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Development of Low-Cost c-Si-Based CPV Cells for a Solar Co-Generation Absorber in a Parabolic Trough Collector

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Listed:
  • Elsen Aydin

    (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (GÜNAM), Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Archaeometry, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

  • Armin Buchroithner

    (Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems (EMS), Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Richard Felsberger

    (Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems (EMS), Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Rupert Preßmair

    (Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems (EMS), Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Ahmet Azgın

    (Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

  • Rasit Turan

    (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (GÜNAM), Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

  • Ahmet Emin Keçeci

    (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (GÜNAM), Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

  • Gence Bektaş

    (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (GÜNAM), Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Micro and Nanotechnology, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

  • Bulent Akinoglu

    (Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (GÜNAM), Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey
    Earth System Science Program, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara 06800, Turkey)

Abstract

Concentrator photovoltaics (CPVs) have demonstrated high electrical efficiencies and technological potential, especially when deployed in CPV–thermal (CPV-T) hybrid absorbers, in which the cells’ waste heat can be used to power industrial processes. However, the high cost of tracking systems and the predominant use of expensive multi-junction PV cells have caused the market of solar co-generation technologies to stall. This paper describes the development and testing of a low-cost alternative CPV cell based on crystalline silicone (c-Si) for use in a novel injection-molded parabolic hybrid solar collector, generating both, photovoltaic electricity and thermal power. The study covers two different c-Si cell technologies, namely, passive emitter rear contact (PERC) and aluminum back surface field (Al-BSF). Simulation design and manufacturing are described with special attention to fingerprinting in order to achieve high current carrying capacities for concentrated sunlight. It was determined that Al-BSF cells offer higher efficiencies than PERC for the considered use case. Solar simulator tests showed that the highly doped 4 cm 2 cells (50 ohm/sq) reach efficiencies of 16.9% under 1 sun and 13.1% under 60 suns at 25 °C with a temperature coefficient of −0.069%(Abs)/K. Finally, options to further improve the cells are discussed and an outlook is given for deployment in a field-testing prototype.

Suggested Citation

  • Elsen Aydin & Armin Buchroithner & Richard Felsberger & Rupert Preßmair & Ahmet Azgın & Rasit Turan & Ahmet Emin Keçeci & Gence Bektaş & Bulent Akinoglu, 2024. "Development of Low-Cost c-Si-Based CPV Cells for a Solar Co-Generation Absorber in a Parabolic Trough Collector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-26, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:12:p:2890-:d:1413591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felsberger, Richard & Buchroithner, Armin & Gerl, Bernhard & Schweighofer, Bernhard & Wegleiter, Hannes, 2021. "Design and testing of concentrated photovoltaic arrays for retrofitting of solar thermal parabolic trough collectors," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
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