Alternative technique for temperature control and automated dust cleaning in CPV installations: A qualitative approach Free

Concentration of sun light can be performed using different materials having the ability to either reflect or refract the light beams, from optical glass arrangements to legendary polished brass shields. More recently, advancements in the chemistry industry allowed development of synthetic films characterized by reflection indices close to those of historically applied glass mirrors. Said synthetic films however, typically having significant thin shapes, require supplementary substrate material capable of providing physical support and resistance to, necessarily, conserve a predefined shape which must be functional according to the specific practical application. Such supplementary materials normally granting to the synthetic reflecting film not just the necessary strength but also additional – and generally undesired – costs. Question rises whether it is possible to reduce impact on the global life cycle equation of the CPV installation by improving conversion efficiency and/or creating upsides that can reduce other operative costs. With those targets in mind, an alternative LCPV installation has been conceived where reflectors are designed to make productive use of the flexibility of synthetic mirror films, while PV cells are installed in receiver that includes automated cleaning plus cooling capabilities.