Thermal transfer simulation for concentrator photovoltaic receiver under concentration condition

Abstract

Under concentration conditions, it is important to manage the operating temperature of a concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module, because a high-density solar energy enters into the solar cell. We measured the temperature of the CPV module. In the outdoor operation, the module back surface temperature of the CPV module was 3.3 K lower than the aluminum stage temperature. Moreover, we developed a thermal transfer model for the CPV module and calculated the temperature in it using a thermal transfer simulator. The temperatures in CPV module were calculated as a function of the thermal resistance between aluminum stage and back chassis. The temperature coefficient of Voc using calculated solar cell temperature and measured Voc was approximately -0.22%, which was in good agreement with previous report. The simulation results showed that the thicker back chassis and higher heat emissivity were effective for the reduction of operating temperature of CPV module.