Universal Photovoltaic Module of HYBRID Type

by Petar Eftimov
(Madrid,Spain)

There was a universal photovoltaic module developed, which converts the energy in the frequency range from 320 nm to tens of μm into electricity and heat. The module can be combined with different energy concentrators - Fresnel lenses, parabolic mirrors, lasers and others.
The module consists of the following parts:
1. Protective quartz glass;
2. Input optical homogenizer;
3. Optical divider – divides in 12 optical sections;
4. Optical transmission network - 12 optical sleeves;
5. Photocells;
6. Cooling system.
If the input optical fibers are assembled using the standard technology, the losses in the interim between the fibers and their cladding will reach 40%.
Therefore, we use hot extrusion technology (fused-end) in the bundle, which reduces the losses below 10%.
The Incoming homogenizer is also an energy divider. To homogenise the incoming solar energy and distribute it to 12 equal parts, the fibers in it are arranged fan-like in 12 sectors.
This arrangement creates a uniform output beam in 12 optical sleeves of the uneven energy input signal.
In this case we are working with the EMCORE company cells with 39% efficiency, operating in the UV, visible and infrared spectrum.
This year, on the market are expected photocells manufactured by the same company, but with a 60% efficiency.
Tract transmission of energy in our case is 30 cm and the losses in the optical fibers itself are practically zero.
The optical beam ends are shaped in a circle with a diameter of 11 millimeters and are directly touching the photocell active area. In this case we don’t need the costly lapse homogenizer (truncated pyramid), and the losses, derived from it during the transition air - glass - air , are around 7%. Our prototype solves these losses.

The Photocells are installed in Al blocks (Appendix № 1) and are located directly on the optical outputs. The whole structure of 12 cells is immersed in a coolant, which lapses the need for radiators.
This structure (module) is original also with the case of immersion the modules in fluid and creating pressure about 10 atmospheres. There is no loss of heat diffusion in the radiators and we take all the heat.
The whole optic tract is a broad-spectrum, molded, with no need for maintenance and universal.

Its application will vary depending on what type of cells are mounted on the output. At the entrance the optic tract can assume power of over 3 kW.

In this module the incoming energy is distributed to electricity and heat.
Its total efficiency is 79%. The quantity of directly obtained electricity depends on the efficiency of the photocells.

Heat can be used for heating, heat pumps, air conditioners and others. It also can be transformed in several ways back to electricity. All this makes this module versatile, with great opportunities, with no need of maintenance and almost eternal (depends only on the life of photocells, which can be replaced easily).
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