Challenge
What would a single-axis solar concentrator capable of concentrating solar radiation 1000-fold onto an array of multi-junction solar cells look like?
Invention
The RES Concentrating Collector Module consists of a first concentrator, for example in the form of a parabolic trough, which focuses solar radiation onto a focal line, and a second concentrator in the form of a 700 mm light-conducting tube. Apart from a strip-shaped window on its longitudinal side, the light-conducting tube is internally mirrored. The window's surface aligns with the parabolic trough's focal line to channel the concentrated rays. A prism tube refracting the concentrated rays is installed around the window of the light-conducting tube to flatten the angle of incidence. This reduces the number of reflections inside the light-conducting tube to less than 10. At one end of the tube, an array of multi-junction solar cells receives the 1000-fold concentrated solar rays. By rotating the prism tube to different positions, the system can actively respond to the varying angles of incidence determined by the time of day and season.
Advantages
- Highly efficient CPVT-System that combines PV cells with a thermal collector
- Gapless array of solar modules on a turning plate
- Precise guidance of sunlight by single axis tracking, eliminating wind loads
- Industrial production of the receiver unit with high-end technology
- Local manufacturing for the parabolic trough and the turning plate
- Protection of the PV cells within an evacuated light-conducting glass tube.
Applications
- Large scale generation of electricity
- Hybrid usage of electricity and heat in a building
- Special application in a daylight system that guides sunlight into the interior of a building
- Combination of a sun protection and collector system