WO2012123818A1 - Apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power - Google Patents

Apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012123818A1
WO2012123818A1 PCT/IB2012/000545 IB2012000545W WO2012123818A1 WO 2012123818 A1 WO2012123818 A1 WO 2012123818A1 IB 2012000545 W IB2012000545 W IB 2012000545W WO 2012123818 A1 WO2012123818 A1 WO 2012123818A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar radiation
support structure
dichroic filter
photovoltaic module
seat
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2012/000545
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gianluigi MAGGIONI
Mea Gianantonio DELLA
Selvino MARIGO
Walter RANIERO
Michele TONEZZER
Original Assignee
SPLIT ENERGY S.r.l.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SPLIT ENERGY S.r.l. filed Critical SPLIT ENERGY S.r.l.
Publication of WO2012123818A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012123818A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0549—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising spectrum splitting means, e.g. dichroic mirrors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, according to the preamble of independent claim No. 1.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is of the type comprising a solar radiation concentration device and a spectral separation device for the solar radiation, and it is intended to be preferably employed in association with a plurality of other identical apparatuses in photovoltaic installations for converting solar energy into electric power.
  • the aforesaid apparatus is therefore situated in the photovoltaic energy field, and particularly in the industrial field of the production of apparatuses for converting solar energy into electric power.
  • the apparatuses for the conversion of solar energy into electric power conventionally comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted side-by-side each other on a panel adapted to be directly irradiated by the solar radiation.
  • Such apparatuses have several limits which obstruct their wide-scale diffusion.
  • the main limit of the apparatuses of conventional type lies in their particularly high cost, particularly with regard to the cost of the raw materials employed in the production of the photovoltaic cells.
  • Such apparatuses comprise a solar light concentration device, adapted to receive the solar radiation and convey it, concentrating it, towards the photovoltaic cells intended to convert the solar energy into electric power.
  • the photovoltaic cells in such case cover an area of reduced size.
  • apparatuses In order to further improve the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, apparatuses have been designed for the conversion of solar energy into electric power making use of solar spectra separation devices.
  • the latter are adapted to divide the incident solar radiation into two or more reflected and/or transmitted beams, each covering a different spectral region, i.e. characterized by a different wavelength interval.
  • Such beams are then sent to dedicated photovoltaic cells, having maximum conversion efficiency within the wavelength interval of the incident beam.
  • Each photovoltaic cell has optimal conversion efficiency for a narrow wavelength interval of the incident radiation, which in particular is characteristic of the semiconductor material constituting the photovoltaic cell.
  • the excess power supplied to the photovoltaic cell is partially dissipated into heat, and in addition to not contributing to the electric power production, it can overheat the photovoltaic cell and lead to a consequent reduction of the conversion efficiency of the latter.
  • apparatuses for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which are provided with solar radiation concentration devices and simultaneously spectral separation devices; given the same nominal power developed, such apparatuses have lower bulk and production costs with respect to those for the conversion of solar energy into electric power of conventional type.
  • a photovoltaic apparatus of the latter known type is described for example in the patent IT 1365367.
  • Such apparatus comprises a photovoltaic receiver, provided with one or more groups of photovoltaic cells with different spectral sensitivity, and a device for the concentration and spectral separation of the solar radiation, adapted to receive and separate the solar radiation into multiple reflected beams with different spectral regions, as well as convey the latter, concentrated, towards different areas of the photovoltaic receiver.
  • the concentration and spectral separation device is constituted by a plurality of reflector elements made of a transparent material, such as glass or an acrylic resin; each reflector element in particular comprises a lower reflector with flat, parallel faces and one or more dichroic reflectors fixed on the upper part to the lower reflector and each provided with a transparent, flat lower face and a flat upper face, tilted with respect to the lower face, on which a dichroic coating is applied.
  • the reflector elements constituting the concentration and spectral separation device are fixed to a support structure and are susceptible to receive the solar radiation, to reflect the latter, dividing it into separate beams characterized by different wavelengths and to convey each of such beams, concentrating it, towards a specific group of cells of the photovoltaic receiver.
  • a first drawback lies in the difficulty of making the apparatus itself.
  • Each of the reflector elements of its concentration and spectral separation device must in fact be designed and made with specific optical characteristics, as a function of the specific position in which it is intended to be fixed to the support structure, in order to ensure that each of the beams reflected by it (characterized by a specific wavelength interval) reaches the group of photovoltaic cells to which it is intended in a precise manner.
  • concentration and spectral separation device of such apparatus are exposed to the action of weathering agents, and over time they can easily suffer damage.
  • photovoltaic apparatuses were designed adapted to better resist the action of weathering agents.
  • an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which comprises a solar radiation concentration device, a plurality of dichroic filters arranged in cascade and susceptible to divide the concentrated solar radiation into separate beams, characterized by different wavelength bands.
  • the apparatus also comprises a plurality of mirrors, each of which adapted to reflect a beam, separated by one of the dichroic filters, in order to convey it towards a corresponding group of photovoltaic cells.
  • the latter are designed in order to have the maximum conversion efficiency within the interval of wavelength values of the corresponding incident wave.
  • such apparatus comprises a hermetic box-like support, which is provided with an inlet opening for the solar radiation concentrated by the concentration device, sealed by means of a transparent plate, e.g. made of glass.
  • the hermetic box-like support houses the dichroic filters at its interior (which are situated so as to intercept the entering concentrated solar radiation) together with the mirrors and the groups of photovoltaic cells, in order to protect the latter from the action of weathering agents.
  • the solar radiation that reaches the photovoltaic cells has a considerably reduced intensity with respect to the radiation concentrated by the concentration device and conveyed towards the interior of the box-like support body.
  • the solar radiation concentrated by the concentration device is transmitted through the plate placed to shut the opening of the support body, and it is further transmitted, i.e. reflected, by one or more dichroic filters and then reflected by a mirror.
  • the diminution of the intensity of the incident light leads to a diminution of the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, and thus the energy efficiency of the apparatus itself is reduced.
  • the problem underlying the base of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the abovementioned prior art, by providing an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power that is easy to install and maintain.
  • Another object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power provided with high energy efficiency.
  • a further object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which allows maximizing the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells arranged therein.
  • Another object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which is resistant to the action of weathering agents.
