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.
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
Arzon Solar - integrated high-concentration photovoltaic (IHCPV) systems.
SolarTec - SolarTec International AG focuses on Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV), as well as, worldwide planning, turnkey realization, and management of PV power plants.
SolFocus - the company’s mission is to provide innovative solar energy solutions which are competitive with fossil fuels. SolFocus has an expanding portfolio of products and technologies including solar concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems, intelligent tracking systems for CPV and flat panel PV systems.
Alanod - Manufacturer of aluminium reflective sheets for different purposes. Part of Alanod's portfolio are also mirrors for solar concentrators.
Absolicon Solar Concentrator - Absolicon´s main product focus is solar concentrators shaped as parabolic troughs.
Edmund Optics - Edmund Optics offers a variety of solar optical components supporting photovoltaic technologies. From large Fresnel or glass condenser lenses to a variety of cold coated optics, many of our components have been used in photovoltaic applications for years.
Sources and Additional Information - Books
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Leutz, R., Suzuki, A. (2010), Nonimaging Fresnel Lenses: Design and Performance of Solar Concentrators (Springer Series in Optical Sciences); Springer, ISBN 978-3642075315. |
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Winston, R., et al. (2005), Nonimaging Optics, Academic Press, 2005, ISBN 978-0127597515. |
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Chaves, J. (2008), Introduction to Nonimaging Optics (Optical Science and Engineering), CRC Press; 2008, ISBN 978-1420054293. |
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Luque, A. (2009), Concentrator Photovoltaics (Springer Series in Optical Sciences), Springer, ISBN 978-3642088346. |
Reports
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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
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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. |
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Nann, S. (1991), Potentials for tracking photovoltaic systems and V-troughs in moderate climates, Solar Energy, Volume 45, 1991, pp.385-393. |
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Nostell, P. et al. (1998), Ageing of solar booster reflector materials, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 54, 1998, pp.235-246. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Nann, S. (1991), Potentials for tracking photovoltaic systems and V-troughs in moderate climates, Solar Energy, Volume 45, 1991, pp.385-393. |
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Nostell, P. et al. (1998), Ageing of solar booster reflector materials, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 54, 1998, pp.235-246. |
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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. |
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Schissel, P. et al. (1994), Silvered PMMA reflectors, Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, 33, pp.183-197. |
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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
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Erik Rossen's personal pages. Some interesting information about solar concentrators and heliostats. |
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Red Rock Energy, Heliostats. |