Abstract :
The impact of sandblasting on Fresnel lenses for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules must be carefully considered when CPV
systems are installed in desert areas. In this study, the transmittance after sandblasting of acrylic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and
glass substrates was evaluated, and their durability was assessed. The transmittance decreased as the momentum of the blown sand
increased. The conversion efficiency of the CPV modules was estimated using equivalent circuit calculations, and the influence of sandblasting
on the output of the CPV modules was quantitatively predicted. The coefficients of degradation for the PMMA and glass CPV
modules were 0.17 and 0.08 points per unit of momentum, respectively. The durability of the CPV module with the glass Fresnel lens is
approximately twice that with the PMMA lens.
2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
