Paper
17 October 2017 Design and optimization of cascaded DCG based holographic elements for spectrum-splitting PV systems
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Abstract
In this work, the technique of designing and optimizing broadband volume transmission holograms using dichromate gelatin (DCG) is summarized for solar spectrum-splitting application. Spectrum splitting photovoltaic system uses a series of single bandgap PV cells that have different spectral conversion efficiency properties to more fully utilize the solar spectrum. In such a system, one or more high performance optical filters are usually required to split the solar spectrum and efficiently send them to the corresponding PV cells. An ideal spectral filter should have a rectangular shape with sharp transition wavelengths. DCG is a near ideal holographic material for solar applications as it can achieve high refractive index modulation, low absorption and scattering properties and long-term stability to solar exposure after sealing. In this research, a methodology of designing and modeling a transmission DCG hologram using coupled wave analysis for different PV bandgap combinations is described. To achieve a broad diffraction bandwidth and sharp cut-off wavelength, a cascaded structure of multiple thick holograms is described. A search algorithm is also developed to optimize both single and two-layer cascaded holographic spectrum splitters for the best bandgap combinations of two- and three-junction SSPV systems illuminated under the AM1.5 solar spectrum. The power conversion efficiencies of the optimized systems under the AM1.5 solar spectrum are then calculated using the detailed balance method, and shows an improvement compared with tandem structure.
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Yuechen Wu, Benjamin Chrysler, Silvana Ayala Pelaez, and Raymond K. Kostuk "Design and optimization of cascaded DCG based holographic elements for spectrum-splitting PV systems", Proc. SPIE 10379, Nonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XIV, 103790T (17 October 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2273229
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Cited by 1 scholarly publication.
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KEYWORDS
Holograms

Optical design

Photovoltaics

Optical filters

Solar cells

Solar concentrators

Solar energy

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