The Sun Simba HCPV
The Sun Simba HCPV is a revolutionary new low cost High Concentrated Photovoltaic (HCPV) system based on the proprietary Light-guide Solar Optic (LSO). This product is not yet available, and is still in the prototype and testing stage of development. We expect the Sun Simba HCPV to be available for sale close to the end of 2009. Check our blog for progress updates and other details.
Overview
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Each Sun Simba HCPV panel is comprised of a row of 5 mm thick LSO optics, coupled to multi-junction photovoltaic cells. The panels are supported by a thin aluminum tray. A complete module is made up of panels arranged into two uneven levels called the Staggered Row design.
Modules comprise a few pounds of aluminum and optical material (principally acrylic), some electronics and tiny slivers of multi-junction photovoltaic cells. By eliminating almost everything that isn’t concentrating light or converting it into electricity, we've developed a lightweight, easy to assemble system that can be built at a fraction of the costs of competing photovoltaic systems.
Simple, Elegant and Unique Design
The Sun Simba HCPV is unlike anything else on the market
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- The LSO is a completely new, highly efficient and low cost technology able to concentrate light up to 1400 suns – it’s not just another lens or mirror.
- The Staggered Row design is what delivers our superior wind load reductions and enables passive cooling.
- The thinness of the LSO allows for the Staggered Row design.
- The LSO design also enables the side mounting of PV cells, improving the passive cooling.
- Our system is completely unique and less expensive than anything in the market.
- Our patented designs and technologies working together are what make the Sun Simba HCPV possible.
Low Cost
A photovoltaic system at a fraction of the cost per Watt of existing systems
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- Uses significantly less materials.
- Mainly aluminum and acrylic - widely available low cost commodities.
- No need for active cooling.
- Reduced wind loading allows for lighter, less expensive tracking systems.
- Manufactured by simple automated processes.
High Efficiency
Sun Simba HCPV system will operate between 24 and 28% efficiency
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- Uses the latest in high efficiency III-V cells.
- Capable of concentrations up to 1400 suns.
- Modules are extremely efficient, with very little dead space or optical loss.
No Overheating
Efficient passive cooling via unique Staggered Row design
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- Normally, introducing air gaps would mean adding dead space to the module, reducing efficiency, our design reduces dead space slightly.
- The Staggered Rows design allows for easy air circulation without reducing efficiency.
- PV cells are thermally bonded to the sides of the aluminum support tray – this allows heat to easily escape into the air.
- Even in critical conditions the cells easily remain well within operational limits
- Critical Conditions - 50° C ambient air temperature, 850 W/m2 of direct sunlight, zero wind, zero humidity. Even in these extreme conditions, cell temperatures are maintained well within optimal operational temperatures.
Less Wind Loading
Unique staggered row design reduces down-time due to wind and reduces tracker costs
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- Wind load is much more significant than panel weight when designing trackers; high wind loads require extremely heavy duty trackers.
- By significantly reducing wind loads, lighter trackers are possible, lowering costs.
- Our wind load reductions are so significant, even with lighter trackers, our systems will have less downtime due to high winds.
- Reduced downtime from high winds means more total electricity production per year.
- At 70 km/h (43 mph) winds, wind load reduction models predict a 60% reduction.
Solid System without Air Spaces
Solid, sealed optics coupled directly to the PV prevent moisture damage and optical misalignments
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- In other CPV systems, as different materials heat and expand, different expansion rates can cause optical misalignments, causing downtime, lost efficiency and potential damage to the modules.
- Our LSO optics are designed to expand and contract without causing problems.
- PV cells are encapsulated within the module to prevent moisture damage.
- Air spaces in the bulky structures of other CPV products trap air that expands as it heats – solving this problem requires expensive valve systems.
- By not needing a container, and eliminating air spaces, we sidestep these issues and eliminated the costs involved.
Low Environmental Footprint
Modules are almost 100% recyclable, made of non-toxic materials
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- Modules are made from aluminum, acrylic, glass, copper wiring and multi-junction cells – all of these are recyclable at the end of the product life span.
- The primary materials – aluminum, acrylic and PV cells – have a high reclamation value, ensuring they will be profitably recycled at the end of the module life.
- The modules are non-toxic and will not cause site contamination.
Come see us at the CanSIA Solar Conference 2008, in Toronto, Canada, December 8th and 9th.
All innovations including the Light-guide Solar Optic, the Staggered Row module design and other features of the Sun Simba HCPV system are patent pending innovations owned by Morgan Solar Inc.