Mr. Ben Chang Profile

Ben Chang

at SV Solar Inc

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Proceedings Article | 11 September 2008 Paper

Modeling energy production for concentrating PV flat panel

B. Chang

Proceedings Volume 7046, 70460C (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795246

KEYWORDS: Solar energy, Solar cells, Solar concentrators, Sun, Solar radiation models, Data modeling, Climatology, Wind energy, Databases, Optical design

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Increasing momentum around several different types of concentrating flat panel designs provides challenges with respect to modeling energy harvest. While there have been several simulation models created for standard flat panel PV modules, simulating low concentrating PV modules is more complex and less readily available. Specifically, since the optical characteristics of each low concentrating module is different, the energy prediction model must incorporate an optical model specific to the concentrator design. A PV module energy production model is created using a solar irradiance model (combining HDKR, NREL data and Meteonorm) and optical models for different panel types. Resulting energy production values are then correlated with actual measurements to verify the model and methodology. The simulation model is exercised across various geographic latitudes to illustrate how different module types can be most useful in specific locations. The results show an illustrative guideline for predicting module production and therefore selection. The model is specific to energy production and is useful to compare different module technologies under various conditions. Key findings include the following: optics engineers should consider application related issues when modeling various concentrating flat panel designs; computer scientists working on energy harvest software (e.g., PV Watts) need to include optics issues related to each concentrating flat panel; aberrations in climate databases can cause significant biases in energy harvest output; and system installers should follow manufacturer guidelines when installing concentrating flat panels.

Proceedings Article | 9 September 2008 Paper

Low concentrator PV optics optimization

Leonard Sharp, Ben Chang

Proceedings Volume 7043, 70430G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795299

KEYWORDS: Solar energy, Solar cells, Thin films, Solar concentrators, Photovoltaics, Standards development, Optical design, Solar radiation models, Energy efficiency, Optical mounts

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Purpose: Cost reduction is a major focus of the solar industry. Thin film technologies and concentration systems are viable ways to reducing cost, with unique strengths and weakness for both. Most of the concentrating PV work focuses on high concentration systems for reducing energy cost. Meanwhile, many believe that low concentrators provide significant cost reduction potential while addressing the mainstream PV market with a product that acts as a flat panel replacement. This paper analyzes the relative benefit of asymmetric vs. symmetric optics for low-concentrators in light of specific PV applications. Approach: Symmetric and asymmetric concentrating PV module performance is evaluated using computer simulation to determine potential value across various geographic locations and applications. The selected optic design is modeled against standard cSi flat panels and thin film to determine application fit, system level energy density and economic value. Results: While symmetric designs may seem ideal, asymmetric designs have an advantage in energy density. Both designs are assessed for aperture, optimum concentration ratio, and ideal system array configuration. Analysis of performance across climate specific effects (diffuse, direct and circumsolar) and location specific effects (sunpath) are also presented. The energy density and energy production of low concentrators provide a compelling value proposition. More significantly, the choice of optics for a low concentrating design can affect real world performance. With the goal of maximizing energy density and return on investment, this paper presents the advantages of asymmetric optic concentration and illustrates the value of this design within specific PV applications.

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