Optimization of gain and energy conversion efficiency using front-facing photovoltaic cell luminescent solar concentratordesign

Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) windows with front-facing photovoltaic (PV) cells were built and their gain and power efficiency were investigated. Conventional LSCs employ a photovoltaic (PV) cell that is placed on the edge of the LSC, facing inward. This paper describes a new design with the PV cells on the front-face allowing them to receive both direct solar irradiation and wave-guided photons emitted from a dye embedded in an acrylic sheet, which is optically coupled to the PV cells. Parameters investigated include the thickness of the waveguide, edge treatment of the window, cell width, and cell placement. The data allowed us to make projections that aided in designing windows for maximized overall efficiency. A gain in power of 2.2× over the PV cells alone was obtained with PV cell coverage of 5%, and a power conversion efficiency as high as 6.8% was obtained with a PV cell coverage of 31%. Balancing the trade-offs between gain and efficiency, the design with the lowest cost per watt attained a power efficiency of 3.8% and a gain of 1.6×.

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► Innovative LSC design with front-facing PV cells receives direct and diffuse light.
► Energy conversion efficiency as high as 6.8% achieved with 14% PV cell coverage.
► Power gain of 2.4achieved with 5% PV cell coverage and white back reflector.
► Cost per watt reduced by 20% with optimized design and PV cell coverage.