The project focuses on the engineering adaptation of existing heliostats to be able to host the hybrid thermal/PV facets/panels. A standard PV panel is converted into a PV/CSP panel using an integrated optical light selective filter embedded in the glass. This panel is configured similarly as a Solar Thermal tower so that is able to cogenerate direct electricity via PV as well as heat via the reflectance of the filter collected in the thermal receiver. The filter transmits to the PV cell only wavelengths where the silicon is very efficient while simultaneously reflecting IR and blue wavelengths (that represent between 45 to 50% of energy) to the thermal receiver generating heat. By this combination, the overall energy production of the panel is around 50% more energy efficient than a standard PV panel.
Team:
Kypros Milidonis
Website:
Contact Person:
Funding:
Private company funding project
Partners:
Bluesolar Filters S.L