Comparison of operational performance and analytical model of high concentrator photovoltaic thermal system at 2000 concentration ratio

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a model based on efficiency equations to evaluate the performance of an HCPV/T system and compares its outputs with data of an operational case-study system installed in Palermo, Italy. The model is validated with data of the operational system to show real performance. The model can evaluate (a) the electric efficiency of the InGaP/InGaAs/Ge TJ solar cell and (b) electrical and thermal power/energy production potential of one module. The model predictions are compared with experimental electric and thermal data by obtaining linear regression plots of experimental results vs. analytical results; the R2 for experimental electrical and thermal results are 0.91 and 0.87 respectively. Using the model, the evaluated average daily analytical and experimental InGaP/InGaAs/Ge TJ solar cell efficiencies are 33 % and 25 % respectively; with a maximum daily experimental value of 30 %. It was found that the annual analytical and potential (based on derived equations from experimental data) electric energy produced by one module are 158 kWh/m2 /year and 144 kWh/m2 /year respectively, while the annual analytical and potential thermal energy are 375 kWh/m2 /year and 390 kWh/m2/year respectively.