Stationary Wide-Angle Concentrator PV System

Stationary Wide-Angle Concentrator PV System


Program:
MOSAIC
Award:
$2,474,999
Location:
Burlingame, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/01/2016 - 12/30/2019

Technology Description:

Glint Photonics in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), will develop a stationary wide-angle concentrator (SWAC) PV system. The SWAC concentrates light onto multi-junction solar cells, which efficiently convert sunlight into electrical energy. A sheet of arrayed PV cells moves passively within the module to maximize sunlight capture throughout the day. Two innovations allow this tracking to occur smoothly and without the expense or complexity of an active control system or a mechanical tracker. First, a fluidic suspension mechanism enables nearly frictionless movement of the sheet embedded in the module. Second, a thermal-gradient-driven alignment mechanism uses a tiny fraction of the collected energy to drive the movement of the sheet and keep it precisely aligned. Glint will develop the novel optical and fluidic components of the SWAC, while NREL will develop custom multi-junction solar cells for the prototype modules.

Potential Impact:

If successful, innovations from Glint’s project may lower the cost of solar systems by allowing economical, high-volume manufacturing of micro-CPV arrays. Improved systems could encourage greater adoption of solar power in all three primary markets – residential, commercial, and utility.

Security:

Expanded use of clean, renewable solar power could reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Environment:

Solar power offers clean power generation with zero emissions. Technologies developed under MOSAIC may also enable solar installations with smaller physical footprints, reducing the environmental impacts of large solar arrays.

Economy:

Technologies developed under MOSAIC could offer a cost-effective option for clean, locally produced power across all market sectors.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Michael Haney
Project Contact:
Dr. Peter Kozodoy
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
peter@glintphotonics.com

Partners

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Related Projects


Release Date:
12/08/2014