  • a further object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power that is structurally simple and inexpensive to make.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a preferential embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a first top perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention, relative to a spectral separation device, with some parts removed in order to better illustrate others, and with a provided dichroic filter removed from the support structure of such device;
  • FIG. 3 shows a second top perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 2 with the dichroic filter housed in the support structure;
  • Fig. 4 shows a section view of the device of Fig. 3 made along the trace IV-IV of the same figure;
  • - Fig. 5 shows a side view of the spectral separation device, in accordance with a different embodiment thereof
  • FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , relative to quick coupling means for connecting the device of Fig. 2 to a provided solar radiation concentration device.
  • the apparatus 1, according to the present invention is intended for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, and as will be better explained below, is particularly easy to install and maintain.
  • the apparatus 1 is adapted to be preferably employed in association with a plurality of apparatuses identical thereto, for the obtainment of a photovoltaic installation.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises at least one support frame 2, for example susceptible to being based on the ground or fixed to the roof of a building, and for such purpose is preferably equipped with two or more support feet 5.
  • the apparatus 1 also comprises one or more solar radiation concentration devices 3, mounted on the support frame 2, and adapted to produce a concentrated solar radiation beam Rc, i.e. to convey the solar radiation into a provided concentration area, and one or more spectral separation devices 4 adapted to receive the concentrated solar radiation beam R « from the concentration devices 3 and to separate it into separate beams with different spectra.
  • the spectral separation devices 4 are mechanically supported at the concentration area by the support frame 2 or directly by the concentration devices 3, as is better specified below.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises a single concentration device 3 and a single spectral separation device 4. The latter is adapted to divide the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc into at least one first beam 6 and at least one second beam 7 having different spectra.
  • the apparatus 1 also comprises at least one first photovoltaic module 8 and at least one second photovoltaic module 9, which are respectively susceptible to receive the first beam 6 and the second beam 7 separated by the spectral separation device 4. More in detail, the first photovoltaic module 8 comprises photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region characteristic of the first beam 6 and the second photovoltaic module 9 comprises photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region characteristic of the second beam 7.
  • the use of the spectral separation device 4 therefore allows obtaining the maximum conversion efficiency for each photovoltaic cell arranged in the apparatus 1. Indeed, each cell is irradiated with a beam characterized by a wavelength interval useful for the conversion of the solar energy into electric power.
  • the use of the spectral separation device 4 therefore prevents excess energy from being supplied to the photovoltaic cells, which would be dissipated in the form of heat and could cause overheating phenomena of the photovoltaic cells themselves, decreasing the conversion efficiency of the latter and requiring the use of heat dissipaters.
  • the first and the second photovoltaic modules 8 and 9 are therefore connected to inverters adapted to convert the direct voltage in output from each module into alternating voltage and to insert the latter in an electric power distribution network, in a per se conventional manner.
  • the spectral separation device 4 of the apparatus 1 comprises a support structure 10, mounted on the support frame 2 or on the concentration device 3 and provided with one or more seats 1 1 arranged so as to interfere with the concentrated solar radiation beam one or more dichroic filters 12, each removably housed in a seat 1 1 of the support structure 10 and engaged with the latter by means of removable engagement means 13; and anchorage means 14, susceptible to anchor the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 to the support structure 10.
  • each housing seat 1 1 for a corresponding dichroic filter 12 is advantageously accessible from outside the support structure 10, such that each dichroic filter 12 can be removed from the seat 1 1 and repositioned therein, or possibly substituted, without it being necessary to remove the support structure 10 from the support frame 2 or from the concentration device 3 or remove parts of the support structure 10, such as a cover, in order to access the seat 1 1 (or seats 1 1) for housing the dichroic filter 12 (or dichroic filters 12).
  • the anchorage means 14 advantageously comprise a first frame 31 and a second frame 32 adapted to respectively house the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9; such frames are fixed to the support structure 10, e.g. by means of screws, or they form a single body with the latter, e.g. obtained via plastic molding.
  • the dichroic filter 12 is adapted to intercept the solar radiation beam R c concentrated by the concentration device 3 and separate it into the abovementioned first beam 6 and second beam 7, which are respectively reflected and transmitted from the dichroic filter 12.
  • the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 are anchored to the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 so as to respectively intercept the first reflected beam 6 and the second transmitted beam 7 from the dichroic filter 12.
  • the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 are anchored to the support structure 10 in order to directly receive the first reflected beam 6 and the second transmitted beam 7 from the dichroic filter 12, respectively.
  • further reflection devices for the reflected and transmitted beams from the dichroic filter 12 are not provided (these would be adapted to direct such beams towards the respective photovoltaic modules). In such a manner, the reflected and transmitted radiation from the dichroic filter 12 reaches the corresponding photovoltaic module with substantially unchanged intensity, allowing the obtainment of high energy efficiency of the apparatus itself.
  • such device comprises two or more dichroic filters 12, arranged in cascade along a longitudinal extension axis X of the support structure 10 (better described below) in respective seats 1 1 provided on the support structure 10. More in detail, a first dichroic filter 12', removably housed in a corresponding first seat 1 1 ', separates the concentrated radiation beam Rc into a first reflected beam 6' and a first transmitted beam 6".
  • the first reflected beam 6' is directed to irradiate the first photovoltaic module 8, housed in the first frame 31, whereas the first transmitted beam 6", aligned with the concentrated radiation beam reaches a second dichroic filter 12", removably housed in a corresponding second seat 1 1 ", in order to be further divided into a second transmitted beam 7" and a second reflected beam 7', which respectively irradiate a second photovoltaic module 9, housed in the second frame 32, and a third photovoltaic module 25, housed in a third frame 38.
  • the first, second and third photovoltaic modules in such case comprise photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region respectively characteristic of the first reflected beam 6, of the second transmitted beam 7" and of the second reflected beam 7'.
  • the first dichroic filter 12' and the second dichroic filter 12" are obtained by means of deposition on a highly transparent substrate, e.g. borosilicate glass, of a plurality of alternated layers of different metal oxides of nanometric thickness, with different refraction indices; when arranged in cascade, such filters are designed to separate a first reflected beam 6' characterized by a wavelength interval substantially comprised between 300 and 600 nm, a second reflected beam T characterized by a wavelength interval substantially comprised between 600 and 800 nm and a second transmitted beam 7" characterized by a wavelength interval substantially greater than 800 nm.
  • a highly transparent substrate e.g. borosilicate glass
  • the first photovoltaic module 8 adapted to receive the first reflected beam 6' can in such case comprise photovoltaic cells constituted by ternary semiconductors
  • the second photovoltaic module 9 adapted to receive the second transmitted beam 7" can comprise photovoltaic cells made of silicon or germanium
  • the third photovoltaic module 25 adapted to receive the second reflected beam 7' can comprise photovoltaic cells constituted by binary semiconductors.
  • the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 substantially defines a tubular pipe 15, with main extension along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation Rc.
  • the tubular pipe 15, in particular, is provided with an inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc-
  • a first window 36 and a second window 37 are made, respectively at the first reception zone 34 and at the second reception zone 35, in order to allow the first beam 6 and the second beam 7 to reach and respectively irradiate the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9.
  • the dichroic filter 12, housed in the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10, is arranged so as to intercept the tubular pipe 15, tilted an angle a with respect to the extension axis X of the latter, i.e. with respect to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation beam R c traveling along the tubular pipe 15.
  • the dichroic filter 12 is arranged in the support structure 10 tilted a 45° angle with respect to the extension axis X of the tubular pipe 15.
  • the second window 37 is made on the tubular pipe 15 in a position opposite the inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc, so that it is crossed by the beam 7 transmitted from the dichroic filter 12 and so as to allow such beam to reach the second photovoltaic module 9.
  • the first window 36 is made on a lateral face of the tubular pipe 15, so that it is crossed by the beam 6 reflected by the dichroic filter 12 and so as to allow such beam to reach the first photovoltaic module 8.
  • the dichroic filter 12 is designed for separating the incident radiation into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam with optimal wavelength intervals for the conversion efficiency of the cells, for a defined incidence angle.
  • the spectra of the transmitted and reflected beams from the dichroic filter 12 depend on the angle of incidence of the solar radiation on the dichroic filter itself 12. Therefore, a variation of the tilt of the dichroic filter 12 leads to a variation in the spectral composition of the transmitted and reflected beams from the same filter, on which the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells depends.
  • the dichroic filter 12 must therefore be mounted on the support structure 10 with the correct tilt.
  • the seat 1 1 in the support structure 10 ensures, in addition to a facilitated removability, also a precise positioning of the dichroic filter 12.
  • the dichroic filter 12 is mounted on a frame 16, preferably having the shape of a picture frame, adapted to maintain the dichroic filter 12 itself planar and to protect it from direct contact with the support structure 10.
  • the frame 16 protects the dichroic filter 12, preventing the latter from being broken, chipped, damaged or even simply bent when it is placed in or removed from the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10.
  • the frame 16 by ensuring the planarity of the dichroic filter 12, prevents alterations of the optical properties of the dichroic filter 12 itself, allowing the maintenance of the spectral compositions of the first reflected beam 6 and second transmitted beam 7 from the filter 12, as per design optimized for the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells.
  • the frame 16 comprises retention means 26 adapted to retain the dichroic filter 12 integral therewith, however without introducing mechanical voltages of any type on the filter itself.
  • retention means 26 for example comprise two or more screws susceptible to engage with their head on end portions of the dichroic filter 12, in order to retain the filter rigidly fixed on the frame 16.
  • the retention means 26 can for example comprise two or more removable tongues or equivalent elements, so long as they are susceptible to cover the smallest possible area of the dichroic filter 12.
  • the removable engagement means 13, by means of which the dichroic filter 12 is engaged with the support structure 10, comprise one or more guides 17, arranged in the tubular pipe 15 so as to define a seat 1 1, and sliding portions 18 for the frame 16, susceptible to engage with the guides 17.
  • the guides 17 can be defined as shoulders or grooves made in the tubular pipe 15, or as wings projecting towards the interior of the same tubular pipe 15.
  • the sliding portions 18 of the frame 16 can be defined as shoulders or grooves made peripherally in the frame 16, preferably at two opposite sides, and susceptible to engage with the guides 17.
  • one or more stop elements can be provided, adapted to retain the dichroic filter 12 in the seat 11 regardless of the tilt of the spectral separation device 4.
  • the guides 17 comprise a slot 19 made in the tubular pipe 15 through which the dichroic filter 12 is inserted in the seat 1 1, or through which the dichroic filter 12 is removed from the tubular pipe 15.
  • the support structure 10 preferably has the shape of a parallelepiped and the slot 19 is made on a first lateral face 20 thereof.
  • the inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated radiation beam R c is advantageously obtained on a first base 41 of the support structure 10 and the second window 37 is obtained on the second base 42, opposite the first base 41 , of the support structure 10.
  • the first window 36 is in particular obtained on a second lateral face 20' of the support structure 10, contiguous with the first lateral face 20 on which the slot 19 is made for the insertion and removal of the dichroic filter 12.
  • the frame 16 is in such case provided with one or more grip portions 21 susceptible to project through the slot 19 and which can be manually operated in order to remove the dichroic filter 12 from the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10, or in order to drive it into the same seat 1 1.
  • the dichroic filter 12 can be easily removed from the support structure 10, without it being necessary to remove the spectral separation device 4 from the support frame 2, or from the concentration device 3. This allows substituting the dichroic filter 12 in an extremely simple and quick manner, for example if it is damaged, or if one wishes substituting one or more photovoltaic modules with others having maximum conversion efficiency in a different spectral region.
  • the solar radiation concentration device 3 advantageously comprises a parabolic dish 22, which preferably has quadrangular form, so that it can be arranged side-by-side parabolic dishes of other apparatuses 1 identical to the apparatus described up to now in a photovoltaic installation, thus optimizing the space occupied by the installation itself.
  • the spectral separation device 4, in accordance with a possible embodiment (not illustrated) of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, is supported by the support frame 2 in front of the parabolic dish 22, on the focal axis F of the latter, with its dichroic filter 12 placed at the area of concentration of the solar radiation 3 ⁇ 4 concentrated by the concentration device 3.
  • the concentration device 3 comprises a reflection and collimation device 23 for the solar radiation R d reflected by the parabolic dish 22, which is placed in front of the parabolic dish 22, on the focal axis F of the latter, and is susceptible to send the concentrated and collimated solar radiation to the spectral separation device 4.
  • the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is fixed directly beneath the solar radiation concentration device 3 at a through hole 24 made centered on the focal axis F of the parabolic dish 22.
  • the tubular pipe 15 defined by the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is aligned with the through hole 24 of the parabolic dish 22.
  • the apparatus 1 comprises quick coupling means 27 for connecting the spectral separation device 4 to the concentration device 3.
  • quick coupling means 27 for example comprise a guide frame 28 fixed below the parabolic dish 22 and adapted to receive, in an engagement relationship, an anchorage portion 33 of the support structure 10 preferably provided at the upper end of the tubular pipe 15, in order to position such upper end with its longitudinal extension axis X centered on the hole 24 and coaxial to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc.
  • Such guide frame 28 defines a C-shaped profile, which is susceptible to engage with its folded edges 29 in two respective grooves 30 made on two opposite lateral faces of the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4.
  • the same quick coupling means 27 can nevertheless be made in a different manner, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, so along as they equally allow a quick and easy coupling, or a quick and easy removal, of the spectral separation device 4 to (or from) the concentration device 3.
  • the shape and size of the solar radiation concentration device 3 will depend on the level of concentration that one wishes to obtain. As a function of the shape and size of the concentration device 3, the mutual position of the concentration device 3, the spectral separation device 4 housing the dichroic filter (or the dichroic filters) 12 and the possible reflection and collimation device 23 will also be determined, in a per se known manner for the man skilled in the art and for this reason not discussed in detail herein. So as to prevent encumbering the solar radiation concentration device 3, the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is advantageously made of light material, and particularly of a polymer material, such as polymethylmethacrylate or polycarbonate. Otherwise, the support structure 10 can be made of a light metal material, such as aluminum.
  • the solar radiation R is collected and concentrated by the concentration device 3 towards the reflection and collimation device 23, which then sends the concentrated and collimated solar radiation through the through hole 24 of the parabolic dish 22 towards the interior of the tubular pipe 15 of the spectral separation device 4, where it is divided by the dichroic filter 12 into a first reflected beam 6 and a second transmitted beam 7 having different spectra.
  • the latter beams respectively irradiate the first and the second photovoltaic modules, which are adapted to convert the solar energy into electric power.
  • the finding thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, which comprises a support frame (2); a solar radiation concentration device (3) mounted on said support frame (2); a device (4) for the spectral separation of the solar radiation beam (Rc) concentrated by the concentration device (3), such device (4) adapted to divide the concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc) into a first beam (6) and a second beam (7) having different spectra; and a first photovoltaic module (8) and a second photovoltaic module (9), susceptible to respectively receive the first beam (6) and the second beam (7) and comprising photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency respectively in the spectral region characteristic of the first beam (6) and in the spectral region characteristic of the second beam (7). The spectral separation device (4) comprises: a support structure (10) mounted on the support frame (2) or on the concentration device (3) and provided with a seat (1 1) arranged so as to interfere with the concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc); a dichroic filter (12) removably housed in the seat (11) and engaged with the support structure (10) by means of removable engagement means (13); and anchorage means (14) for retaining the first photovoltaic module (8) and the second photovoltaic module (9) mechanically fixed to the support structure (10) so as to respectively intercept the first transmitted beam (6) and the second reflected beam (7) from the dichroic filter (12).

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE CONVERSION OF SOLAR ENERGY INTO ELECTRIC
POWER
DESCRIPTION
Field of application
The present invention concerns an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, according to the preamble of independent claim No. 1.
The apparatus of the present invention is of the type comprising a solar radiation concentration device and a spectral separation device for the solar radiation, and it is intended to be preferably employed in association with a plurality of other identical apparatuses in photovoltaic installations for converting solar energy into electric power. The aforesaid apparatus is therefore situated in the photovoltaic energy field, and particularly in the industrial field of the production of apparatuses for converting solar energy into electric power.
State of the art
As is known, the apparatuses for the conversion of solar energy into electric power conventionally comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted side-by-side each other on a panel adapted to be directly irradiated by the solar radiation. Such apparatuses have several limits which obstruct their wide-scale diffusion.
The main limit of the apparatuses of conventional type lies in their particularly high cost, particularly with regard to the cost of the raw materials employed in the production of the photovoltaic cells.
Another important limit lies in the bulk of such apparatuses, which generally require wide exposure surfaces for the solar radiation. The bulk of each apparatus in particular depends on the electric power that the apparatus is intended to develop and on the type of photovoltaic cells arranged in the apparatus itself, i.e. on the conversion efficiency of the latter.
In the photovoltaic field, therefore, there is the particular need to design new apparatuses for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which allow overcoming the abovementioned limits of the conventional apparatuses.
For such purpose, in recent years so-called "concentration" apparatuses have been particularly widespread for the conversion of solar energy into electric power. Such apparatuses comprise a solar light concentration device, adapted to receive the solar radiation and convey it, concentrating it, towards the photovoltaic cells intended to convert the solar energy into electric power. The photovoltaic cells in such case cover an area of reduced size.
The use of such solar radiation concentration devices allow reducing the number of photovoltaic cells that must be arranged in an apparatus for producing the desired electric power, since the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells generally increases with the increase of intensity of the radiation incident thereon. The use of solar radiation concentration devices therefore allows reducing the cost of the apparatus itself.
In order to further improve the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, apparatuses have been designed for the conversion of solar energy into electric power making use of solar spectra separation devices. The latter are adapted to divide the incident solar radiation into two or more reflected and/or transmitted beams, each covering a different spectral region, i.e. characterized by a different wavelength interval. Such beams are then sent to dedicated photovoltaic cells, having maximum conversion efficiency within the wavelength interval of the incident beam.
Each photovoltaic cell has optimal conversion efficiency for a narrow wavelength interval of the incident radiation, which in particular is characteristic of the semiconductor material constituting the photovoltaic cell. The excess power supplied to the photovoltaic cell is partially dissipated into heat, and in addition to not contributing to the electric power production, it can overheat the photovoltaic cell and lead to a consequent reduction of the conversion efficiency of the latter.
The use of spectral separation devices in an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power therefore allows overcoming the latter drawbacks by optimizing the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells employed in the apparatus.
For such purpose, apparatuses are known for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which are provided with solar radiation concentration devices and simultaneously spectral separation devices; given the same nominal power developed, such apparatuses have lower bulk and production costs with respect to those for the conversion of solar energy into electric power of conventional type.
A photovoltaic apparatus of the latter known type is described for example in the patent IT 1365367.
Such apparatus comprises a photovoltaic receiver, provided with one or more groups of photovoltaic cells with different spectral sensitivity, and a device for the concentration and spectral separation of the solar radiation, adapted to receive and separate the solar radiation into multiple reflected beams with different spectral regions, as well as convey the latter, concentrated, towards different areas of the photovoltaic receiver. More in detail, the concentration and spectral separation device is constituted by a plurality of reflector elements made of a transparent material, such as glass or an acrylic resin; each reflector element in particular comprises a lower reflector with flat, parallel faces and one or more dichroic reflectors fixed on the upper part to the lower reflector and each provided with a transparent, flat lower face and a flat upper face, tilted with respect to the lower face, on which a dichroic coating is applied. The reflector elements constituting the concentration and spectral separation device are fixed to a support structure and are susceptible to receive the solar radiation, to reflect the latter, dividing it into separate beams characterized by different wavelengths and to convey each of such beams, concentrating it, towards a specific group of cells of the photovoltaic receiver.
The above-described apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power of known type has nevertheless proven in practice that it does not lack drawbacks.
A first drawback lies in the difficulty of making the apparatus itself. Each of the reflector elements of its concentration and spectral separation device must in fact be designed and made with specific optical characteristics, as a function of the specific position in which it is intended to be fixed to the support structure, in order to ensure that each of the beams reflected by it (characterized by a specific wavelength interval) reaches the group of photovoltaic cells to which it is intended in a precise manner.
In addition, the concentration and spectral separation device of such apparatus, as well as the photovoltaic receiver, are exposed to the action of weathering agents, and over time they can easily suffer damage.
Therefore, if one or more reflector elements of its concentration and spectral separation device incurs breakage or damage, it is necessary to substitute the same with one or more reflector elements provided with identical optical characteristics. It is therefore clear that, in such conditions, it is particularly difficult for a user to find the exact reflector element adapted to substitute the broken or damaged element, and to substitute the latter himself, fixing the element to the support structure in the correct position.
In order to remedy the latter drawbacks, photovoltaic apparatuses were designed adapted to better resist the action of weathering agents. For example, known from the patent EP 2141748 is an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which comprises a solar radiation concentration device, a plurality of dichroic filters arranged in cascade and susceptible to divide the concentrated solar radiation into separate beams, characterized by different wavelength bands. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of mirrors, each of which adapted to reflect a beam, separated by one of the dichroic filters, in order to convey it towards a corresponding group of photovoltaic cells. The latter are designed in order to have the maximum conversion efficiency within the interval of wavelength values of the corresponding incident wave. More in detail, such apparatus comprises a hermetic box-like support, which is provided with an inlet opening for the solar radiation concentrated by the concentration device, sealed by means of a transparent plate, e.g. made of glass. The hermetic box-like support houses the dichroic filters at its interior (which are situated so as to intercept the entering concentrated solar radiation) together with the mirrors and the groups of photovoltaic cells, in order to protect the latter from the action of weathering agents.
However, the above-described apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power of known type also has several drawbacks.
First of all, the solar radiation that reaches the photovoltaic cells has a considerably reduced intensity with respect to the radiation concentrated by the concentration device and conveyed towards the interior of the box-like support body.
Indeed, before reaching the photovoltaic cells, the solar radiation concentrated by the concentration device is transmitted through the plate placed to shut the opening of the support body, and it is further transmitted, i.e. reflected, by one or more dichroic filters and then reflected by a mirror. The diminution of the intensity of the incident light leads to a diminution of the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells, and thus the energy efficiency of the apparatus itself is reduced.
Moreover, the latter apparatus is also difficult to maintain, since the photovoltaic cells, the dichroic filters and the reflector mirrors, arranged inside the hermetic box-like support body, are hard to access. Presentation of the invention
In this situation, the problem underlying the base of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the abovementioned prior art, by providing an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power that is easy to install and maintain.
Another object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power provided with high energy efficiency.
A further object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which allows maximizing the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells arranged therein.
Another object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power which is resistant to the action of weathering agents. A further object of the present finding is to provide an apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power that is structurally simple and inexpensive to make. These and still other objects are all attained by the apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, object of the present invention, as indicated in the enclosed claims.
Brief description of the drawings
The characteristics of the finding, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly described by the contents of the claims reported below and the advantages thereof will be clearer from the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent several merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein:
- Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of a preferential embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
- Fig. 2 shows a first top perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention, relative to a spectral separation device, with some parts removed in order to better illustrate others, and with a provided dichroic filter removed from the support structure of such device;
- Fig. 3 shows a second top perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 2 with the dichroic filter housed in the support structure;
- Fig. 4 shows a section view of the device of Fig. 3 made along the trace IV-IV of the same figure;
- Fig. 5 shows a side view of the spectral separation device, in accordance with a different embodiment thereof;
- Fig. 6 shows a top perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , relative to quick coupling means for connecting the device of Fig. 2 to a provided solar radiation concentration device.
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment
With reference to the enclosed drawings, the apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, object of the present invention, is indicated with 1 in its entirety.
The apparatus 1, according to the present invention, is intended for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, and as will be better explained below, is particularly easy to install and maintain.
More in detail, the apparatus 1 is adapted to be preferably employed in association with a plurality of apparatuses identical thereto, for the obtainment of a photovoltaic installation.
The apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one support frame 2, for example susceptible to being based on the ground or fixed to the roof of a building, and for such purpose is preferably equipped with two or more support feet 5. The apparatus 1 also comprises one or more solar radiation concentration devices 3, mounted on the support frame 2, and adapted to produce a concentrated solar radiation beam Rc, i.e. to convey the solar radiation into a provided concentration area, and one or more spectral separation devices 4 adapted to receive the concentrated solar radiation beam R« from the concentration devices 3 and to separate it into separate beams with different spectra. The spectral separation devices 4 are mechanically supported at the concentration area by the support frame 2 or directly by the concentration devices 3, as is better specified below. Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a single concentration device 3 and a single spectral separation device 4. The latter is adapted to divide the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc into at least one first beam 6 and at least one second beam 7 having different spectra.
The apparatus 1 also comprises at least one first photovoltaic module 8 and at least one second photovoltaic module 9, which are respectively susceptible to receive the first beam 6 and the second beam 7 separated by the spectral separation device 4. More in detail, the first photovoltaic module 8 comprises photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region characteristic of the first beam 6 and the second photovoltaic module 9 comprises photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region characteristic of the second beam 7.
The use of the spectral separation device 4 therefore allows obtaining the maximum conversion efficiency for each photovoltaic cell arranged in the apparatus 1. Indeed, each cell is irradiated with a beam characterized by a wavelength interval useful for the conversion of the solar energy into electric power. The use of the spectral separation device 4 therefore prevents excess energy from being supplied to the photovoltaic cells, which would be dissipated in the form of heat and could cause overheating phenomena of the photovoltaic cells themselves, decreasing the conversion efficiency of the latter and requiring the use of heat dissipaters. The first and the second photovoltaic modules 8 and 9 are therefore connected to inverters adapted to convert the direct voltage in output from each module into alternating voltage and to insert the latter in an electric power distribution network, in a per se conventional manner.
In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the spectral separation device 4 of the apparatus 1 comprises a support structure 10, mounted on the support frame 2 or on the concentration device 3 and provided with one or more seats 1 1 arranged so as to interfere with the concentrated solar radiation beam one or more dichroic filters 12, each removably housed in a seat 1 1 of the support structure 10 and engaged with the latter by means of removable engagement means 13; and anchorage means 14, susceptible to anchor the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 to the support structure 10.
The removable engagement means 13, by means of which each dichroic filter 12 is engaged to the support structure 10, allow removing and repositioning the dichroic filter on the support structure 10 in an extremely easy manner, substantially without requiring operation on the support structure 10. In particular, each housing seat 1 1 for a corresponding dichroic filter 12 is advantageously accessible from outside the support structure 10, such that each dichroic filter 12 can be removed from the seat 1 1 and repositioned therein, or possibly substituted, without it being necessary to remove the support structure 10 from the support frame 2 or from the concentration device 3 or remove parts of the support structure 10, such as a cover, in order to access the seat 1 1 (or seats 1 1) for housing the dichroic filter 12 (or dichroic filters 12).
More in detail, the anchorage means 14 advantageously comprise a first frame 31 and a second frame 32 adapted to respectively house the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9; such frames are fixed to the support structure 10, e.g. by means of screws, or they form a single body with the latter, e.g. obtained via plastic molding.
Functionally, the dichroic filter 12 is adapted to intercept the solar radiation beam Rc concentrated by the concentration device 3 and separate it into the abovementioned first beam 6 and second beam 7, which are respectively reflected and transmitted from the dichroic filter 12. The first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 are anchored to the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 so as to respectively intercept the first reflected beam 6 and the second transmitted beam 7 from the dichroic filter 12.
The first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9 are anchored to the support structure 10 in order to directly receive the first reflected beam 6 and the second transmitted beam 7 from the dichroic filter 12, respectively. In the spectral separation device 4 of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention, further reflection devices for the reflected and transmitted beams from the dichroic filter 12 are not provided (these would be adapted to direct such beams towards the respective photovoltaic modules). In such a manner, the reflected and transmitted radiation from the dichroic filter 12 reaches the corresponding photovoltaic module with substantially unchanged intensity, allowing the obtainment of high energy efficiency of the apparatus itself.
In accordance with a possible embodiment of the spectral separation device 4 in particular illustrated in Figure 5, such device comprises two or more dichroic filters 12, arranged in cascade along a longitudinal extension axis X of the support structure 10 (better described below) in respective seats 1 1 provided on the support structure 10. More in detail, a first dichroic filter 12', removably housed in a corresponding first seat 1 1 ', separates the concentrated radiation beam Rc into a first reflected beam 6' and a first transmitted beam 6". The first reflected beam 6' is directed to irradiate the first photovoltaic module 8, housed in the first frame 31, whereas the first transmitted beam 6", aligned with the concentrated radiation beam reaches a second dichroic filter 12", removably housed in a corresponding second seat 1 1 ", in order to be further divided into a second transmitted beam 7" and a second reflected beam 7', which respectively irradiate a second photovoltaic module 9, housed in the second frame 32, and a third photovoltaic module 25, housed in a third frame 38. Of course, the first, second and third photovoltaic modules in such case comprise photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region respectively characteristic of the first reflected beam 6, of the second transmitted beam 7" and of the second reflected beam 7'.
In accordance with a non-limiting application embodiment of the present invention, the first dichroic filter 12' and the second dichroic filter 12" are obtained by means of deposition on a highly transparent substrate, e.g. borosilicate glass, of a plurality of alternated layers of different metal oxides of nanometric thickness, with different refraction indices; when arranged in cascade, such filters are designed to separate a first reflected beam 6' characterized by a wavelength interval substantially comprised between 300 and 600 nm, a second reflected beam T characterized by a wavelength interval substantially comprised between 600 and 800 nm and a second transmitted beam 7" characterized by a wavelength interval substantially greater than 800 nm.
The first photovoltaic module 8 adapted to receive the first reflected beam 6' can in such case comprise photovoltaic cells constituted by ternary semiconductors, the second photovoltaic module 9 adapted to receive the second transmitted beam 7" can comprise photovoltaic cells made of silicon or germanium and the third photovoltaic module 25 adapted to receive the second reflected beam 7' can comprise photovoltaic cells constituted by binary semiconductors.
Advantageously, the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 substantially defines a tubular pipe 15, with main extension along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation Rc. The tubular pipe 15, in particular, is provided with an inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc-
On the tubular pipe 15, a first window 36 and a second window 37 are made, respectively at the first reception zone 34 and at the second reception zone 35, in order to allow the first beam 6 and the second beam 7 to reach and respectively irradiate the first photovoltaic module 8 and the second photovoltaic module 9.
The dichroic filter 12, housed in the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10, is arranged so as to intercept the tubular pipe 15, tilted an angle a with respect to the extension axis X of the latter, i.e. with respect to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc traveling along the tubular pipe 15.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the dichroic filter 12 is arranged in the support structure 10 tilted a 45° angle with respect to the extension axis X of the tubular pipe 15.
Advantageously, the second window 37 is made on the tubular pipe 15 in a position opposite the inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc, so that it is crossed by the beam 7 transmitted from the dichroic filter 12 and so as to allow such beam to reach the second photovoltaic module 9. The first window 36 is made on a lateral face of the tubular pipe 15, so that it is crossed by the beam 6 reflected by the dichroic filter 12 and so as to allow such beam to reach the first photovoltaic module 8. The dichroic filter 12 is designed for separating the incident radiation into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam with optimal wavelength intervals for the conversion efficiency of the cells, for a defined incidence angle. Indeed, the spectra of the transmitted and reflected beams from the dichroic filter 12 depend on the angle of incidence of the solar radiation on the dichroic filter itself 12. Therefore, a variation of the tilt of the dichroic filter 12 leads to a variation in the spectral composition of the transmitted and reflected beams from the same filter, on which the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells depends.
The dichroic filter 12 must therefore be mounted on the support structure 10 with the correct tilt. The seat 1 1 in the support structure 10 ensures, in addition to a facilitated removability, also a precise positioning of the dichroic filter 12.
In accordance with a preferential embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures, the dichroic filter 12 is mounted on a frame 16, preferably having the shape of a picture frame, adapted to maintain the dichroic filter 12 itself planar and to protect it from direct contact with the support structure 10.
The frame 16 protects the dichroic filter 12, preventing the latter from being broken, chipped, damaged or even simply bent when it is placed in or removed from the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10. The frame 16, by ensuring the planarity of the dichroic filter 12, prevents alterations of the optical properties of the dichroic filter 12 itself, allowing the maintenance of the spectral compositions of the first reflected beam 6 and second transmitted beam 7 from the filter 12, as per design optimized for the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cells.
In particular, the frame 16 comprises retention means 26 adapted to retain the dichroic filter 12 integral therewith, however without introducing mechanical voltages of any type on the filter itself. Such retention means 26 for example comprise two or more screws susceptible to engage with their head on end portions of the dichroic filter 12, in order to retain the filter rigidly fixed on the frame 16. Otherwise, the retention means 26 can for example comprise two or more removable tongues or equivalent elements, so long as they are susceptible to cover the smallest possible area of the dichroic filter 12.
Preferably, the removable engagement means 13, by means of which the dichroic filter 12 is engaged with the support structure 10, comprise one or more guides 17, arranged in the tubular pipe 15 so as to define a seat 1 1, and sliding portions 18 for the frame 16, susceptible to engage with the guides 17. More in detail, the guides 17 can be defined as shoulders or grooves made in the tubular pipe 15, or as wings projecting towards the interior of the same tubular pipe 15. The sliding portions 18 of the frame 16 can be defined as shoulders or grooves made peripherally in the frame 16, preferably at two opposite sides, and susceptible to engage with the guides 17.
In addition, one or more stop elements (not illustrated) can be provided, adapted to retain the dichroic filter 12 in the seat 11 regardless of the tilt of the spectral separation device 4.
According to the preferential embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the guides 17 comprise a slot 19 made in the tubular pipe 15 through which the dichroic filter 12 is inserted in the seat 1 1, or through which the dichroic filter 12 is removed from the tubular pipe 15.
More in detail, the support structure 10 preferably has the shape of a parallelepiped and the slot 19 is made on a first lateral face 20 thereof. In accordance with the latter preferential embodiment, the inlet mouth 40 for the concentrated radiation beam Rc is advantageously obtained on a first base 41 of the support structure 10 and the second window 37 is obtained on the second base 42, opposite the first base 41 , of the support structure 10. The first window 36 is in particular obtained on a second lateral face 20' of the support structure 10, contiguous with the first lateral face 20 on which the slot 19 is made for the insertion and removal of the dichroic filter 12. Advantageously, the frame 16 is in such case provided with one or more grip portions 21 susceptible to project through the slot 19 and which can be manually operated in order to remove the dichroic filter 12 from the seat 1 1 of the support structure 10, or in order to drive it into the same seat 1 1.
Therefore, the dichroic filter 12 can be easily removed from the support structure 10, without it being necessary to remove the spectral separation device 4 from the support frame 2, or from the concentration device 3. This allows substituting the dichroic filter 12 in an extremely simple and quick manner, for example if it is damaged, or if one wishes substituting one or more photovoltaic modules with others having maximum conversion efficiency in a different spectral region.
The solar radiation concentration device 3 advantageously comprises a parabolic dish 22, which preferably has quadrangular form, so that it can be arranged side-by-side parabolic dishes of other apparatuses 1 identical to the apparatus described up to now in a photovoltaic installation, thus optimizing the space occupied by the installation itself. The spectral separation device 4, in accordance with a possible embodiment (not illustrated) of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, is supported by the support frame 2 in front of the parabolic dish 22, on the focal axis F of the latter, with its dichroic filter 12 placed at the area of concentration of the solar radiation ¾ concentrated by the concentration device 3.
Otherwise, in accordance with a preferential embodiment of the apparatus 1 illustrated in the enclosed figures, the concentration device 3 comprises a reflection and collimation device 23 for the solar radiation Rd reflected by the parabolic dish 22, which is placed in front of the parabolic dish 22, on the focal axis F of the latter, and is susceptible to send the concentrated and collimated solar radiation to the spectral separation device 4. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is fixed directly beneath the solar radiation concentration device 3 at a through hole 24 made centered on the focal axis F of the parabolic dish 22. The tubular pipe 15 defined by the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is aligned with the through hole 24 of the parabolic dish 22. Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises quick coupling means 27 for connecting the spectral separation device 4 to the concentration device 3. More in detail, such quick coupling means 27 for example comprise a guide frame 28 fixed below the parabolic dish 22 and adapted to receive, in an engagement relationship, an anchorage portion 33 of the support structure 10 preferably provided at the upper end of the tubular pipe 15, in order to position such upper end with its longitudinal extension axis X centered on the hole 24 and coaxial to the propagation direction X' of the concentrated solar radiation beam Rc. Such guide frame 28 defines a C-shaped profile, which is susceptible to engage with its folded edges 29 in two respective grooves 30 made on two opposite lateral faces of the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4.
The same quick coupling means 27 can nevertheless be made in a different manner, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, so along as they equally allow a quick and easy coupling, or a quick and easy removal, of the spectral separation device 4 to (or from) the concentration device 3.
Of course, the shape and size of the solar radiation concentration device 3 will depend on the level of concentration that one wishes to obtain. As a function of the shape and size of the concentration device 3, the mutual position of the concentration device 3, the spectral separation device 4 housing the dichroic filter (or the dichroic filters) 12 and the possible reflection and collimation device 23 will also be determined, in a per se known manner for the man skilled in the art and for this reason not discussed in detail herein. So as to prevent encumbering the solar radiation concentration device 3, the support structure 10 of the spectral separation device 4 is advantageously made of light material, and particularly of a polymer material, such as polymethylmethacrylate or polycarbonate. Otherwise, the support structure 10 can be made of a light metal material, such as aluminum.
Operatively, the solar radiation R is collected and concentrated by the concentration device 3 towards the reflection and collimation device 23, which then sends the concentrated and collimated solar radiation through the through hole 24 of the parabolic dish 22 towards the interior of the tubular pipe 15 of the spectral separation device 4, where it is divided by the dichroic filter 12 into a first reflected beam 6 and a second transmitted beam 7 having different spectra. The latter beams respectively irradiate the first and the second photovoltaic modules, which are adapted to convert the solar energy into electric power.
The finding thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.
Of course, in the practical obtainment thereof, the invention can also assume shapes and configurations that are different from that illustrated above, without departing from the present scope of protection.
In addition, all details can be substituted with technically equivalent elements and the size, shapes and materials used can be of any type as required.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power, which comprises: at least one support frame (2);
at least one solar radiation concentration device (3) mounted on said support frame
(2) and adapted to produce a concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc);
at least one device for the spectral separation (4) of the solar radiation beam (Rc) concentrated by said concentration device (3), such device (4) adapted to divide the solar radiation beam (Rc) concentrated by said concentration device (3) into at least one first beam (6) and at least one second beam (7) having different spectra;
- at least one first photovoltaic module (8) and at least one second photovoltaic module (9), which are susceptible to respectively receive said at least one first beam (6) and said at least one second beam (7) and which comprise photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency respectively in the spectral region characteristic of said first beam (6) and in the spectral region characteristic of said second beam (7);
characterized in that said spectral separation device (4) comprises:
a support structure (10) mounted on said support frame (2) or on said concentration device (3) and provided with at least one seat (1 1) arrang to interfere with said concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc);
at least one dichroic filter (12) removably housed in said at least one seat (1 1) of said support structure (10) and engaged therewith by means of removable engagement means (13), said dichroic filter (12) being adapted to intercept said concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc) produced by said concentration device
(3) and to separate it into said at least one first, transmitted beam (6), and said at least one second, reflected beam (7); and anchorage means (14) for retaining said at least one first photovoltaic module (8) and said at least one second photovoltaic module (9) mechanically fixed to said support structure (10) so as to respectively intercept said at least one first transmitted beam (6) and said at least one second reflected beam (7) from said dichroic filter (12).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:
- said concentration device (3) comprises a parabolic dish (22); and
- the support structure (10) of said spectral separation device (4) defines a tubular pipe (15) with main extension along a longitudinal axis (X) parallel to the direction of propagation (Χ') of said concentrated solar radiation beam (¾), and said support structure (10) is fixed directly below said parabolic dish (22), at a through hole (24) made on the focal axis (F) of the latter with said tubular pipe (15) aligned with said through hole (24).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said dichroic filter (12) is mounted on a frame (16), adapted to maintain said dichroic filter (12) planar and to protect it from direct contact with said support structure (10).
4. Apparatus according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that said removable engagement means (13) comprise at least one guide (17), defining said at least one seat
(1 1) and arranged in said tubular pipe (15), and sliding portions (18) of said frame (16) susceptible to engage with said guide (17).
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one guide (17) comprises a slot (19) made in said tubular pipe (15) through which said dichroic filter
(12) is placed in said seat (11), or removed from said tubular pipe (15).
6. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said dichroic filter (12) housed in the seat (1 1) of said support structure (10) is arranged so as to intercept said tubular pipe (15), tilted an angle a with respect to the extension direction (X) of the latter, i.e. with respect to the propagation direction (Χ') of the concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc) traveling along said tubular pipe (15).
7. Apparatus according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that said frame (18) is provided with at least one grip portion (21) susceptible to project from said slot (19) and which can be manually operated in order to remove said dichroic filter (12) from the seat (1 1) of said support structure (10), or in order to drive it into the seat (1 1) of said support structure (10).
8. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that said concentration device (3) comprises a reflection and collimation device (23) for the solar radiation (Rci) reflected by said parabolic dish (22), placed on the focal axis (F) of said parabolic dish (22) and susceptible to send the concentrated and collimated solar radiation (Rc2) to said spectral separation device (4).
9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (10) of said spectral separation device (4) is provided with a first seat
(1 1 ') and a second seat (1 1 ") arranged aligned so as to interfere with said concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc) and said spectral separation device (4) comprises:
- a first dichroic filter (12'), removably housed in said first seat (1 Γ), which separates said concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc) into a first reflected beam (6'), directed to irradiate said first photovoltaic module (8), and a first transmitted beam (6"), aligned with said concentrated solar radiation beam (Rc);
- a second dichroic filter (12"), removably housed in said second seat (1 1 "), which receives said first transmitted beam (6") and separates it into a second transmitted beam (7"), directed to irradiate said second photovoltaic module (9), and a second reflected beam (7'), directed to irradiate a third photovoltaic module (25);
said first photovoltaic module (8), said second photovoltaic module (9) and said third photovoltaic module (25) comprising photovoltaic cells having maximum conversion efficiency in the spectral region characteristic of said first reflected beam (6'), of said second transmitted beam (7") and of said second reflected beam (7'), respectively.
PCT/IB2012/000545 2011-03-16 2012-03-16 Apparatus for the conversion of solar energy into electric power WO2012123818A1 (en)

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ITPD2011A000084 2011-03-16

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US20050051205A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Mook William H. Solar based electrical energy generation with spectral cooling
WO2009032052A2 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-12 University Of Delaware High efficiency hybrid solar cell
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