Non-tracking planar concentrators are a low-cost method of increasing the performance of traditional solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This paper presents new methodologies for properly modeling this type of system design and experimental results using a bi-directional reflectance function (BDRF) of non-ideal surfaces rather than traditional geometric optics. This methodology allows for the evaluation and optimization of specular and non-specular reflectors in planar concentration systems. In addition, an outdoor system has been shown to improve energy yield by 45% for a traditional flat glass module and by 40% for a prismatic glass crystalline silicon module when compared to a control module at the same orientation. When compared to a control module set at the optimal tilt angle for this region, the energy improvement is 18% for both system. Simulations show that a maximum increase of 30% is achievable for an optimized system located in Kingston, ON using a reflector with specular reflection and an integrated hemispherical reflectance of 80%. This validated model can be used to optimize reflector topology to identify the potential for increased energy harvest from both existing PV and new-build PV assets.
Discussion[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
- Photovoltaic system performance enhancement with non-tracking planar concentrators: Experimental results and BDRF based modelling
- Low level concentration for PV applications
- Effects of low concentration planer concentrators on array-scale solar photovoltaic systems performance
- Geographic potential of shotcrete photovoltaic racking: Direct and low-concentration cases
- Zytech - doing LCPV
In the news[edit | edit source]
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- Solar Panels Can Produce More Energy Through New Technique - Science World Report
- Una nuova tecnica per potenziare i pannelli solari: potranno produrre il 30% di energia in più - Tiscali Scienza(Italy)
- Fotovoltaico, gli scienziati aggiungono un 30% all’energia in uscita - Rinnovabili (Italy)
- Raising solar panel system output by 30% - Market Business News
- Study Shows Reflectors Could Maximize Solar Panels Productivity - AZO Cleantech
- New Method Enables Use of Reflectors to Shine More Light on Solar Panels - World Industrial Reporter
- Solar Panels Just Got a Little Bit Brighter - The Epoch Times
- Boosting solar panel efficiency: Is it simply a matter of angles? -- EE Times Europe
- http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800716755_1800008_NT_d79964a0.HTM - EE Times India
- 研究人员利用双向反射模型提高PV聚光效率 - 电子工程专辑 -- EE Times China
- Researchers Discover How to Shine More Sunlight on Solar Panels, Increase Output By 30% - IHS Electronics 360
- Light reflection model boosts solar farm efficiency - Smart 2 Zero
- Forma fácil de aumentar el rendimiento de paneles solares ya instalados - Noticias de la Ciencia (Spanish)
- 研究人员利用双向反射模型提高PV聚光效率 - Laoyaobo (Chinese)
- Hallan modo de aumentar eficiencia de paneles solares -- Presna Latina (official state news agency of Cuba/Spanish),Primer Momento (Dominican Republic /Spanish)
- Zusatzreflektor steigert Ausbeute bei Solaranlagen -- Elektor Magazine (Germany)
- Michigan Tech research team aim to increase sunlight reaching solar panels, may improve output by 30%- PV Buzz
- US researchers aim to improve use of reflectors for solar plants - Photon
- Hallan modo de aumentar eficiencia de paneles solares - Pais Distinto Press (Spanish/Dominican Republic)
- Výzkum zvýšení efektivity solárních panelů - FCC Public (Czech)
- Fotovoltaico, 30% di efficienza energetica in più sfruttando il sole perso fra i pannelli - Elettronica (Italian)
- More Realistic Modeling for More Efficient Solar Farms - Solar Novus Today
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