Presentation Details
| Toward Scalable Free-Space Luminescent Solar Concentration (yes) Mathis Van de Voorde, Twan Kalthof, Jelle Westerhof, Lisanne Einhaus, Rebecca Saive. University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands |
Abstract
Free-space luminescent solar concentrators (FSLSCs) are optical structures that collimate and concentrate diffuse sunlight toward spatially separated PV modules without tracking, offering new opportunities for photovoltaic integration on fixed and non-ideal surfaces. While prior work has demonstrated free-space diffused light collimation at the laboratory scale, the scalability of this approach to larger device areas remains an open question. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate FSLSCs with an active area of 100 cm², an order of magnitude larger than in previous reports. The fabricated FSLSCs achieve concentration of incident light into a designed 40° cone, reaching concentration factors of 1.12 at normal incidence. To understand the governing design parameters at this scale, we systematically investigated two key variables: the luminophore (Lumogen Red) loading of the waveguide and the transmission cut-off wavelength of the nanophotonic coating, which directly impacts the angular escape cone. Our results reveal that optimal performance does not arise from converting all incoming photons into down-shifted emission. Instead, the highest concentration arises from a balance between down-shifted photons exhibiting concentrated emission and unabsorbed incident photons that retain a mixed Lambertian/specular angular distribution. This coexistence enables efficient photon utilization while mitigating loss mechanisms associated with excessive photon recycling such as self-absorption. The presented dataset provides a foundation for future optimization of FSLSCs through targeted tuning of the luminophore loading and transmission cut-off wavelength. Finally, we outline a modular, tile-based FSLSC architecture, in which individual 100 cm² elements can be combined into larger concentrator panels, which will be tested in a model setting. This modular approach establishes a realistic pathway toward scalable FSLSC deployment, supporting future integration of free-space light concentrators in the built environment.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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