How Does Optical Equipment Boost Solar Panel Current?

In summary, the conversation covers the use of optical equipment, specifically mirrors, to increase the output current in solar panels. The main focus is on finding technical aspects such as equations and specific angles for maximum efficiency. There is also discussion on the tradeoffs of using tracking systems for the mirrors and solar cells. The equation provided relates the drift velocity of electrons to the current flowing through the material, and there is speculation on the relationship between electron velocity and the frequency of light waves.
  • #1
huzzi.123
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So I'm currently working on a project. Among the research questions, the following is one of them. "How can we use optical equipment such as mirrors to increase the output current?"

I did some research into it but couldn't find its technical aspect. I know the straightforward fact that the mirrors will concentrate all the incoming sun rays towards the centre where solar panel is located thus increasing the output.
But I am looking for things like equations or any technical terms related to it.

Regards
 
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  • #2
huzzi.123 said:
So I'm currently working on a project. Among the research questions, the following is one of them. "How can we use optical equipment such as mirrors to increase the output current?"

I did some research into it but couldn't find its technical aspect. I know the straightforward fact that the mirrors will concentrate all the incoming sun rays towards the centre where solar panel is located thus increasing the output.
But I am looking for things like equations or any technical terms related to it.

Regards
Have you tried looking at Fresnel lenses? The important part of a concentrator system isn't so much increasing power as decreasing cost. The materials in concentrator systems tend to be a lot more efficient but also a lot more expensive than a cheap silicon cell, so a concentrator is used to decrease the size of cell needed for the same power output. It's only due to the increase efficiency that the power is greater than that for a silicon cell.
 
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  • #3
What equation(s) relate solar panel output to insolation input intensity?
 
  • #4
Sorry I couldn't find it. Maybe: current generated/intensity of incoming rays

Also, if we are using mirrors to concentrate the solar energy then is there any specific angle at which the mirrors have to be placed in order to get maximum number of rays?
 
  • #5
I'm also wondering is there any specific angle at which the reflectors will be inclined so that they deflect the maximum amount of sunrays towards the solar panel? My intuition says it's around 45 degrees but I still need confirmed answers.

Thanks
 
  • #6
huzzi.123 said:
Sorry I couldn't find it. Maybe: current generated/intensity of incoming rays

Also, if we are using mirrors to concentrate the solar energy then is there any specific angle at which the mirrors have to be placed in order to get maximum number of rays?

huzzi.123 said:
I'm also wondering is there any specific angle at which the reflectors will be inclined so that they deflect the maximum amount of sunrays towards the solar panel? My intuition says it's around 45 degrees but I still need confirmed answers.

Thanks

Are your mirrors and solar cells going to track the sun during the day and during the seasons, or are they meant to be fixed? What are the tradeoffs in that decision?

Have you done a Google Images search on solar cell mirrors? What did those images help you to figure out for your project?
 
  • #7
What you mean by "fixed"? Mirrors are placed alongside a solar panel and are fixed.
 
  • #8
00d6a1a173e7d76cacefb8fc334af740.png

where v is the drift velocity of electrons, I is the current flowing through the material, n is the charge-carrier density, A is the area of cross-section of the material and q is the charge on the charge-carrier.

Does the above equation imply that the more the velocity of an electron, the more the current? I am trying to relate this to effect of the frequency of light waves on the photoelectric process.
 

1. What is concentrated photovoltaic (CPV)?

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) is a solar energy technology that uses lenses or mirrors to concentrate a large amount of sunlight onto a small area of solar cells, increasing the efficiency of the system. This technology is different from traditional photovoltaic systems, as it requires fewer solar cells to generate the same amount of electricity.

2. How does CPV work?

CPV systems use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto high-efficiency solar cells. The concentrated light increases the amount of energy that can be harvested from the sun, resulting in a more efficient system. The solar cells then convert the sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power homes, businesses, and other applications.

3. What are the advantages of CPV?

CPV systems have several advantages over traditional photovoltaic systems. The concentrated light allows for a smaller and more compact system, making it ideal for installations in areas with limited space. Additionally, CPV systems can achieve higher efficiencies, resulting in more electricity production per unit area of solar cells. They also require less material and are therefore more cost-effective.

4. What are the challenges of CPV?

One of the main challenges of CPV is the need for direct sunlight. These systems are most effective in areas with high levels of direct sunlight, such as deserts. They are also more sensitive to changes in weather conditions, such as clouds or shading, which can affect their efficiency. Another challenge is the initial cost of installation, as CPV systems typically require more expensive materials and components compared to traditional photovoltaic systems.

5. What is the future of CPV?

The future of CPV looks promising as advancements in technology continue to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these systems. With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, CPV has the potential to play a significant role in meeting our energy needs. Research and development in this field are ongoing, and it is expected that CPV systems will become more widespread in the coming years.

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