Jelena Muric-Nesic

A 20-sun hybrid PV-Thermal linear micro-concentrator system for urban rooftop applications

A unique, linear, low-concentration, hybrid ‘micro-concentrator’ (MCT) system concept has been developed specifically for urban rooftop environments. The light-weight, low-profile form factor satisfies aesthetic demands for general rooftop solar technologies, and is a marked departure from conventional linear concentrator systems. Valuable thermal energy, normally of nuisance value only, and usually wasted by conventional CPV, is extracted via a heat transfer fluid. The recovered thermal energy can be used for applications ranging from domestic hot water through to space heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and process heat. The system can be modularly configured for hybrid concentrating PV-Thermal (CPV-T) or thermal-only operation to meet specific customer demands. At a 20x concentration ratio, system output of 500 Wpe and 2 kWpt is expected, for a combined system efficiency of up to 75%. The MCT is constructed from mature, proven technologies and industry-standard processes. An installed system cost of less than US

Flexible sliver modules

2/Wpe is targeted, and commercial availability is expected to commence in 2011.

Materials and manufacturing processes for high-efficiency flexible photovoltaic modules

This paper presents the design, fabrication, testing, and integration with equipment of a flexible photovoltaic module. The modules are based on mono-crystalline silicon Sliver cells. Tests have been developed to specifically test flexible modules, including their flexibility, abrasion resistance, power to weight ratio, and partial shading. The results of a 0.1 m2 module with 13 W power output and 178 W/kg are presented.

A Monolithic Microconcentrator Receiver For A Hybrid PV‐Thermal System: Preliminary Performance

An overview of the materials, processing techniques, and characterisation procedures for flexible solar modules is presented. Flexible modules are lightweight, roll-able, and/or foldable for storage and transport. The design approach selected by the Australian National University incorporates very thin, high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells embedded between flexible coversheets, and supported by silicone encapsulant and flexible electrical contacts. The modules can be fabricated using a number of approaches including constructing the circuitry separately to the packaging, or using the packaging as both a protective layer and a base for circuitry.

Designing CPV Receivers With Reliability: Early Evaluation of Components

An innovative hybrid PV‐thermal microconcentrator (MCT) system is being jointly developed by Chromasun Inc., San Jose, California, and at the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, Australian National University. The MCT aims to develop the small‐scale, roof‐top market for grid‐integrated linear CPV systems. A low profile, small footprint enclosure isolates system components from the environment, relaxing the demands on supporting structures, tracking, and maintenance. Net costs to the consumer are reduced via an active cooling arrangement that provides thermal energy suitable for water and space heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. As part of a simplified, low‐cost design, an integrated substrate technology provides electrical interconnection, heat sinking, and mechanical support for the concentrator cells. An existing, high‐efficiency, one‐sun solar cell technology has been modified for this system. This paper presents an overview of the key design features, and preliminary el...

Effect of Vibrations on Void Content in Composite Materials

The Australian National University (ANU) is developing a new hybrid CPV/Thermal micro‐concentrator (MCT) system working at a concentration ratio of 20 to 30X. System design and reliability have been integrated as a concurrent process, enabling early optimisation of the concentrator design. The key feature of this procedure is that a carefully selected set of simple tests can be conducted concurrently with the design of the concentrator module, without introducing time delays on the module design. Test results provide valuable information that significantly informs the design process and helps to avoid future failures.

Integrating the design and reliability assessment of a hybrid Pv-Thermal microconcentrator system

Eliminating common defects such as voids, bubbles and poor adhesion at interfaces will increase the quality of laminated sandwich composite structure. We are experimenting and analyzing the effect of mechanical vibrations applied to the curing system of composite materials production, particularly on minimizing void content. The range of frequency of vibrations covered was from 2Hz to 8kHz, for different period of vibrations. The composite laminates were made by hand lay-up using glass fibres and vinyl-ester resin, and examined under a microscope to determine types and quantity of defects. The results showed reduction in the number of bubbles (as well as in void content) at frequencies between 10Hz and 50Hz for 30 minutes of vibrations.

On the void reduction mechanisms in vibration assisted consolidation of fibre reinforced polymer composites

The Australian National University (ANU) is developing a new hybrid CPV-Thermal micro-concentrator (MCT) system working at a concentration ratio of 20 to 30X. System design and reliability testing have been integrated as concurrent processes, enabling the early optimisation of the concentrator system design. The key feature of this integrated design-test procedure is that carefully selected sets of simple tests can be conducted concurrently with the design of the concentrator module, without introducing time delays in the module design phase. Test results provide valuable information that significantly informs the design process and helps to avoid future failures. The ANU hybrid micro-concentrator receiver also provides heat for domestic applications, introducing special requirements for tests of the active cooling system. IEC 62108 tests procedures have been analysed in order to verify and extend their suitability for active cooling systems. A modified and extended test sequence is proposed to assess actively-cooled CPV and CPV-T systems.