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The optical transmitting characteristics of curved quartz window fitted with a Volumetric Solar Receiver (VSR) are studied. The VSR adopts a cup-shaped alumina ceramics as the receiver for modeling and testing. The transmission model of window assembled with VSR is established considering multiple reflections, refraction, and absorptions. The flux distribution on the receiving surface is simulated by Monte-Carlo ray tracing method (MCRTM). When the relative positions of the focal point, glass window and porous are changed, not only the 2-D flux distribution, but also the total energy of input and central porous are compared. The experimental system for the high-temperature VSR is established based on the sixteen dish concentrator (SDC). Through experimental studies, the highest temperatures of central porous and the time spent at different parameters are tested, instead of testing the optical flux distribution inside VSR which is hardly to be obtained. The results can provide important reference and practical value for the design and construction of high-temperature VSR in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimal installation of a compound parabolic concentrator (CCPC) into a scalable solar thermoelectrics and photovoltaics system is desirable by applying analytical tools to improve the optical and thermal performance of a CCPC with a solar cell. In this paper, the optical and thermal performances of an isolated CCPC with solar cell are investigated by employing commercial software ‘ANSYS CFX 15.0’ with a coupled optical grey and multiphysics model. Numerical results are validated against the experimental data at various incidence angles, especially for the optical concentration ratio and optical efficiency. Results confirm that ‘ANSYS CFX’ is an effective numerical tool for determining correctly both the optical and thermal behaviour of CCPC. The very important finding is a highest temperature core in the silicon layer of solar cell which may be responsible for a solar cell to work properly. The limitation of the work is that the electric performance of the solar cell is not involved and the simulations are steady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient multiphysics simulations are performed to investigate the thermal and electric performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module placed between hot and cold blocks. Effects of heat radiation, thermal and electric contact on the TEG are examined and the simulated results are compared with experimental data. The predicted temperature difference across the TEG module and the electric voltage and power are in very good agreement with the experimental data. The radiation effect on the thermal and electric performance is negligible and the temperature at the interface of the TEG module substrates is predicted to be non-uniform. The peak temperatures are found in the both ends of the legs, and the maximum Joule heat is generated at the leg ends connected with the hot substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient multiphysics simulations are performed to investigate the thermal and electric performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module placed between hot and cold blocks. Effects of heat radiation, thermal and electric contact on the TEG are examined and the simulated results are compared with experimental data. The predicted temperature difference across the TEG module and the electric voltage and power are in very good agreement with the experimental data. The radiation effect on the thermal and electric performance is negligible and the temperature at the interface of the TEG module substrates is predicted to be non-uniform. The peak temperatures are found in the both ends of the legs, and the maximum Joule heat is generated at the leg ends connected with the hot substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimal installation of a compound parabolic concentrator (CCPC) into a scalable solar thermoelectrics and photovoltaics system is desirable by applying analytical tools to improve the optical and thermal performance of a CCPC with a solar cell. In this paper, the optical and thermal performances of an isolated CCPC with solar cell are investigated by employing commercial software ‘ANSYS CFX 15.0’ with a coupled optical grey and multiphysics model. Numerical results are validated against the experimental data at various incidence angles, especially for the optical concentration ratio and optical efficiency. Results confirm that ‘ANSYS CFX’ is an effective numerical tool for determining correctly both the optical and thermal behaviour of CCPC. The very important finding is a highest temperature core in the silicon layer of solar cell which may be responsible for a solar cell to work properly. The limitation of the work is that the electric performance of the solar cell is not involved and the simulations are steady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]