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

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 20; pp. 595 - 610
• Main Authors: Micheli, Leonardo, Sarmah, Nabin, Luo, Xichun, Reddy, K.S., Mallick, Tapas K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Assessments; Carbon; coatings; Conversion; Cooling; cooling systems; CPV; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Heat transfer; manufacturing; Micro–nano-manufacturing; Monolithic; Nanostructure; Natural energy; Operating temperature; Passive cooling; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Solar cells; Solar energy; temperature; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; CPV; Micro–nano-manufacturing; Passive cooling; Monolithic; Micro-nano-manufacturing
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.11.051

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.