Solar energy collector utilizing micro-lens array technology coupled with V-shaped mirror prisms as a light guide interface

In recent years, waveguide-based planar solar concentrator technology has garnered increased attention within the Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) sector due to its compact design, versatile performance, and broad applicability potential. This research is a continuation of our previous studies in which a novel solar concentrator approach was introduce. The solar concentrator employ a (20 x 20) rectangular micro-lens array (MLA) with a 100% fill factor, seamlessly integrated into a planar waveguide. Sunlight captured by the micro-lens array converges onto localized prism mirrors positioned along the backside of a slab waveguide, patterned with 120 degrees and 60 degrees angles to reflect light beyond the critical angle for total internal reflection, thus efficiently coupling it into the waveguide. The coupled light undergoes homogenization as it progresses towards the exit aperture at the slab edges. Photovoltaic cells (PV) affixed to each side of the waveguide measure irradiance. In this work, the distance between the micro-lens array and the coupled slab waveguide is varied, also different materials are used to fill this gap. Results demonstrate that the choice of materials and their thicknesses between the lens and the waveguide significantly influence the optical efficiency of the system. Analyzing the results reveal that the cladding thickness, with a P-value of (8.20538E- 06), significantly influences the efficiencies of both single and double-sided solar cells. Conversely, the P-value (0.8476187) associated with the refractive index of the selected cladding materials indicates no significant difference in the efficiencies of single and double-sided solar cells.