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High Performance PV Concentrator--SVV Technology Innovations, Inc., 10027 E Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757; 916-714-4917; www.svvti.com
Dr. Sergiy Vasylyev, Principal Investigator, vasilyev@svvti.com
Dr. Sergiy Vasylyev, Business Official, vasilyev@svvti.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-07ER84784
Amount: $99,740
Although high
efficiency III-V solar cells can approach 40% solar conversion efficiency, they
are cost prohibitive without sunlight concentration. However, conventional concentrator designs
are capped at 500X magnification and have optical efficiencies below 80%. This project will develop a reflective lens
concept that removes these limits and offers a much greater choice of
fabrication techniques and industrial materials for making concentrator
modules. The new reflective lens will
combine the high concentration ability of parabolic mirrors with the design
versatility of Fresnel lenses. The approach also will avoid the need for
secondary optical stages and will aim at achieving manufacturing simplicity,
low weight, and improved conversion efficiency.
In Phase I, a design study will be performed, an optical model will be
developed, ray-tracing experiments will be conducted, and a pilot prototype
concentrator will be fabricated and tested.
Phase II will involve the development of an integrated terrestrial
concentrator PV module.
Commercial Applications and other
Benefits as described by the awardee: The use of reflective lenses for a
high performance photovoltaic concentrator should provide record breaking
concentration and highly uniform illumination of the solar cells. The replacement of conventional PV modules
with inexpensive, flat-plate III-V concentrator panels, which utilize
500-to-1,000 times less PV material, should become viable. The commercialization of the new concentrator
PV panels will help meet national goals to secure energy independence, reduce
carbon emissions, and generate clean renewable energy.