Modular cylindrical photovoltaic array for fixed and portable applications

This paper describes a modular photovoltaic platform that is based on a cylindrical design, which provides a wide angle of incidence for improved fixed collector energy density potential and decreased platform footprint with provisions for onboard energy storage. Additionally, the platform makes use of materials that employ efficient manufacturing processes for improved energy yield, as compared to traditional flat plate photovoltaic systems. The main body of the platform consists of flexible thin film photovoltaic cells wrapped around a cylindrical body forming a cylindrical array. The array is sheathed with an optically clear refractive tubular body, permitting available incident light to be directed and diffracted onto the entire array body for a fixed and efficient photovoltaic platform; thereby providing a method to improve the energy density per acre by increasing vertical energy densities.