Design and Analysis of a Novel Spectral Beam Splitting Hybrid Photovoltaic and Concentrating Solar Thermal System
Abstract
A novel design compact photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal (PV/CST) hybrid system with a spectral beam splitting film is proposed in this study. The novel spectral beam splitting film is laid on a PV cell, which exhibits a superior spectral beam splitting, simultaneously achieving achieving high maximum transmittance of 72.93% and reflectance of 89.72%. The Monte Carlo Ray-Trace Method (MCRT) is used to simulate the path of light and the concentrating characteristic between the photovoltaic cell and absorber tube of the PV/CST hybrid system. The solar energy flux distribution on the surface of the PV cell and the outer wall of the absorber tube is calculated via utilizing MCRT method. By changing angle of the incident light and geometrical concentrating ratio, the photoelectric and photothermal characteristics of the photovoltaic and photothermal subunit are simulated under the different Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI), respectively. Keywords: Photovoltaic; concentrating solar thermal; spectral beam splitting film; solar energy flux distribution; Monte Carlo Ray-Trace Method