info on concentrated PV collectors

[toplessHO]

Has anyone experimented with collectors that convert high intensity ?
Idea is the PV collector is small and the source of sunlight is concentrated
via a concave mirror or a magnifying lens.

 

[Shiftless]

Has anyone experimented with collectors that convert high intensity ?
Idea is the PV collector is small and the source of sunlight is concentrated
via a concave mirror or a magnifying lens.

Be careful with solar concentrators...either type, concave mirrors or lenses, will reach surprisingly high temperatures.
I have used a 24 inch diameter concave mirror to set 2x4s on fire.

 

[inline five]

Yes. Solar panels are about 30% cheaper to generate electricity with. Or are you looking to heat water for your house?

 

[toplessHO]

Im dabbling with using old BUDS(Big Ugly Dishes)
so that they can be used as solar trackers

the idea behind this is that as long as its not overdriven
theres alot less PV involved vs lower cost mirrors

but it seems the efficiency is only up to about 40% right now.

theres also good promise of using individual collectors for each PV cell
and gaining about 30%

 

[theoldwizard1]

Be careful with solar concentrators...either type, concave mirrors or lenses, will reach surprisingly high temperatures.
I have used a 24 inch diameter concave mirror to set 2x4s on fire.

Not for DIYers !

 

[egnorant]

Increasing PV output with cost as a factor, tough one there.

What is your target formula? Are you seeking to double the light hitting the panel...triple...variable to increase low light conditions or what?

Your best bet may be a few flat reflective panels!

The problem with a concentrater system is aiming. Flat panels are more forgiving.
I've seen some odd stuff in collector design. Plain lenses, straight cut Fresnel, triple mylar rings, 6000 1 inch mirrors individually aimed and set..even one guy who spent 8 months checking out eyes of many animals and their optics!

While some of these experiments have shown improvement and use in specialized applications, the current consensus is keep em clean, reasonable aiming, reduce transmission, storage and conversion losses. Want more power, add more panels!

Bruce

 

[Professur]

That solar company that Obama funded way back at the start of his reign was working for exactly this. That they folded rather quickly to me is an indication that it's not as easy as it sounds. As for trackers, unless you're severely space limited, don't waste the effort is the official line. It adds a significant point of failure for a small increase in power. And the failure is almost always at the extreme ends of travel, so your loss of power is as bad as it can be. The increase in generation can be overmatched much cheaper by the addition of a extra pair of static panels.

 

[toplessHO]

Im leaning more towards individual collectors for each cell
I may go ahead with the old BUD collector and use it for a solar cooker.
now just need a way to make the mylar collector
or its gluing 8000 1 inch mirror squares on by hand

 

[egnorant]

Im leaning more towards individual collectors for each cell
I may go ahead with the old BUD collector and use it for a solar cooker.
now just need a way to make the mylar collector
or its gluing 8000 1 inch mirror squares on by hand

Lots of silicone caulk and a laser pointer to get the aim correct.

 

[LutzTD]

Im leaning more towards individual collectors for each cell
I may go ahead with the old BUD collector and use it for a solar cooker.
now just need a way to make the mylar collector
or its gluing 8000 1 inch mirror squares on by hand

seems like you could cut the mylar in pie sections and spray glue it down to your dish, its not like its for a telescope or something.....