Performance of concentrator solar cells with passive cooling

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study regarding the role of passive cooling on silicon-based concentrator solar cell performance. A design is presented for a gravity-dependent copper heat pipe using water or acetone as the working fluid for passively cooling concentrator solar cells operating up to 500×. Heating of the solar cell by illumination and temperature-dependent properties is taken into account. In addition, the performance at high concentrations has been improved using acetone as the working fluid in the gravity-dependent copper heat pipe for passive cooling. The results are promising for reasonable costs for such high efficiency cells working up to 500 suns.