonix Solar concentrators, courtesy Amonix

CPV concentrators (courtesy: Amonix)

The Rockingham PV Trough Concentrator System - Case Study

Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) have been developing photovoltaic (PV) concentrator technology since 1995. Funding has come from a number of sources, including Western Power from 1995 to 1997. In early 1998 Western Power joined a consortium with ANUTECH (the commercial arm of the ANU) and Solahart to apply for federal government funding for a 20kW pre-production system using the ANU technology. The Rockingham concentrator PV system was constructed by ANU and Solahart and commenced in November 1999. The system was connected to the public grid in July 2000.

Name and location The Rockingham Photovoltaic Trough Concentrator System, Australia
PV system type PV grid-connected
Operates since 2000
Rated power 20 kW, 40 receivers, 250 W each
Number of mirrors 80 mirrors, 1,6 x 1,2 m each
Total PV area 154 m2 (80 mirrors)
Module mounting Double axis tracking, computer controlled position

TABLE 1: The Rockingham PV Trough Concentrator System, basic features

Concentrating Photovoltaic Power Plant, Dallas - Case Study

In March 1995, the Texas Utility Electric Company installed a 100 kW photovoltaic power plant at its new Energy Park in Dallas, Texas. The 100 kW plant consists of four east-west rows of collector modules, each 104 m in length and containing 72 photovoltaic modules. The system is connected to the public grid via DC to AC inverter and a transformer.

Name and location Concentrating Power Plant, Texas Energy Park, Dallas, USA
PV system type PV grid-connected
Operates since 1995
Rated power 100 kW
Concentrator type Fresnel lens
Number of modules 288 modules, 4 rows with 72 modules each. Each module 430 Wp

TABLE 2: Concentrating Photovoltaic Power Plant, Dallas, basic features


Web Sites


Sources and Additional Information - Books

www
Leutz, R., Suzuki, A. (2010), Nonimaging Fresnel Lenses: Design and Performance of Solar Concentrators (Springer Series in Optical Sciences); Springer, ISBN 978-3642075315.
www
Winston, R., et al. (2005), Nonimaging Optics, Academic Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0127597515.
www
Chaves, J. (2008), Introduction to Nonimaging Optics (Optical Science and Engineering), CRC Press; 2008, ISBN 978-1420054293.
www
Luque, A. (2009), Concentrator Photovoltaics (Springer Series in Optical Sciences), Springer, ISBN 978-3642088346.

Reports

report
C-Rating Project: Test, Rating and Specification of PV Concentrator Components and Systems Classification of PV concentrators; Project subsidised by the European Commission Directorate of Energy and Transport, 2001.

Papers

report
Klotz, F.H. (1995), PV systems with V-trough concentration and passive tracking concept and economic potential in Europe, Proc.13th European PV Solar Energy Conference, Nice 23-27 October 1995, pp.1060-1063.
report
Nann, S. (1991), Potentials for tracking photovoltaic systems and V-troughs in moderate climates, Solar Energy, Volume 45, 1991, pp.385-393.
report
Nostell, P. et al. (1998), Ageing of solar booster reflector materials, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 54, 1998, pp.235-246.
report
Perers, B. et.al. (1994), Intensity Distribution in the Plane From Structured Booster Reflectors With Rolling Grooves and Corrugations, Solar Energy, Volume 53, pp.215-226.
report
Klotz, F.H. (1995), PV systems with V-trough concentration and passive tracking concept and economic potential in Europe, Proc.13th European PV Solar Energy Conference, Nice 23-27 October 1995, pp.1060-1063.
report
Nann, S. (1991), Potentials for tracking photovoltaic systems and V-troughs in moderate climates, Solar Energy, Volume 45, 1991, pp.385-393.
report
Nostell, P. et al. (1998), Ageing of solar booster reflector materials, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 54, 1998, pp.235-246.
report
Perers, B. et.al. (1994), Intensity Distribution in the Plane From Structured Booster Reflectors With Rolling Grooves and Corrugations, Solar Energy, Volume 53, Issue 2, pp.215-226.
report
Schissel, P. et al. (1994), Silvered PMMA reflectors, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 33, pp.183-197.
report
Stacey, R.W., McCormick, P.G. (1984), Effect of Concentration on the Performance of Flat Plate Photovoltaic Modules, Solar Energy, Volume 33, Issue 6, 1984, pp.565-569.

Other

www
Erik Rossen's personal pages. Some interesting information about solar concentrators and heliostats.
www
Red Rock Energy, Heliostats.