Luminescent solar concentrators: From experimental validation of 3D ray-tracing simulations to coloured stained-glass windows for BIPV

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2014-03, Vol.122, p.99-106
• Main Authors: Kerrouche, A., Hardy, D.A., Ross, D., Richards, B.S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building integrated photovoltaics; Color; Colour; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fluorescent solar concentrator; Luminescent solar concentrator; Lumogen dye; Modelling; Natural energy; Performance evaluation; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar collectors; Solar energy; Solar thermal conversion; Three dimensional
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2013.11.026

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) are a promising technology for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) given the wide variety of forms and colours that can be realised. Given the flexibility of the technology, the use of ray-trace modelling is indispensable in the design, performance evaluation, and optimisation of LSCs. This work begins by comparing a three dimensional (3D) ray-trace model of an LSC with experimental results. The study includes 70 samples – both square and circular LSCs, containing five different fluorescent organic dyes (BASF Lumogen) each at seven different concentrations. The figure-of-merit used for performance evaluation was the average power density determined at the LSC edge sheet, measured using an optical fibre connected to a spectrometer. The results demonstrate that 3D ray-trace results gives good agreement with the experimental measurements, to within around ±5% within a wide concentration range (optical density=0.05–8) and a maximum difference of ±13%. The wide range of colours achieved is presented in a CIE chart. Overall, the validated experimental results give confidence in the use of modelling for future larger LSCs for BIPV. Therefore, based on these results and the colours achievable, a model of a stained-glass window is constructed and its performance throughout a solar day is simulated. [Display omitted] •Performance of 70 different luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) were evaluated.•LSC sheets: five different fluorescent organic dyes each at seven different concentrations.•Ray-tracing results within in good agreement (±13%) of experimental measurements.•Greater confidence now in use LSCs for building integrated photovoltaics.•Stained-glass window LSC developed and performance modelled.