Energy yield assessment of a high concentration photovoltaic receiver based on simulated spectra from typical meteorological year datasets

The performance of High Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV) receivers is influenced by changes in the solar spectrum and operating solar cell temperature (Tcell). Since the solar spectrum is affected by the variation of air mass (AM), aerosol optical depth (AOD) and precipitable water (PW), it is important to investigate their impact on the performance of HCPV receivers. It is also known that the direct normal irradiance (DNI) and ambient temperature (Tamb) are dominant factors that can influence the operating Tcell. In this study, Class I data from the NREL’s typical meteorological year (TMY3) database are used in order to predict the energy yield (Eyield) of a HCPV receiver in two USA sites with relatively high annual direct normal irradiation; Las Vegas, NV and Tucson, AZ. The results show that, although the annual average Tcell in Tucson is higher by 1.8°C and the number of “sunny hours” are 20 less than Las Vegas, the Eyield is still higher by 1.6%. The annual spectral losses in Las Vegas and Tucson were found to be 5% and 3% respectively