Program:
FOCUS
Award:
$2,765,422
Location:
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
06/17/2014 - 09/16/2017

Technology Description:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is developing a hybrid solar converter that integrates a thermal absorber and solar cells into a layered stack, allowing some portions of sunlight to be converted directly to electricity and the rest to be stored as heat for conversion when needed most. MIT’s design focuses concentrated sunlight onto metal fins coated with layers that reflect a portion of the sunlight while absorbing the rest. The absorbed light is converted to heat and stored in a thermal fluid for conversion to mechanical energy by a heat engine. The reflected light is directed to solar cells and converted directly into electricity. This way, each portion of the solar spectrum is directed to the conversion system where it can be most effectively used. The sunlight passes through a transparent microporous gel that also insulates each of the components so that the maximum energy can be extracted from both the heat-collecting metal fins and the solar cells. This unique stack design could utilize the full solar spectrum efficiently and enable the dispatch of electricity at any time of the day.

Potential Impact:

If successful, MIT’s hybrid solar converter design will enable the capture and conversion of the full solar spectrum into both heat and electricity, allowing dispatch of solar-generated electricity when needed most.

Security:

Developing new systems that generate both heat and electricity at the same time could provide clean, domestically-sourced solar power at costs comparable to traditional sources, whether or not the sun is shining.

Environment:

Replacing energy systems powered by fossil fuels would provide an immediate decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, 40% of which come from electricity generation today.

Economy:

Cost-effective, dispatchable solar energy alternatives would stabilize electricity rates for consumers as the penetration of renewable energy increases in the coming years.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Eric Schiff
Project Contact:
Dr. Gang Chen
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
gchen2@mit.edu

Partners

University of Houston

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Release Date:
07/16/2013