Roof-Mounted Hybrid CST System

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This project aims to develop and commercialise a roof-mounted hybrid solar concentrator PV/thermal system that cost effectively delivers solar heating, cooling and electricity.Key resultsLessons learned include solar concentrator cells being efficient up to 30 suns; hybrid beam splitter receivers can lead to cooling fluid boiling at temperatures above 130 degrees C; and using interference filtering (Dichroic filters) for short wavelength filtering of the incident sunlight proved a technically feasible solution although prohibitively expensive for large scale receiver designs.Mirrors which absorb too much of the sunlight (more than 5%) can harm the overall performance of the collector and geometric considerations are also important as shading and blocking (particularly of the concentrated light) can adversely affect system performance.In addition, a two stage desiccant air-conditioner that uses atmospheric pressure superheated steam at 150°C to regenerate the desiccant wheel in the high temperature stage has been designed. The primary advantage of the two stage design is the increased thermal efficiency in comparison to conventional single stage desiccant air-conditioning systems. Commercial viability of a 2-stage desiccator has been considered in relation to several potential sources of heat.

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