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Flat Concentrator Photovoltaic System with Lateral Displacement Tracking for Residential Rooftops

Author

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  • Ngoc Hai Vu

    (Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Myongji University, 116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 17058, Korea)

  • Seoyong Shin

    (Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Myongji University, 116 Myongji-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do 17058, Korea)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ngoc Hai Vu & Seoyong Shin, 2018. "Flat Concentrator Photovoltaic System with Lateral Displacement Tracking for Residential Rooftops," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:1:p:114-:d:125271
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jared S. Price & Xing Sheng & Bram M. Meulblok & John A. Rogers & Noel C. Giebink, 2015. "Wide-angle planar microtracking for quasi-static microcell concentrating photovoltaics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-8, May.
    2. Ngoc Hai Vu & Seoyong Shin, 2016. "A Large Scale Daylighting System Based on a Stepped Thickness Waveguide," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Ngoc Hai Vu & Seoyong Shin, 2016. "A Concentrator Photovoltaic System Based on a Combination of Prism-Compound Parabolic Concentrators," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-13, August.
    4. Mojiri, Ahmad & Taylor, Robert & Thomsen, Elizabeth & Rosengarten, Gary, 2013. "Spectral beam splitting for efficient conversion of solar energy—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 654-663.
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    Cited by:

    1. Diane Palmer & Elena Koumpli & Ian Cole & Ralph Gottschalg & Thomas Betts, 2018. "A GIS-Based Method for Identification of Wide Area Rooftop Suitability for Minimum Size PV Systems Using LiDAR Data and Photogrammetry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-22, December.
    2. Masakazu Nakatani & Noboru Yamada, 2019. "Characterization of Core-Shell Spherical Lens for Microtracking Concentrator Photovoltaic System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-15, September.

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