Investigation of spectral impacts on the performance of a concentration device using a Fresnel lens combined with a double junction cell

This experimental study was carried out within the context of high concentration photovoltaics.
The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation relating to the quantification of the impacts of the chromatic effect on the performance of a double junction GaInP/GaAs solar cell. Chromatic effects are the result of material dispersion caused by the refractive optics component. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the spectral modification of the incident beam on the whole solar concentrator system performance. Such considerations are fundamental in producing a highly accurate design, with which to achieve the best possible system performance. Efficiency is evaluated within the vicinity of the focus of a Fresnel lens designed for concentration. On the optical axis, rays with different wavelengths are not focalized at the same points. The spectral content of the beam depends, therefore, upon the position of the cell along the optical axis. It is assumed that spectral content modification may have an impact on cell performance and, as a consequence, on system efficiency as a whole. Efficiency of the optical Fresnel lens and of the cell were evaluated in relation to spectral content modification.