A new approach for designing a hybrid solar concentrator

From a promising first study performed on a reflecting flats solar concentrator, we propose to improve and optimize the design by providing a number of additional functions related to technological progress in the field of energy solar and electrical engineering. In order to satisfy a need for a specific production of heat around 150°C, the original system is equipped with an anti-radiation structure boiler and a more efficient control to improve and regulate the production of heat. Taking advantage of these technical improvements, photovoltaic cells are added behind flats for a stand-alone function and a possible connection to the grid (Fig 1). This new approach of solar concentration with hybrid PV/Th is studied with an experimental system built in our research laboratory.