Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

High-Concentration Systems (HCPV)

R&D Services

Our R&D services comprise designing, producing and characterizing concentrator modules and components, as well as analyzing complete systems:

Concentrator modules

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Production processes

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Modeling, design and simulation

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Reliability and long-term durability testing

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Characterizing CPV system components

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PV concentrator power plants

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We develop high concentration photovoltaic systems that allow III-V multi-junction solar cells to be used for terrestrial applications. To do so, we analyze and assess optical components that concentrate sunlight by a factor of 300-1000 before it is turned into electrical energy in III-V multi-junction solar cells. Within the field of concentrator systems, we work to develop and refine the entire technology chain from solar cells, concentrator optics and module production through dedicated electronics to complete systems and monitoring. One key ingredient in this technology is the development of concentrator modules, which is coordinated at Fraunhofer ISE in the Concentrator Technology and Evaluation Center (ConTEC). Research at ConTEC primarily focusses on optimizing design, manufacturing processes and CPV module reliability. Our expertise in the field of thermal, optical and electrical simulation is shared with our clients, and we optimize and develop processes and innovative systems.

One illustration of thriving module development is the FLATCON® technology devised at Fraunhofer ISE, which is now being successfully commercialized by Soitec Solar. In addition, we develop alternative module concepts, such as those using mirror optics for extremely high geometric concentration. Furthermore, we are researching the cogeneration of heat and electricity in concentrating systems with the goal of reaching system efficiencies of over 70%.

A variety of experimental methods are available for characterizing CPV components.

 

 

Within the field of high concentration PV systems we develop concentrator modules and systems, and offer:

  • Integration and testing of innovative new cells in concentrator modules
  • Experimental investigation of new concepts and components (e.g. secondary optics) for CPV
  • Design optimization and analysis using finite element methods (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Pilot and short production runs with automated manufacturing technology (e.g. pick & place; bonded, adhesive and soldered joints)
  • Reliability and long-term stability testing
  • Lab and field measurements

 

 

Selected Research Projects

 

© Fraunhofer ISE

CPVIndia

Research cooperation on innovative climate technology

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© Fraunhofer ISE

HeKMod4

Highly efficient concentrator module with GaSb-based four-junction solar cell

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© Fraunhofer ICT

HyCon

Solar Hydrogen Generation using a HyCon System

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Current publications - High-Concentration Systems (HCPV):

