Development of High Efficiency Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid System for Use in Developing Countries

This project aims to improve upon the existing designs of Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) systems to reach an overall combined electrical and thermal efficiency of 80%. This will be achieved by using highly efficient III-V high concentration solar cells and developing axisymmetric secondary optics and novel micro-channels for improved heat recovery. Specifically, this project aims to contribute to the energy demand to a rural household in a developing nation. The proposed system will be suitable for African and Indian climatic conditions and it will be tested at the Mechanical Engineering department, Indian Institution of Technology Madras, India.