Field performance of FLATCON® power plants and demo systems
Abstract
In this paper, a short introduction in design considerations of FLATCON® CPV module and field data of the system technology over up to two years are presented as well as field experiences with the operation of the systems. FLATCON® modules are based on III-V triple junction cells, a Fresnel lens array, and a glass cover and bottom plate. In 2008, Concentrix installed a single tracker system and two power plants in Spain. A system solar-to-grid AC energy efficiency of 21% over the whole period of two years with maximum system AC power efficiency values of 23% for a single tracker system are shown. Similar systems installed in 2009 and equipped with the current FLATCON® module CX-75 achieved system AC power efficiencies of 25%. The effects on power plant performance of spectral variations of the solar irradiation, soiling and also dew formation in wintertime are discussed.
- Publication:
-
6th International Conference on Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems: CPV-6
- Pub Date:
- October 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3509201
- Bibcode:
- 2010AIPC.1277..243G
- Keywords:
-
- photovoltaic cells;
- optical systems;
- lenses;
- thermal expansion;
- 84.60.Jt;
- 42.15.Eq;
- 42.79.Bh;
- 65.40.De;
- Photoelectric conversion: solar cells and arrays;
- Optical system design;
- Lenses prisms and mirrors;
- Thermal expansion;
- thermomechanical effects