YearTitle/AuthorDocument Type
20184-terminal CPV module capable of converting global normal irradiance into electricity
Martínez, Juan F.; Steiner, Marc; Wiesenfarth, Maike; Dimroth, Frank		Conference Paper
2018Analysis of the performance of an on-axis mirror module design compared to a FLATCON module
Wiesenfarth, Maike; Gamisch, Sebastian; Jakob, Peter; Steiner, Marc; Bett, Andreas		Conference Paper
2018Challenges in the Design of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Modules to Achieve Highest Efficiencies
Wiesenfarth, M.; Anton, I.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2018Component cell-based restriction of spectral conditions and the impact on CPV module power rating
Steiner, Marc; Muller, Matt; Siefer, Gerald; Bett, Andreas W.		Journal Article
2018Evaluation of 53 kW CPV system in India: Presentation held at 14th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems 2018, Puertollano, Spain, 16.04.2018-18.04.2018
Steiner, M.; Bösch, A.; Wekkeli, A.; Ojha, S.; Sardar, S.; Singh, J.; Singh, V.; Singh Chandok, J.; Siefer, G.		Presentation
2018Operation & maintenance - the key for reliable performance in a CPV power plant
Wüllner, Johannes; Steiner, Marc; Wiesenfarth, Maike; Bett, Andreas		Conference Paper
2018Systematic design evaluation on the example of a concentrator photovoltaic module with mirror optics and passive heat dissipation
Wiesenfarth, Maike; Gamisch, Sebastian; Jakob, Peter; Steiner, Marc; Bett, Andreas		Journal Article
2017Concentrating photovoltaic systems
Steiner, M.; Gerstmaier, T.; Bett, A.W.		Book Article
2017Uncertainty estimation of spectral matching ratio based power rating of CPV modules
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
201643 % direct sunlight conversion efficiency using 4J cell with achromatic full glass lens
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Schmidt, T.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016CPV-T Mirror Dish System Combined with Water Desalination Systems
Wiesenfarth, M.; Went, J.; Bösch, A.; Dilger, A.; Kec, T.; Kroll, A.; Koschikowsi, J.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2016Rating of CPV modules: Results of module round robins
Steiner, Marc; Siefer, Gerald; Baudrit, Mathieu; Askins, Stephen; Domínguez, César; Antón, Ignacio; Roca, Francesco; Fucci, Raffaele; Cancro, Carmine; Romano, Antonio; Graditi, Giorgio; Pugliatti, Paola Maria; Stefano, Agnese di; Kenny, Robert; Norton, Matthew; Minuto, Alessandro; Morabito, Paolo; Muller, Matthew; Riley, Daniel; Pratt, Larry		Conference Paper
2016Recent Development in Direct Generation of Hydrogen Using Multi-Junction Solar Cells
Ohlmann, J.; Martínez, Juan F.; Lackner, D.; Förster, P.; Steiner, M.; Fallisch, A.; Dimroth, F.		Conference Paper
2015Analysis of the output of two isotype cell sets compared to a precicion spectroradiometer
Norton, M.; Galleano, R.; Siefer, G.; Steiner, M.; Kenny, R.; Zaaiman, W.		Conference Paper
2015Challenges and perspectives of CPV technology: Presentation held at 42nd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference 2015, New Orleans, USA, 14.06.2015-19.06.2015
Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2015CPV module design optimization for advanced multi-junction solar cell concepts
Steiner, M.; Kiefel, P.; Siefer, G.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Dimroth, F.; Krause, R.; Gombert, A.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2015CPV module with fresnel lens primary optics and homogenizing secondary optics
Wiesenfarth, M.; Dörsam, T.; Eltermann, F.; Hornung, T.; Siefer, G.; Steiner, M.; Riesen, S. van; Neubauer, M.; Boos, A.; Wanka, S.; Gombert, A.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2015A high-efficiency hybrid high-concentration photovoltaic system
Zimmermann, S.; Helmers, H.; Tiwari, M.K.; Paredes, S.; Michel, B.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Bett, A.W.; Poulikakos, D.		Journal Article
2015Quantum efficiency measurement of concentrator photovoltaic modules
Mundus, M.; Rapp, C.; Missbach, T.; Siefer, G.; Hohl-Ebinger, J.; Bett, A.W.; Warta, W.		Conference Paper
2015Technical analysis and optimization of a high concentrating photovoltaic power tower
Ordóñez Moreno, K.; Heimsath, A.; Wiesenfahrt, M.; Schöttl, P.; Nitz, P.		Conference Paper
2015YieldOpt, a model to predict the power output and energy yield for concentrating photovoltaic modules
Steiner, M.; Siefer, G.; Hornung, T.; Peharz, G.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2014Challenges for Thermal Management and Production Technologies in Conchotovoltaic (CPV) Modules
Wiesenfarth, M.; Gamisch, S.; Dörsam, T.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2014Development and Investigation of a CPV Module with Cassegrain Mirror Optics
Dreger, M.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Kisser, A.; Schmid, T.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2014High-Efficiency - A Key for CPV: Presentation held at CPV-10, 10th International Conference on Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems 2014, Albuquerque, USA, 08.04.2014
Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2014Highly Efficient Multi-junction Solar Cells
Bett, A.		Presentation
2014III-V multi-junction solar cells and concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems
Philipps, S.P.; Bett, A.W.		Journal Article
2014Investigation of Different Fresnel Lens Designs and Methods to Determine the Optical Efficiency
Wiesenfarth, M.; Steiner, M.; Wolf, J.; Schmidt, T.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2014Similarities and Differences between Terrestrial CPV and Space Multi-Junction Solar Cells: Presentation held at 10th European Space Power Conference 2014, Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands, 13.04.2014-17.04.2014
Bett, A.W.		Presentation
2014SPICE network simulation to calculate thermal runaway in III-V solar cells in CPV modules
Steiner, Marc; Siefer, Gerald; Bett, Andreas W.		Journal Article
2013Analysis of high concentration passively cooled CPV module designs using mirror optics
Dreger, M.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Schmid, T.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2013Conceptual product development with integrated concentrating PV systems - CPV in the built environment from a designer's perspective
Reinders, A.; Wiesenfarth, M.; King, R.R.		Conference Paper
2013Design criteria for robust and secure next generation CPV control systems
Benoit, P.; Fey, S.; Rohbogner, G.; Kohrs, R.; Wittwer, C.; Georg, D.; Wüllner, J.; Gombert, A.		Conference Paper
2013Efficiency of dense-array CPVT module with front-side interconnected cells
Polonsky, G.; Shelef, G.; Flitsanov, Y.; Wiesenfarth, M.; Steiner, M.; Helmers, H.; Bett, A.W.; Kribus, A.		Conference Paper
2013Investigations on 3-dimensional temperature distribution in a FLATCON-type CPV module
Wiesenfarth, M.; Gamisch, S.; Kraus, H.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
2013Ko-Generation von Elektrizität und Wärme aus konzentriertem Sonnenlicht: Überblick über Technologie und Anwendungen
Helmers, H.		Book Article
2013Temperature dependent electroluminescence and voltages of multi-junction solar cells
Karcher, C.; Helmers, H.; Schachtner, M.; Dimroth, F.; Bett, A.W.		Conference Paper
This publication list has been generated from the publication database Fraunhofer-Publica.