Further Development of a Novel Solar Cell Concentrator Photovoltaic Converter System: Final Report

摘要

Previously a photovoltaic converter using an optical filter to split the solar spectrum and focus the light onto two cells was built and tested. Conversion efficiencies for the test module ranged from 27.0% at 113 suns to 26.0% at 489 suns. The construction of this module was guided by a theoretical analysis of the efficiencies to be expected from a variety of bandgap combinations. The purpose of this program is to continue the investigation of all elements of the spectral splitting approach. A major emphasis of the program is the extension of the spectral splitting principle to a three-gap conveter. This includes the extension of the theoretical analysis to include the properties of the optical filter. The theoretical analysis is given, and the feedback provided by this analysis to the rest of the program is emphasized. Research on germanium, silicon, and AlGaAs/Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/As solar cells is described. (ERA citation 06:004654)