Modelling of Compound Parabolic Concentrators for Photovoltaic Applications

In this paper ways of using compound parabolic concentrators as primary optical elements for concentrated photovoltaics are evaluated. The problems related to these classical non-imaging optical elements for photovoltaics applications have been evaluated by modelling different types of linear and point focus concentrators. Particular consideration is given to the issues of manufacturability and cost. The non-uniformity of the flux resulting at the concentrator exit aperture has been considered and some solutions are proposed in order to reduce adverse effects on performance, as well as to increase the angular tolerance of the system.