Affiliation:
1. Physics Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology , PO Box 3030, Irbid , Jordan
Abstract
Abstract
Solar concentrators are used in solar photovoltaic systems to lower the cost of producing electricity. In this situation, fewer solar cells can be used, lowering the overall cost of the system. The purpose of this article is to design, construct, install and test a stationary (non-tracking) concentrating system in Irbid, Jordan. Bifacial solar cells are used in the design. Two concentrator designs (with the same concentration ratio) are experimentally tested. Conc-A has a parabolic shape in the lower part but flat reflecting walls, whereas Conc-B has a standard compound parabolic shape in all parts. The receiving solar cells are arranged in three distinct positions in each concentrator. The results reveal that the output power from both concentrators is affected by the placement of the receiving solar cells within the concentrator. It has also been found that concentrators with flat reflecting walls perform better than those with parabolic reflecting walls. Conc-A’s power collection is ~198% greater than that of a non-concentrating device. When Conc-B is used, the increase in power is ~181%.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Energy Engineering and Power Technology,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Environmental Engineering