Direct Fluid Cooling of Concentrator Photovoltaics for Hybrid Photovoltaic-Solar Thermal Energy Conversion

A spectrum-splitting photovoltaic module is developed for hybrid photovoltaic-solar thermal energy conversion using direct fluid cooling (DFC) of partially transmissive concentrator photovoltaic cells. The waste heat generated in photovoltaic cells can be more efficiently extracted by flowing a heat transfer fluid in direct contact with both sides of the cells. The module also acts as a beam splitter, dividing the incident light into two parts. Photons with higher energy than the bandgap of the cells are absorbed in cells, while photons with lower energy are passed through the infrared-transmissive module to a thermal receiver. Optical modeling (experimental) shows 63.2% (34.3%) out-of-band transmittance through the cell regions and 90.4% (89.0%) full spectrum transmittance through the surrounding bypass region. Thermal modelling verifies the direct cooling fluid method is an effective way to maintain cell temperature <; 110°C. Electrical power conversion efficiency in a first prototype module is 79% of the bare cell efficiency. Fluid flow characterization shows laminar flow. The modules are currently undergoing field testing.