Model and analysis of solar thermal generators to reduce the intermittency of photovoltaic systems with the use of spectrum splitting

Silvana Ayala, Yuechen Wu, Shelby Vorndran, Raphael P. Santiago, Raymond K. Kostuk

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

Abstract

In this paper we introduce an approach to damping intermittency in photovoltaic (PV) system output due to fluctuations in solar illumination generated by use of a hybrid PV-thermal electric (TE) generation system. We describe the necessary constrains of the PV-TE system based on its thermodynamic characteristics. The basis for the approach is that the thermal time constant for the TE device is much longer than that of a PV cell. When used in combination with an optimized thermal storage device short periods of intermittency (several minutes) in PV output due to passing clouds can be compensated. A comparison of different spectrum splitting systems to efficiently utilize the incident solar spectrum between the PV and TE converters are also examined. The time-dependent behavior of a hybrid PV-TE converter with a thermal storage element is computed with SMARTS modeled irradiance data and compared to real weather and irradiation conditions for Tucson, Arizona.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications X
EditorsAdam P. Plesniak, Andru J. Prescod
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628417258
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications X - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 10 2015Aug 11 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9559
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherHigh and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Energy Applications X
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/10/158/11/15

Keywords

  • Intermittence
  • Solar energy
  • Spectrum Splitting
  • Thermo-Electric Device
  • concentrating photovoltaics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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