Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Passive Cooling based Secondary Concentrator for Solar Concentrating Photovoltaic (cpv) System for Uniform Flux Distribution and Effective Cooling
Categories for this Invention
Technology: Cooling for Solar CPV System
Category: Energy, Energy Storage & Renewable Energy
Industry: Solar Industry
Application: Solar concentrating photovoltaic power system
Market: The global market size was worth around USD 234.57 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow around USD 425.39 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.84% between 2024 and 2032
Image Gallery
Problem Statement
- Photovoltaic cells convert solar energy to electrical energy.
- Efficiency increases with increased solar energy input.
- Cell temperature rises during conversion, reducing performance.
- Accurate concentrator and effective thermal management system are needed for higher efficiencies.
- Novel passive cooling based secondary three-dimensional compound parabolic collector (CPC) reflector proposed for cost-effective solar power generation.
Technology
- A solar concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system comprising of :
- A 111-V triple-junction CPV,
- A primary concentrator comprising of Fresnal lens,
- A passive cooling means comprising of secondary concentrator comprising of a compound parabolic collector,
- A concentrator optic means comprising of an optical homogenizer and
- A plurality reflector means comprising of fins associated with secondary concentrator and optic means wherein the said system is characterized
- In the secondary concentrator being a non-imaging concentrator with fins reflecting the solar light that does not focus directly onto the solar cell enhancing the absorption of solar light refracted by Fresnal lens,
- In the optical homogenizer having a high reflective surface with fins ensuring uniform distribution of solar irradiance at the surface of solar cell and
- In the fins more specifically adapted to dissipate the heat generated by non absorbed photons for maintaining the cell temperature.
Key Features / Value Proposition
CPV Systems Classification
- Active: Manages thermal energy.
- Passive: Reflects thermal energy.
Fresnel Lens-Based CPV System
- Compact, cost-effective.
- Primary concentrator: Fresnel lens.
- Secondary concentrator: Compound parabolic collector.
- Optical homogenizer.
- 111-V triple-junction CPV cell.
Secondary Reflector and Optical Homogenizer in Solar Cell
- Prevents overheating and lens deformation.
- Ensures uniform solar irradiance distribution.
- Uses fins for passive cooling and temperature maintenance.
- Allows larger cell area behind
Solar Cell Concentration
- Uses concentration optics for small-sized solar cells.
- Employs large, inexpensive plastic Fresnel lens.
Solar Irradiance Measurement
- Chromatographic aberration reduces average irradiance.
- Secondary optics needed.
- Optical homogenizer enhances uniformity.
Heat Sink and Fins in CPC
- Dissipates heat from non-absorbed photons.
- Provides fins around CPC and homogenizer.
CPV Cell Efficiency
- Higher concentration ratios.
- Uniform irradiation for reliability.
- Less parasitic power due to passive cooling.
- Efficient with minimal internal power consumption.
System Overview
- Simple, low-cost
- Standalone, modular
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Srinivasa Reddy K
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Intellectual Property
IITM IDF Ref. 980
Patent No: IN 353190
Technology Readiness Level
TRL- 3
Experimental Proof of Concept