HIGH EFFICIENCY GaAs PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR SYSTEMS.

Abstract

Photovoltaic systems generating electrical power and thermal energy can operate at high overall efficiency if the thermal energy is available at temperatures compatible with useful applications. Gallium arsenide solar cells are well suited for such systems since the cell can be operated at high temperatures. This overall concept is discussed for three different systems: 1) application of a GaAs photovoltaic solar system operating in parallel with a utility substation. This baseline system is typical of applications for dispersed power generation, supplying electrical energy during high demand periods, 2) design of GaAs high performance photovoltaic systems based on the use of heat engines, with overall efficiencies in excess of 20% using currently available solar cells and forecast at 24% for future cells, and 3) application of a GaAs total energy system for the desalination of brackish water, based on electrochemical separation technology.