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Performance of see-through prism CPV module for window integrated photovoltaics

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Abstract

We have examined the performance of a see-through photovoltaics module that uses a low-concentration prism concentrator by undertaking ray-tracing analysis and an on-site experiment. The incident angle dependency of the prism concentrator makes it possible to concentrate direct solar radiation onto solar cells and transmit diffuse solar radiation. Fewer solar cells can then be used without sacrificing the conversion efficiency or lighting performance. The module generates approximately 1.15 more electricity than a conventional module while operating with 63% less solar cell area. We also introduce a design method for the concentrator geometry that adjusts the incident angle dependency for different latitude and tilt angles.

©2011 Optical Society of America

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Figures (8)

Fig. 1
Fig. 1 Schematic of see-through prism CPV module. (a) Cross-section of the module and working principle. (b) Coordinate system for the ray-tracing analysis.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2 Distribution of angular optical efficiency of concentration to solar cell. Black lines represent an example sun path when the module is affixed on a vertical surface in Nagaoka city, Japan (lat.: 37.44°N, long.: 138.85°E). Solid line: module facing south; dashed line: module facing east.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3 Photographs of the fabricated see-through prism CPV module. (a) Small incident angle view. (b) Large incident angle view. (c) Sample view.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4 Apparatus for outdoor experiment. (a) Schematic diagram of the system. (b) Photograph of the system. The tilt angle of the PV modules is 90°, facing south. Location: Nagaoka city, Japan.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5 Results of the outdoor experiment on June 6, 2010. (a) Daily variations in generated power per solar cell area. (b) Daily variations in generated power per module aperture area. Simulated variations are shown in red and blue. (c) Measured daily variation of global and direct radiation onto module aperture.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6 Simulated daily summer performance of the (a) see-through prism CPV module and (b) conventional see-through Flat PV module in Tokyo, Japan. The modules face south at 90° tilt. The total amount of transmission (lighting) of the prism CPV is equivalent to that of the Flat PV.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7 Simulated yearly performance comparison between the see-through prism CPV module and conventional see-through Flat PV module facing (a) south, (b) southeast, and (c) east in Tokyo, Japan. The modules are mounted vertically. The total amount of transmission (lighting) of the prism CPV is equivalent to that of the Flat PV.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8 Incident angle dependency. (a) Simple prism geometry. (b) Example of an evolutionary algorithm generated prism geometry.

Equations (1)

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θ i n >  sin 1 { n sin ( θ c r θ A ) } ,
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