Eco Factor: Researchers develop microconcentrators to make solar energy modules cheaper and more efficient.
Efficiency and high cost are the two main hurdles in the path of global solar adoption. Developing economies like India and China would benefit the most if somehow photovoltaics were made more efficient and cheap. Researchers from the Australian National University, Tianjin University in China, and Chromasun, a Silicon Valley company, think that the only way to remove these hurdles is to adopt a “Microconcentrator” based hybrid design in photovoltaic systems.
The team first developed a grid-connected system that made use of 80 mirrors and a 2-axis collector that focused sunlight onto highly efficient solar cells. Such a system was able to produce 20 kilowatts of power. However, they were still not using the heat energy that was being produced in the process. The team then developed a new 300 m2 Combined Heat and Power Solar (CHAPS) system that used the heat generated in the photovoltaic concentrators. But the mere size of this system made it incompatible for smaller devices.
The team then developed a new system by combining both of their previous inventions. This new system had a hybrid “Microconcentrator” that measured just 1.7 X 1.5 X0.2 meters and used just 7 mirrors for focusing light. This small system added efficiency to the system without adding to the cost.
The Dark Side:
The system still is big enough for much smaller devices such as cellphones and the much popular MP3/MP4 players. A truly remarkable discovery would be something that can be cheap, efficient and can still be used to power portable electronic devices whenever they get the open sun.
Via: RenewableEnergyWorld/TrendsUpdates
