Unmet Need
Solar energy is the fastest-growing energy source and is projected to increase from its current 11% of total U.S. renewable generation to 48% by 2050. Solar concentrators are an innovation that can be used in conjunction with high-efficiency solar cells to facilitate this rapid increase in power generation. Concentrators like the Dielectric Total-Internal-Reflection concentrators (DTIRCs) direct light from over a large area to create a more efficient optical emitter into photovoltaic cells. However, current concentrators are limited by their specificity such that their efficacy reduces significantly outside of a small angular range. Consequently, an extremal system is typically required to track sun movement and adjust the concentrator, resulting in added cost and weight. Therefore, a new method of maintaining concentrator efficacy while reducing external additions is needed.
Technology Overview
Inventors at Johns Hopkins have developed an improved design based on the current DTIRCs. By implementing a Fresnel-lens like microstructure on the surface of the concentrator, they have been able to simultaneously increase the acceptance angle (from 22.5° to 27°) and enhance the concentration ratio (from ~10 to ~11). These increases reduce the necessity for external equipment for tracking and adjustment, thereby making them flexible and customizable for various photovoltaic devices.
Stage of Development
A preliminary version of the system has been tested. Work is currently being done for further enhancement through optimization of ray incident direction through testing with ray optic simulations and manufacturing of the device via 3D printing technologies.
Patents
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Publication
