Opportunities and challenges in micro- and nano-technologies for concentrating photovoltaic cooling: a review

L. Micheli, N. Sarmah, X. Luo, K.S. Reddy, T.K. Mallick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

106 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Concentrating photovoltaic technology is one of the fastest growing solar energy technologies achieving electrical conversion efficiency in excess of 43%. The operating temperature of a solar cell strongly influences the performance of a photovoltaic system reducing its efficiency with a negative temperature coefficient. Thus, cooling systems represent a very important aspect in concentrating photovoltaic applications. This work presents an overview of micro- and nano-technologies applicable to passive CPV cooling and associated manufacturing technologies (such as monolithic applications). Among the different technologies, carbon nano-tubes and high-conductive coating are the most promising technologies to offer the best CPV cooling performance. A critical assessment of the technological review has also been made.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)595-610
Number of pages16
JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Volume20
Issue numberApril
Early online date23 Jan 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2013

Keywords

  • CPV
  • passive cooling
  • micro-nano-manufacturing
  • concentrating photovoltaic technology

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