Radiometric ratio characterization for low-to-mid CPV modules operating in variable irradiance conditions

Shelby Vorndran; Juan Russo; Deming Zhang; Michael Gordon; Raymond Kostuk

doi:10.1117/12.929854

15 October 2012 Radiometric ratio characterization for low-to-mid CPV modules operating in variable irradiance conditions

Shelby Vorndran, Juan Russo, Deming Zhang, Michael Gordon, Raymond Kostuk

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8468, High and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Electric Applications VII; 846806 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929854
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this work, a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) design methodology is proposed which aims to maximize system efficiency for a given irradiance condition. In this technique, the acceptance angle of the system is radiometrically matched to the angular spread of the site’s average irradiance conditions using a simple geometric ratio. The optical efficiency of CPV systems from flat-plate to high-concentration is plotted at all irradiance conditions. Concentrator systems are measured outdoors in various irradiance conditions to test the methodology. This modeling technique is valuable at the design stage to determine the ideal level of concentration for a CPV module. It requires only two inputs: the acceptance angle profile of the system and the site’s average direct and diffuse irradiance fractions. Acceptance angle can be determined by raytracing or testing a fabricated prototype in the lab with a solar simulator. The average irradiance conditions can be found in the Typical Metrological Year (TMY3) database. Additionally, the information gained from this technique can be used to determine tracking tolerance, quantify power loss during an isolated weather event, and do more sophisticated analysis such as I-V curve simulation.

Citation Download Citation

Shelby Vorndran, Juan Russo, Deming Zhang, Michael Gordon, and Raymond Kostuk "Radiometric ratio characterization for low-to-mid CPV modules operating in variable irradiance conditions", Proc. SPIE 8468, High and Low Concentrator Systems for Solar Electric Applications VII, 846806 (15 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929854

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