FIELD TEST RESULTS OF THE ARCHIMEDES PHOTOVOLTAIC V-TROUGH CONCENTRATOR SYSTEM

摘要

A new photovoltaic concentrator system with passive tracking has been developed and tested (EU Joule III Project ARCHIMEDES). It is based upon irradiation enhancement in the module plane by flat plate mirrors in V-trough configuration and elimination of losses from off axis incidence using a maintenance free solar tracking unit, the thermohydraulic actuator (THA). The new ARCHIMEDES system is designed for highly efficient and long term reliable water pumping and can offer up to more than 40% cost advantages compared to conventional fixed flat plate systems. Prototypes are installed since summer 2000 in Germany, Spain and on Crete. The field test results confirm the concept. Effective concentration factors of more than 1.8X are reached under clear sky conditions. The operation temperature is comparable to conventional non concentrating systems. An annual energy harvest of 3000 ― 3500 kWh_(dc) per installed kW_p can be reached for Southern Europe.