Thermodynamic and optical analysis for a CPV/T hybrid system with beam splitter and fully tracked linear Fresnel reflector concentrator utilizing sloped panels

Spectral splitting technology that separates solar spectrum into several parts and enables different energy conversions such as photovoltaic (PV) conversion and photo-thermal conversion aims to utilize the full spectrum solar energy efficiently. A novel concentrating PV/Thermal (CPV/T) hybrid system with beam splitter and fully tracked linear Fresnel reflector concentrator utilizing sloped panels was proposed in this study. The relations between the structural parameters and the optical performances of the system were investigated. The concentrated radiation distribution on the PV device surface was simulated by taking into account the main optical errors and shows a good uniformity. Based on the experimental data of the components, thermodynamic analysis on the CPV/T hybrid system was carried out and the results reveal that the overall energy conversion efficiencies of the proposed CPV/T hybrid system is higher than that of the CPV system under the same conditions. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.