solar concentrators; space optics; nonimaging optics; Fresnel lenses; diffraction gratings; light splitting
Abstract :
[en] This paper presents a new design of a planar solar concentrator for space applications. The concentrator focuses light onto two spatially separated photovoltaic cells, allowing for independent control of the output power of each cell. Thanks to a blazed diffraction grating superimposed on a Fresnel lens, advantages of both spectral splitting and light focusing can be combined. The theoretical model of the optical design is presented, with the optimization of either element. Moreover, configuration improvement is proposed: a symmetrical configuration composed of two lenses. First numerical results are presented, highlighting the possibility
to design a concentrator at about 10× for each cell, with an optical efficiency of about 75% and less than 10% of losses for tracking errors lower than ±0.9°.
Research Center/Unit :
CSL - Centre Spatial de Liège - ULiège
Disciplines :
Space science, astronomy & astrophysics
Author, co-author :
Michel, Céline ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de physique > Optique - Hololab
Loicq, Jerôme ; Université de Liège - ULiège > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Languy, Fabian ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de physique > Optique - Hololab
Habraken, Serge ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de physique > Optique - Hololab
Language :
English
Title :
Optical study of a solar concentrator for space applications based on a diffractive/refractive optical combination
Publication date :
2014
Journal title :
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
ISSN :
0927-0248
Publisher :
Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Volume :
120PA
Pages :
183-190
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funders :
FRIA - Fonds pour la Formation à la Recherche dans l'Industrie et dans l'Agriculture [BE]
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