On-grid performance of REhnu's 8-mirror CPV-T tracker

Thomas Stalcup, Roger Angel, Andrew Geary, Frank Sodari, Matt Rademacher, Andy Whiteside, John Will, Nick Didato, Peter Strittmatter

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

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

REhnu has built and tested two 6 kW CPV-T trackers using dish-receiver architecture. In these trackers, only the light collection elements are large, namely mirrors on dual axis trackers. The inherently small parts, the multijunction cells, are packaged in a small, inexpensive receiver at each mirror focus. Optics in the receiver apportion the intensely focused sunlight equally to many cells, for high optical efficiency and simplified manufacture. Heat is removed by recirculated liquid. The tracker carries eight 2.7 m2 mirrors and receivers. The CSTC DC efficiency of the individual mirror receiver units is measured at 32.5%. When used for electrical generation alone, the tracker system delivers an AC electrical output of 6.27 kW to the grid, referenced to a solar flux of 1 kW/m2 DNI and 20°C ambient temperature, corresponding to a total CSOC system efficiency of 29.1%, matching the best grid-connected system efficiency reported for any CPV system4. When used to generate also a thermal output of 9 kW at 64°C, the electrical efficiency of the tracker was reduced by 0.8%, while the total efficiency, thermal plus electrical, rose to 77%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication13th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems, CPV 2017
EditorsIgnacio Rey-Stolle, Gerald Siefer, Karin Hinzer
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735415614
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 6 2017
Event13th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems, CPV 2017 - Ottawa, Canada
Duration: May 1 2017May 3 2017

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1881
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other13th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems, CPV 2017
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityOttawa
Period5/1/175/3/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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