A 20-sun hybrid PV-Thermal linear micro-concentrator system for urban rooftop applications

D. Walter*, V. Everett, A. Blakers, M. Vivar, J. Harvey, J. Muric-Nesic, T. Ratcliff, S. Surve, R. Van Scheppingen, P. Le Lievre, M. Greaves, A. Tanne

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    12 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A unique, linear, low-concentration, hybrid 'micro-concentrator' (MCT) system concept has been developed specifically for urban rooftop environments. The light-weight, low-profile form factor satisfies aesthetic demands for general rooftop solar technologies, and is a marked departure from conventional linear concentrator systems. Valuable thermal energy, normally of nuisance value only, and usually wasted by conventional CPV, is extracted via a heat transfer fluid. The recovered thermal energy can be used for applications ranging from domestic hot water through to space heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and process heat. The system can be modularly configured for hybrid concentrating PV-Thermal (CPV-T) or thermal-only operation to meet specific customer demands. At a 20x concentration ratio, system output of 500 W pe and 2 kWpt is expected, for a combined system efficiency of up to 75%. The MCT is constructed from mature, proven technologies and industry-standard processes. An installed system cost of less than US$2/Wpe is targeted, and commercial availability is expected to commence in 2011.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProgram - 35th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2010
    Pages831-836
    Number of pages6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010
    Event35th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2010 - Honolulu, HI, United States
    Duration: 20 Jun 201025 Jun 2010

    Publication series

    NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
    ISSN (Print)0160-8371

    Conference

    Conference35th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2010
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityHonolulu, HI
    Period20/06/1025/06/10

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