Performance of multi junction photovoltaic cells with high concentration ratio

A. Aldossary, A. Algarue, S. Mahmoud, R. K. Al-Dadah*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
132 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Concentrating solar radiation on Photovoltaic (PV) has the potential to replace the expensive PV material with cheaper optical elements which also enhance the overall electrical output. The use of high solar concentration ratios with the triple junction III-V solar cells offers potential of high solar cell efficiency and power output. However, using high concentration ratios will increase the solar cell surface temperature which is inversely proportional to the PV electrical efficiency. This work investigates the effect of active cooling on the performance of triple junction PV cells with high solar concentration (up to 500X) in the harsh environment of Saudi Arabia where ambient temperatures can reach to 50o C in summer time, but with good clearance index of 0.6 and high yearly solar radiation of up to 2200 kWh/m2. Simulation results showed that as the concentration ratio increases, the effect of cooling on the PV efficiency increases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2258-2261
Number of pages4
JournalEnergy Procedia
Volume61
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014
Event6th International Conference on Applied Energy, ICAE 2014 - Taipei, Taiwan, Province of China
Duration: 30 May 20142 Jun 2014

Keywords

  • Active cooling
  • Conjugate heat transfer
  • High concentration
  • Passive cooling
  • Thermal modelling
  • Triple junction solar cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Performance of multi junction photovoltaic cells with high concentration ratio'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this