Spectral beam splitting technology for increased conversion efficiency in solar concentrating systems: a review
TL;DR: A review of the various solar hybrid beam splitting systems proposed in the literature and the different spectrum splitting strategies employed is presented in this article, where the authors present a review of different spectrum-splitting strategies employed.
About: This article is published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.The article was published on 2004-10-01. It has received 395 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Photovoltaic system & Solar energy.
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: New approaches to light management that systematically minimize thermodynamic losses will enable ultrahigh efficiencies previously considered impossible, according to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Abstract: For decades, solar-cell efficiencies have remained below the thermodynamic limits. However, new approaches to light management that systematically minimize thermodynamic losses will enable ultrahigh efficiencies previously considered impossible.
848 citations
TL;DR: This Research News article reviews recent progress in the development of rear-earth (RE) ion doped up-conversion materials for solar cell applications and new trends for RE-ion-doped phosphors are briefly discussed.
Abstract: With the aim of utilizing the infrared region of solar radiation to improve solar cell performance, significant progress, including theoretical analysis and experimental achievement, has been made in the field of up-conversion for photovoltaic applications. This Research News article reviews recent progress in the development of rear-earth (RE) ion doped up-conversion materials for solar cell applications. In addition, new trends for RE-ion-doped phosphors are briefly discussed, among them trivalent RE-ion-doped up-conversion materials for organic solar cell applications.
464 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of a parabolic trough photovoltaic/thermal collector with a geometric concentration ratio of 37× is described and the impact of non-uniform illumination on the solar cells is investigated using purpose built equipment that moves a calibrated solar cell along the line of the receiver and measures short circuit current.
410 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of state-of-the-art progress on the integrated solar cell devices based on DSSC and PSC, such as DSSCs/LIB, DSSc/PESC, PSC/PSC, SSC/SSC, OSC/SC, PSSC/SC/OSC, DSC/NG, NSC/NSC, PSC/NSCS, and PESC/ELC, for energy harvesting and storage.
Abstract: The sharp increase of research passion in the new-generation solar cells in recent years has resulted in a new trend in combining multiple types of energy devices in a single device. In view of the enhanced and/or diversified function of integrated devices, as compared with conventional devices with limited performance or sole applicability, many integrated power packs have been widely developed by combining different devices, such as a silicon solar cell (SSC), Cu(In,Ga)(Sn,Se)2 (CIGS), organic solar cell (OSC), dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), perovskite solar cell (PSC), lithium-ion battery (LIB), nanogenerator (NG), supercapacitor (SC), photoelectrosynthetic cell (PESC), and electrolysis cell (ELC), into one unit. In this Review, with a particular emphasis on their recent advances, we cover the integrated solar cell device research in a broad sense and provide an overview of state-of-the-art progress on the integrated solar cell devices based on DSSC and PSC, such as DSSC/LIB, DSSC/SC, DSSC/NG, DSSC/LIB/NG, PSC/OSC, PSC/CIGS, PSC/PSC, PSC/SSC, SSC/SC, PSC/SC, OSC/SC, DSSC/PESC, PSC/PESC, and PSC/ELC, for energy harvesting and storage that are significantly important for self-powering systems and portable/wearable electronics. Finally, the challenges and future outlooks in this promising photovoltaic (PV) field are featured on the basis of current development.
339 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical optimization process for designing nanofluid-based filters for hybrid solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) applications is described.
Abstract: Optical filters are essential in a wide range of applications, including optical communications, electronics, lighting, optical sensors and photography. This article presents recent work which indicates that optical filters can be created from specialized nanoparticle suspensions. Specifically, this article describes a theoretical optimization process for designing nanofluid-based filters for hybrid solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) applications. This particular application is suitable because nanofluids can be utilized as both volumetric solar absorbers and flowing heat transfer mediums. The nanofluid filters described in this work compare favorably with conventional optical filters for five photovoltaic (PV) cell alternatives: InGaP, CdTe, InGaAs, Si, and Ge. This study demonstrates that nanofluids make efficient, compact and potentially low-cost, spectrally selective optical filters.
333 citations
Cites background from "Spectral beam splitting technology ..."
