Evaluation of v-trough type solar concentrator for photovoltaic applications

In this study, the effect of different reflector materials on PV cell temperture was experimentally investigated V-through concentrator, which is a non-imaging concentrator, was considered for the concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system. Firstly, the literature survey was carried out. V-trough combined photovoltaic system and its applications were investigated. V-trough-PV system were designed, produced, and its experimental setup was installed. Two different V-trough reflectors having average reflectivites of 91.3% and 71.6% were adapted to the photovoltaic system. Their performances were experimetnally compared with 1-Sun PV system. The cost analysis of the systems was made and the repayment periods were calculated. The output power obtained from the SM-CPV system is 43% higher than the MS 90-CPV system and 18% higher than the PV system at the result of measurements. The current obtained from the SM-CPV system is 38% higher and 13% higher than the MS90-CPV system and PV system on average, respectively. While the VOC value of the SM-CPV system is higher than the MS90-CPV system, the ISC obtained from the MS90-CPV system is 16% and 47% higher than the SM-CPV system and PV system on average, respectively. The average PV surface temperature of the MS90-CPV system is 11.9% higher than the SM-CPV system and 13.8% higher than the PV system. It was determined that the output power obtained from the systems was directly affected by the surface temperature of the photovoltaic module. The cost of installation of the SM-CPV system is approximately 34% more favorable than the MS90-CPV system due to the economic cost of the reflector. As a result of the cost analysis, the repayment period was calculated as 5 years for SM-CPV system, 18 years for MS90-CPV system and 6 years for PV system.