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Optical designing and simulation of a concentrating solar spectrum splitting prototype

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Abstract

In this paper, we presented a simulation method to assess and evaluate the performance of a simple optical design composed of a split spectrum combined with a solar concentrator, both spectrum splitter and solar concentrator, which are commonly numerically designed and optimized on Trace Pro. A comprehensive explanation based on numerical simulation using ray tracing with realistic irradiation conditions is presented to demonstrate the possibility of employing a spectrum-splitting system to improve solar energy conversion and to explain the essential importance of optical concentration in such a system. The analysis demonstrates an increase in electricity efficiency, and the [Yellow Green] spectral range shows the most effective absorption for silicon solar cells compared to [Red Orange] and [Blue Purple] spectral ranges. The solar cells get an additional performance boost from the concentration incorporated. The following approach is expected to result in a more usable design, it allows for more efficient use of solar energy and potentially achieves much higher conversion efficiencies, a way of reducing production costs and increasing the output of the photovoltaic cell.

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Acknowledgements

The authors especially thank the Physics Department of the Faculty of Science of Gabes and the Research and Technology Center of Energy of Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for creating favors in stakeholder communication, information collection, and funding provision during the implementation of the study.

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No funding was received for the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thermal Process Laboratory (LPT), Research and Technology Center of Energy (CRTEn), Bordj-Cedria, Tunisia

    Elhem Rdhaounia, Mahmoud Ben Amara & Moncef Balghouthi

  2. Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Gabes (UnivGb), Gabès, Tunisia

    Elhem Rdhaounia & Mahmoud Ben Amara

Authors
  1. Elhem Rdhaounia
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  2. Mahmoud Ben Amara
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  3. Moncef Balghouthi
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All authors of this research paper have directly participated in the planning, execution, or analysis of this study. All authors of this paper have read and approved the final version submitted.

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Correspondence to Mahmoud Ben Amara.

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Rdhaounia, E., Ben Amara, M. & Balghouthi, M. Optical designing and simulation of a concentrating solar spectrum splitting prototype. J Comput Electron 22, 1522–1531 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10825-023-02081-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10825-023-02081-1

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