The Assembly of Embedded Systems for Integrated Photovoltaic windows in Rural Buildings (E-IPB)

Abstract

Embedded PV systems are required to help improve the synergy of renewable energy and smart buildings. A novel concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) system embedded as a window for integration into buildings is presented. The system is made up of crossed compound parabolic concentrators (CCPC), Talesun Silicon solar cells and glass panes. The materials and manufacturing methods are presented along with their advantages and disidvantages. Two sized prototypes are presented, 7cm by 7cm and 20cm by 20cm. The maximum power obtained was 3.53 Watts for the larger prototype. The glass CCPC optics produce more power but plastic alternatives are only 44% the weight of the glass optics. The best performing plastic optics were made of Topaz and injection moulded. The cell soldering and alignment method is explored and in particular silver tracks printed on glass are analysed for their resistance, aesthetics and benefit to the assembly process. Using plastic optics for CPV technology is a relatively new area of research, and the combination of silver tracks printed on glass could make this innovative design revolutionary in its field.