Title :
Holographic CPV field tests at the Tucson Electric Power solar test yard
Author :
Cronin, Alexander D. ; Castillo, Jose E. ; Hauser, Paul ; Rosenberg, Glenn A. ; Kumar, Rakesh ; Kostuk, Raymond K. ; Zhang, Deming ; Russo, Juan M. ; Vorndran, Shelby ; Lonij, Vincent P A ; Greenberg, James ; Brooks, Adria
Abstract :
Holographic concentrators incorporated into PV modules were used to build a 1600 W grid-tied PV system at the Tucson Electric Power solar test yard. Holograms in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules diffract light to increase irradiance on PV cells within each module. No tracking is needed for low concentration ratios, and the holographic elements are significantly less expensive than the PV cells. Additional advantages include bi-facial acceptance of light, reduced operating temperature, and increased cell efficiency. These benefits are expected to result in higher energy yields [kwh] per unit cost. Field tests of the holographic concentrator system are reported here. A performance ratio greater than 1 was observed. The field tests include comparison with other flat plate non-tracking PV systems at the same test yard. Predicted yields are also compared with the data.
Keywords :
holography; light diffraction; photovoltaic power systems; power grids; solar cells; solar energy concentrators; CPV module; PV cell irradiance; Tucson Electric Power solar test yard; cell efficiency; concentrating photovoltaic module; flat plate nontracking PV system; grid-tied PV system; holographic CPV field test; holographic concentrator system; light bifacial acceptance; light diffraction; power 1600 W; temperature reduction; Current measurement; Face; Inverters; Plastics; Power systems; Temperature; Testing;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC), 2011 37th IEEE
Conference_Location :
Seattle, WA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-9966-3
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2011.6186423