Sunflower Receiver for Hybrid CPV/T Energy Conversion
Many solar energy systems are not using sunlight to its full potential. Most panels convert sunlight into electricity, but waste the heat that could also be used. This leads to lower efficiency and higher costs, especially in areas where energy needs are high and resources are limited. There is a growing need for systems that can capture both heat and electricity from the sun and store them efficiently for later use. This offering includes multiple patent families and methods, including an iteration that uses a semitransparent photovoltaic cell and a newer family that uses an opaque solar cell under ongoing development.
The following technologies are offered as a “bundle”.
- Infared-Transparent Photovoltaics for Coupling Solar Electric to Solar Thermal Energy Generation
- Schottky-Junction Photovoltaics using Transition-Metal Dichalcogenides
- Concentrated solar photovoltaic and photothermal system for energy generation and storage
- Sunflower receiver for Hybrid CPV/T energy conversion
- Direct Fluid Cooling Solar Module for Hybrid Photovoltaic-Solar Thermal Energy Conversion
- Transmissive Concentrating Photovoltaic Module for Combined High-Efficiency Electricity and Thermal Energy Generation
The Problem
Industrial Process Heat (IPH) is currently dominated (90%) by natural gas and coal combustion; however, the emergence of solar has led to the commercial production of heat and electricity. For instance, solar thermal systems now produce over 500 GW, saving over 43 million tons of oil and 138 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Over 400 thermal heat systems have been installed throughout the world, and continue to expand. While these solar IPH systems hold great
promise for heat and electricity generation, they are expensive, have limited storage options, and come with a considerable footprint. Hence, new technologies are needed to fully exploit their potential for heating, cooling, and electrical generation.
The Solution
Tulane researchers have developed a more efficient and cost-effective method for producing and storing solar power by combining photovoltaic (PV) and photothermal (PT) processes in a hybrid system. The system comprises a thermal receiver connected to a collection system with a concentrator and focal point. In addition, the invention enables transmissive concentrated power by using a multijunction PV cell mounted on a transparent base. The use of a multijunction cell allows for highly efficient conversion of sunlight to electricity. The technology has been tested outdoors with pilot integration into a more extensive system. In addition, the inventors generated significant field data from 13 prototypes. Currently, the technology is being optimized for long-term, high-efficiency performance with a specific focus on integration to a specific customer’s needs.
The Opportunity
This technology targets the commercial and industrial solar energy market, where integrated, high-efficiency solutions are in demand. Ideal customers include utility-scale solar developers, industrial facilities with significant power and heat needs, off-grid installations such as remote mining operations or military bases, and large commercial buildings aiming to maximize renewable energy use. The system’s ability to combine electricity generation with thermal energy storage makes it especially attractive for applications where energy density, system integration, and long-term performance are critical.
