Design of folded holographic spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system for direct and diffuse illumination conditions

Yuechen Wu, Shelby D. Vorndran, Juan M. Russo, Silvana Ayala, Raymond K. Kostuk

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Spectrum-splitting is a beneficial technique to increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) systems. This method divides the incident solar spectrum into spectral components that are spatially separated and directed to PV cells with matching spectral responsivity characteristics. This approach eliminates problems associated with current and lattice matching that must be maintained in tandem multi-junction systems. In this paper, a two-junction holographic spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system is demonstrated with a folded PV geometry. The system is designed to use both direct and diffuse solar irradiation. It consists of holographic elements, a wedge-shaped optical guide, and PV substrates with back reflectors. The holographic elements and back reflectors spatially separate the incident solar spectrum and project spectral components onto matching PV cell types. In addition, the wedge-shaped optical guide traps diffuse illumination inside the system to increase absorption. In this paper, the wedge spectrum splitting system is analyzed using tabulated data for InGaP2/GaAs cells with direct illumination combined with experimental data for reflection volume holograms. A system efficiency of 31.42% is obtained with experimental reflection hologram data. This efficiency is a 21.42% improvement over a similar system that uses one PV cell with the highest efficiency (GaAs). Simulation results show large acceptance angle for both in-plane and out-of plane directions. Simulation of the output power of the system with different configurations at different times of the year are also presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications IX
EditorsCandace Pfefferkorn, Adam P. Plesniak
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628412024
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications IX - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 19 2014Aug 20 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9175
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications IX
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/19/148/20/14

Keywords

  • Solar energy
  • holographic optical filter
  • light trapping
  • spectrum-splitting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design of folded holographic spectrum-splitting photovoltaic system for direct and diffuse illumination conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this