System simulation of a linear concentrating photovoltaic system with an active cooling system

Recent interest in concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) have led to research and development of multiple CPV systems throughout the world. Much of the focus has been on 3D high concentration systems without cell cooling. This research makes use of a system simulation to model a medium 2D solar concentration energy system with an active cooling system. The simulation encompasses the modeling of a GaInP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cell, the fluid and heat transfer properties of the cooling system, and the storage tank. The simulation was coded in Engineering Equation Solver and was used to simulate the linear concentrating photovoltaic system (LCPV) under Phoenix, AZ, solar and climactic conditions for a full year. The output data from this simulation was used to evaluate the LCPV system from an economic and environmental perspective, showing that over one year a 6.2 kWp LCPV system would save a residential user $1623 in electricity and water heating, as well as displace 10.35 tons of CO2.

► We created a simulation to model a 2D solar concentrating system with an active cooling system.
► The simulation was used to model a 6.2 kWp system under Phoenix, AZ solar and climactic conditions.
► The simulation models a multijunction cell along with heat, storage and mass transfer properties of the cooling fluid.
► Results showed an annual savings of $1623 in electricity and water heating, and displacement of 10.35 tons of CO2.