Integration of Spectral Splitting in a CPV-T Receiver Concept

The combined use of thermal and electrical power makes it possible to optimize the total energy output in a CPV-T receiver. By implementing a spectral filter in front of the PV-cell, the part of the solar irradiation that cannot be converted by the solar cell can be directly transformed into thermal energy and thereby reducing the solar cell temperature. This paper presents simulation results of a spectral splitting CPV-T receiver concept compared to a conventional CPV-T receiver, and the influence of different physical parameters on the electrical and thermal output. Simulations were performed for a Fresnel-type collector for the two locations Wels (Austria) and Lleida (Spain). For the spectral splitting receiver concept the simulation showed an annual average electrical efficiency of 10.1%, and a thermal annual average efficiency of 86%. On the other hand, the conventional CPV-T receiver reached a higher electrical efficiency with 14.7%, but a lower yearly thermal efficiency with 76.1% had to be accepted.