Abstract
In this contribution, a comprehensive introduction and discussion on various technical and operational aspects of solar energy systems, primarily focusing on photovoltaic-based energy conversion systems, namely, sole photovoltaic (PV), photovoltaic and thermal (PV/T) and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems is presented. The theory behind the working principle of each PV-based energy conversion system is extensively discussed. A critical evaluation of the current PV, PV/T, and CPV technologies and their marketing dimensions is performed for various applications. The solar-to-product conversion efficiencies are also described including the thermodynamic conversion limits. Thermodynamic analyses of these PV-based energy conversion systems are undertaken through energy and exergy approaches, and some examples are presented to illustrate how their efficiencies are affected by varying operating and environmental conditions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Energy Conversion |
| Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
| Pages | 762-793 |
| Number of pages | 32 |
| Volume | 4-5 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128095973 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128149256 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Concentrated photovoltaics
- Concentrators
- Energy
- Optics
- Photovoltaic and thermal
- Photovoltaics
- Solar electricity
- Solar energy
- Solar fuels
- Solar heat