...Techniques which provide control on the nano-scale have been successfully deployed to achieve finely tuned spectral properties of thin films [1], [2]....
[...]
References
More filters
TL;DR: In this paper, a coupled wave analysis of the Bragg diffraction of light by thick hologram gratings is given, analogous to Phariseau's treatment of acoustic gratings and to the dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction.
Abstract: A coupled wave analysis is given of the Bragg diffraction of light by thick hologram gratings, which is analogous to Phariseau's treatment of acoustic gratings and to the “dynamical” theory of X-ray diffraction. The theory remains valid for large diffraction efficiencies where the incident wave is strongly depleted. It is applied to transmission holograms and to reflection holograms. Spatial modulations of both the refractive index and the absorption constant are allowed for. The effects of loss in the grating and of slanted fringes are also considered. Algebraic formulas and their numerical evaluations are given for the diffraction efficiencies and the angular and wavelength sensitivities of the various hologram types.
5,244 citations
700 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed various advanced solar thermal electricity technologies with an emphasis on new technology and new market approaches, and made suggestions for more effective programmes of support for these technologies.
688 citations
"Spectral beam splitting technology ..." refers background or methods in this paper
...This is the proposed approach in the Multi Tower Solar Array (MTSA) system described by Mills and Schramek [140] and Mills [141]....
[...]
...Spectrum splitting for PV and thermal receivers in a multi tower receiver system [141]....
[...]
TL;DR: In this article, a new principle for solar energy conversion is proposed and evaluated theoretically, and the optical path length in a triangular collector is computed, which offers the advantage of separating the various fractions of light and converting them with solar cells with different bandgaps.
Abstract: A new principle for solar energy conversion is proposed and evaluated theoretically. Collection and concentration of direct and diffuse radiation is possible by the use of a stack of transparent sheets of material doped with fluorescent dyes. High efficiency of light collection can be achieved by light guiding and special design of collectors. The optical path length in a triangular collector is computed. In combination with solar cells this type of collector offers the advantage of separating the various fractions of light and converting them with solar cells with different bandgaps. Theoretical conversion efficiency under optimum conditions is 32% for a system with four semiconductors. Thermal energy conversion offers several advantages over conventional collectors: High temperature and efficiency even under weak illumination, separation of heat transport and radiation collection, low thermal mass. Thermal efficiency is computed to be between 42% and 60%. Very attractive appear hybrid systems for generation of thermal and electric energy. An estimate of the economics of electricity generation shows that due to the concentration costs can be much lower than possible today. With the use of only silicon cells the breakeven point of $0.5/W is almost reached. Practical difficulties to be solved are: Synthesis of dyes with stringent requirements, identification of plastic materials with high transparency and development of solar cells with higher bandgaps.
638 citations
"Spectral beam splitting technology ..." refers background in this paper
...Predicted: 10% (1 cell) [88], 10% (2 cells) [92], 32–38% (4 cells) [13, 89]....
[...]
...Stacking four collector plates with four different solar cells (Ge, Si, GaAs, and GaP) in series, the maximum conversion efficiency was estimated to be 32% under optimum conditions and AM1 spectrum [13]....
[...]
Book•
01 Jan 2003TL;DR: A range of more integrated approaches is possible in thin-film photovoltaics, with energy conversion efficiencies double or triple the 15 to 20% presently targeted, as described in this paper.
Abstract: While the photovoltaics industry is currently dominated by silicon wafer-based "first generation" technology, there is a clear move towards "second generation" thin-film technology. Second generation technology has significant cost advantages over wafer-based modules, due to reduced materials usage and large-area processing. Even with second generation technology, however, materials costs are likely to eventually dominate. To further reduce cost, a third-generation of high efficiency thin-film technology will be necessary, with energy conversion efficiencies double or triple the 15 to 20% presently targeted. Tandem cells are the best known example of such approaches, but a range of more integrated approaches is possible, as described in this paper.
467 citations
"Spectral beam splitting technology ..." refers background in this paper
...7, where a lightemitting diode powered by an externally applied voltage acts as an extremely selective emitter [53]....
[...]