Low Concentration PV

What is Low Concentration PV?

Low concentration PV (LCPV) systems have a concentration magnification ratio of less than 10X. Examples of these systems include compound parabolic concentrators, prism-based concentrators and V-troughs.

They typically use single junction silicon solar cells, have quite simple designs and often employ concentrating optics made of plastic. They are easier and cheaper to manufacture and maintain than high concentrating systems as they do not require tracking or cooling mechanisms. LCPV systems are suitable for stand-alone applications and building integration. They are capable of capturing a large part of the diffuse solar radiation, in addition to the direct component, making them particularly suitable for the climit of northern Europe.

What are the challenges for Low Concentrating PV?

LCPV systems are less efficient than other types of concentrating PV. One of the main causes is that they suffer losses from non-uniform illumination of the solar cells. To fully take into account both the direct and diffuse components of the solar spectrum, the design of the concentrating system must be tailored for the particular location. Furthermore, the integration of such devices into modular systems often results in bulky, heavy panels.

How are these challenges being addressed by SISER researchers?

Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University have developed a novel optical concentrator that can be used in a non-tracking, wall mounted, building integrated system. Careful selection of the field of view of the solar concentrator allows solar radiation to be captured throughout the year, without the requirement for mechanical tracking.

SISER researchers with interest in this area are: Dr Tadgh O'Donovan and Dr Roberto Ramirez

Full details of all SISER researchers are found on the SISER People Page.

Publications

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Imhamed Saleh M Ali, Tadhg S O'Donovan, K S Reddy and Tapas K Mallick. An optical analysis of a static 3-D solar concentrator. Solar Energy 88:57-70, 2013.
BibTeX

@article{An optical analysis of a static 3-D solar concentrator,
	author = "Ali, Imhamed M. Saleh and O'Donovan, Tadhg S. and Reddy, K. S. and Mallick, Tapas K.",
	title = "An optical analysis of a static 3-D solar concentrator",
	journal = "Solar Energy",
	volume = 88,
	pages = "57-70",
	note = "Times Cited: 1 Reddy, srinivas/c-6195-2013 1",
	year = 2013
}

Georgios E Arnaoutakis, Jose Marques-Hueso, Tapas K Mallick and Bryce S Richards. Coupling of sunlight into optical fibres and spectral dependence for solar energy applications. Solar Energy 93:235-243, 2013.
BibTeX

@article{Coupling of sunlight into optical fibres and spectral dependence for solar energy applications,
	author = "Arnaoutakis, Georgios E. and Marques-Hueso, Jose and Mallick, Tapas K. and Richards, Bryce S.",
	title = "Coupling of sunlight into optical fibres and spectral dependence for solar energy applications",
	journal = "Solar Energy",
	volume = 93,
	pages = "235-243",
	note = "Times Cited: 0 0",
	year = 2013
}

R Wehrspohn and A Gombert (eds.). Propagation of White Light through Optical Fibres for CPV Systems. Proceedings of SPIE series, volume 8438, 2012.
BibTeX

@inbook{Propagation of White Light through Optical Fibres for CPV Systems,
	author = "Arnaoutakis, Georgios E. and Marques-Hueso, Jose and Richards, Bryce S. and Mallick, Tapas K.",
	title = "Propagation of White Light through Optical Fibres for CPV Systems",
	booktitle = "Photonics for Solar Energy Systems Iv",
	editor = "Wehrspohn, R. and Gombert, A.",
	series = "Proceedings of SPIE",
	volume = 8438,
	note = "Times Cited: 0 Conference on Photonics for Solar Energy Systems IV Apr 16-18, 2012 Brussels, BELGIUM SPIE; Brussels Photon Team (B-PHOT); Brussels-Capital Reg; Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO); Int Commiss Opt (ICO); Ville Bruxelles",
	year = 2012
}

R Setchi, I Jordanov, R J Howlett and L C Jain (eds.). Optimised Dielectric Totally Internally Reflecting Concentrator for the Solar Photonic Optoelectronic Transformer System: Maximum Concentration Method. Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence series, volume 6279, pages 633-641, 2010.
BibTeX

@inbook{Optimised Dielectric Totally Internally Reflecting Concentrator for the Solar Photonic Optoelectronic Transformer System: Maximum Concentration Method,
	author = "Muhammad-Sukki, Firdaus and Ramirez-Iniguez, Roberto and McMeekin, Scott G. and Stewart, Brian G. and Clive, Barry",
	title = "Optimised Dielectric Totally Internally Reflecting Concentrator for the Solar Photonic Optoelectronic Transformer System: Maximum Concentration Method",
	booktitle = "Knowledge-Based and Intelligent Information and Engineering Systems, Pt Iv",
	editor = "Setchi, R. and Jordanov, I. and Howlett, R. J. and Jain, L. C.",
	series = "Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence",
	volume = 6279,
	pages = "633-641",
	note = "Times Cited: 0 14th Interntional Conference on Knowledge-Based and Intelligent Information and Engineering Systems Sep 08-10, 2010 Cardiff, WALES Cardiff Univ, Sch Engn; KES Int",
	year = 2010
}

Nabin Sarmah, Bryce S Richards and Tapas K Mallick. Evaluation and optimization of the optical performance of low-concentrating dielectric compound parabolic concentrator using ray-tracing methods. Applied Optics 50(19):3303-3310, 2011.
BibTeX

@article{Evaluation and optimization of the optical performance of low-concentrating dielectric compound parabolic concentrator using ray-tracing methods,
	author = "Sarmah, Nabin and Richards, Bryce S. and Mallick, Tapas K.",
	title = "Evaluation and optimization of the optical performance of low-concentrating dielectric compound parabolic concentrator using ray-tracing methods",
	journal = "Applied Optics",
	volume = 50,
	number = 19,
	pages = "3303-3310",
	note = "Times Cited: 9 9",
	year = 2011
}

Publications

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