Performance comparison of wedge-shaped and planar luminescent solar concentrators

A wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) with the capability of high collection efficiency and flux gains is described. Monte Carlo simulations of direct insolation conditions for a mid-latitude location are used to form a comparison of a realistically sized wedge LSC and conventional LSC with the same area footprint. The results show that when the sun is high in the sky, such as during early summer, the planar LSC outperforms the wedge LSC in terms of efficiently concentrating light. Under these conditions, the average wedge LSC concentrator efficiency is 3.5%, while the planar LSC achieves an efficiency of 6.3%. However, when the sun stays low in the sky, such as during early winter, the wedge LSC concentrates light with a maximum efficiency of 32.8%; more than four times greater than that of the planar LSC at 7.6%. Moreover, on a seasonal basis, the wedge LSC is estimated to produce more electrical energy per square meter of PV cells than a planar LSC or conventional solar panel placed parallel to the horizon.

► Description of a new wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) design for photovoltaic electrical power production.
► Comparison of wedge-shaped LSC with conventional LSC under direct insolation conditions.
► When the sun is low in the sky, such as during early winter, the wedge LSC concentrates light with an average optical LSC efficiency of 32.8%, more than 4 times higher than a conventional LSC of the same area footprint and aspect ratio.
► On a seasonal basis, the wedge LSC is estimated to produce more electrical energy per square meter of PV cells than a planar LSC or conventional solar panel placed parallel to the horizon.