A 20-sun hybrid PV-Thermal linear micro-concentrator system for urban rooftop applications

Abstract

A unique, linear, low-concentration, hybrid 'micro-concentrator' (MCT) system concept has been developed specifically for urban rooftop environments. The light-weight, low-profile form factor satisfies aesthetic demands for general rooftop solar technologies, and is a marked departure from conventional linear concentrator systems. Valuable thermal energy, normally of nuisance value only, and usually wasted by conventional CPV, is extracted via a heat transfer fluid. The recovered thermal energy can be used for applications ranging from domestic hot water through to space heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and process heat. The system can be modularly configured for hybrid concentrating PV-Thermal (CPV-T) or thermal-only operation to meet specific customer demands. At a 20x concentration ratio, system output of 500 Wpe and 2 kWpt is expected, for a combined system efficiency of up to 75%. The MCT is constructed from mature, proven technologies and industry-standard processes. An installed system cost of less than US$2/Wpe is targeted, and commercial availability is expected to commence in 2011. Show more