Light concentrating micromirror arrays for photovoltaics

J. Ackermann; O. Setyawati; V. Viereck; N. Dharmarasu; H. Hillmer

doi:10.1117/12.781027

25 April 2008 Light concentrating micromirror arrays for photovoltaics

J. Ackermann, O. Setyawati, V. Viereck, N. Dharmarasu, H. Hillmer

Proceedings Volume 6993, MEMS, MOEMS, and Micromachining III; 69930G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.781027
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2008, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) based on micromechanical mirrors can be used as key elements for light guiding, steering and concentration. We propose micromechanical mirror arrays for light concentration on photovoltaic modules. The semiconductor materials for solar cells are the most expensive components of a photovoltaic system. One of the ways to reduce cost is to use light concentration by focusing sunlight onto small solar cell areas using optical components such as lens systems. The whole system requires an external rotation mechanism to track the suns position. As an alternative, we propose and implemented micromachined mirror arrays to concentrate light. This allows precise dynamic light steering onto the solar cell module. These micromirror arrays can be electrostatically tuned to track the sun position or the maximum of the brightness distribution in the sky. The micromirror arrays are located in a sealed environment and, therefore, insensitive to external influences, such as atmosphere and wind. The advantages of the micromachined mirrors based concentrator photovoltaic systems are dynamic light steering onto solar cells, mass production compatibility, long lifetime and low cost. The concept of the micromachined mirror arrays will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

J. Ackermann, O. Setyawati, V. Viereck, N. Dharmarasu, and H. Hillmer "Light concentrating micromirror arrays for photovoltaics", Proc. SPIE 6993, MEMS, MOEMS, and Micromachining III, 69930G (25 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.781027

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KEYWORDS

Micromirrors

Mirrors

Solar cells

Photovoltaics

Aluminum

Solar concentrators

Sun

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