Measured surface loss from luminescent solar concentrator waveguides
Michael G Debije1, Paul P C Verbunt, Brenda C Rowan
1Polymer Technology, Department Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. m.g.debije@tue.nl
Applied Optics
|December 24, 2008
Summary
Luminescent solar concentrators lose significant light energy and photons through their surfaces. Most energy loss occurs via surface and edge emissions, with top surfaces showing higher losses than bottom surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Optics
Background:
- Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are promising for solar energy harvesting.
- Understanding light loss mechanisms in LSCs is crucial for improving their efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify surface and edge emissions in dye-filled and dye-topped LSCs.
- To identify primary pathways for optical energy loss in LSCs.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of surface and edge emissions.
- Analysis of light energy and photon loss.
- Comparison of losses between different LSC configurations (polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, dye-filled, dye-topped).
Main Results:
- Significant light energy (40-50%) and photon (50-70%) losses were observed through the top and bottom surfaces of dye-filled waveguides.
- Escape cone losses were generally higher at the top surface compared to the bottom surface.
- Variations in loss were noted between polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate substrates.
Conclusions:
- Surface and edge emissions represent a major loss channel in LSCs.
- Optimizing surface properties and waveguide design is critical for enhancing LSC performance.
- Further research should focus on minimizing escape cone losses for improved solar energy conversion.
