Page 38 - RSE - Results of the Apollon Project

Results of the APolloN PRoject ANd coNceNtRAtiNg PhotovoltAic PeRsPective

angle that could be further increased by improving the moulded shape of optical components and their alignment
during the manufacturing phase. Compared to other similar industrial solutions featuring a receiver placed at the
optical input cross-section, this system has an advantage in that it keeps the cell on the back panel of the module.
In this way the collecting effciency of the module is increased because no obstruction is present at the input surface
of the concentrator. Moreover, the lower position of the cell increases the refection effciency of the primary mirror
which receives the sun rays at high incidence angles. Lastly, heat dissipation is improved because the receiver is
located on an external surface not illuminated by the sun.
On the other hand, this confguration requires a thicker module and consequently produces a heavier structure.
To overcome this problem, further research studies will focus on the modifcation of the optical confguration in
order to reduce the module depth, for instance by changing the position of the receiver with respect to the primary
mirror. Another attractive possibility is to downsize the whole system by maintaining the same optical geometry.
In this case, PV cells and secondary optical elements with very small sizes would be necessary. The manufacturing
process would therefore be very challenging and would require a fully automated process.

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