Spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system using bifacial cells for high energy yield

Benjamin D. Chrysler; Xuessen Tan; Jianbo Zhao; Raymond K. Kostuk

doi:10.1117/12.2528049

9 September 2019 Spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system using bifacial cells for high energy yield

Benjamin D. Chrysler, Xuessen Tan, Jianbo Zhao, Raymond K. Kostuk

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11121, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion II; 111210B (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2528049
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2019, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this paper a spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system is proposed that uses bifacial silicon solar cells to maximize total energy yield. The system is unique in its ability to convert direct sunlight with high-efficiency (<30%) while simultaneously converting diffuse and rear-side irradiance. A volume holographic lens array is used to divide the solar spectrum into spectral bands optimized for conversion by wide-bandgap and bifacial silicon solar cells. An approach for simulating the energy yield, optimizing the holographic lens array, and analyzing the effect of concentration ratio, aspect ratio, and illumination characteristics is described. Design examples for two different solar cell combinations are provided. A GaAs and bifacial silicon combination achieves an energy conversion efficiency of 32.0% and a MgCdTe and bifacial silicon combination achieves a 31.0% energy conversion efficiency. Additional solutions are provided when constraints on concentration ratio and aspect ratio are applied, allowing the designer to balance energy yield with cost and size considerations. The performance of the proposed system is compared to conventional monofacial silicon, bifacial silicon, and monofacial spectrum-splitting modules, and show that improvements in energy yield of over 45%, 25%, and 10% can be achieved, respectively.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Benjamin D. Chrysler, Xuessen Tan, Jianbo Zhao, and Raymond K. Kostuk "Spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system using bifacial cells for high energy yield", Proc. SPIE 11121, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion II, 111210B (9 September 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2528049

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE