Abstract

The principle of a luminescent solar concentrator is analyzed with an emphasis on the photon-transport yield. A mathematical model is developed, which takes into account the loss factors related to the photon transport in the LSC matrix. The relations obtained show that whereas the optical efficiency is still a decreasing factor with the LSC size, the concentration ratio can be optimized with regard to the geometry, the input surface, and the thickness of the LSC. The experimental analysis, carried out on two types of fluorescent PMMA, confirms the effects of these geometrical parameters on the LSC performances. A concentration ratio of 22 has been obtained experimentally with monochromatic irradiation, and a flux gain of 9.5 has also been determined in real conditions.

© 1984 Optical Society of America

Outdoor evaluation of luminescent solar concentrator prototypes

M. Sidrach de Cardona, M. Carrascosa, F. Meseguer, F. Cusso, and F. Jaque
Appl. Opt. 24(13) 2028-2032 (1985)

Luminescent solar concentrators. 1: Theory of operation and techniques for performance evaluation

J. S. Batchelder, A. H. Zewai, and T. Cole
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Luminescent solar concentrators. 2: Experimental and theoretical analysis of their possible efficiencies

J. S. Batchelder, A. H. Zewail, and T. Cole
Appl. Opt. 20(21) 3733-3754 (1981)

Light transport in planar luminescent solar concentrators: the role of matrix losses

W. R. L. Thomas, J. M. Drake, and M. L. Lesiecki
Appl. Opt. 22(21) 3440-3450 (1983)

Monte Carlo simulation of the performance of PMMA luminescent solar collectors

M. Carrascosa, S. Unamuno, and F. Agullo-Lopez
Appl. Opt. 22(20) 3236-3241 (1983)