Design and optimization of photopolymer based holographic solar concentrators

Abstract

Solar energy is the most potential alternative source of energy. One way to effectively tap this potential source is application of concentrating systems cascaded with high efficiency Photovoltaic cells. In the design of a photovoltaic system, the primary goal is to maximize the efficiency of conversion and to minimize the light coupling losses. Wavelength selective and focusing properties of Holographic Optical Elements can be used to design concentrators that enhance the power yield from photovoltaic systems and reduce cost per Watt. The paper discusses our initial efforts and the preliminary studies on optimization of design parameters of phase holograms in Light Logics photopolymer HoloMer 6A, to achieve high efficiency PV concentrating systems. Spectral and angular responses of the optimized elements and diffraction efficiencies were measured at different wavelengths. The best efficiency achieved was 70%. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.