Presentation Details
| Prototyping and Testing of a Building-Integrated Solar Electric–Thermal Cogeneration System Siddharth Padmanabha1, Ying Stock-Bordnick1, Aaron Luo1, Qifei Wang1, Chris Lewis1, Rhegan Barrett1, Gracie Dunaway1, Luke Farnan1, Jason Mueller1, Matthew Graf1, Anna Walker1, Miriam Lerner1, Conor Farnan1, Corey Hart1, Daniel Codd2, Matthew Escarra1. 1Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.2University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA |
Abstract
We present the design, prototyping, and pilot-scale validation of a building-integrated concentrated photovoltaic–thermal (CPV/T) cogeneration system for simultaneous electricity and process heat generation. The system employs III–V multijunction solar cells coupled to a two-stage thermal receiver under ~500-suns of optical concentration. Total solar-to-useful-energy conversion efficiency reaching 71% is modeled under design conditions; system testing to validate these projections is underway. By targeting low- to medium-temperature process heat compatible with existing building systems (150–200 °F), the platform achieves levelized cost of heat (LCoH) values competitive with natural gas in some high-irradiance markets. Ongoing development of lightweight composite mirrors is expected to further reduce system costs and expand deployment potential.
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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.