Modelling of the thermal behaviour of solar high concentrating photovoltaic receiver

• Published in: Thermal science and engineering progress 2019-03, Vol.9, p.281-288
• Main Authors: Maka, Ali O.M., O'Donovan, Tadhg S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell temperature convergence; Concentrating PV; Finite element method; Thermal modelling
• ISSN: 2451-9049; 2451-9049
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2018.12.001

•A complex numerical modelling technique has been established to accurately predict the cell temperature and thermal load on a High Concentration Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Cell.•It has been established that a heat transfer coefficient of at least 2.4 kW/m2K is required to keep a multi-junction cell below a safe operating temperature of 80 °C, for a concentration ratio of 1000x.•The optimum mesh selection is performed for accuracy model simulation. The effect of the cell temperature increase associated with the optic concentration is a matter requiring consideration. A monolithic cascade stack of three layers consisting of GaInP/GaInAs/Ge results in high conversion efficiency. This research presents a performance analysis of a triple-junction solar cell based on modelling, in order to describe and understand its operating behaviour. A numerical model was created to predict the performance characteristic of the solar cell at CR = 1000x, which can then be used to optimise and enhance the cell design. The cell temperature was predicted by the iteration technique, and the convergent occurs at steady state. The initial cell temperature was set at 25 °C, and the new modified cell temperature Tc2 convergence after iteration at convection heat transfer coefficient >2 kW/m2K to keep the cell temperature below 100 °C. However, in order to maintain cell integrity, it is necessary to design the operating cell temperature below 80 °C. The Tc2 convergence after iterations at convection heat transfer coefficient >2.4 kW/m2K.