Stress in large-area optics for solar concentrators

Ralf Leutz; Ling Fu; Hans Philipp Annen

doi:10.1117/12.827357

20 August 2009 Stress in large-area optics for solar concentrators

Ralf Leutz, Ling Fu, Hans Philipp Annen

Proceedings Volume 7412, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems II; 741206 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827357
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Environmental stress cracking (ESC) begins with crazes on the surface of the plastic. Plastic optics may corrode due to ESC. Usually ductile, plastic may become brittle, and subject to failure due to mechanical, physical, or chemical influences. Stress cracking is accelerated by temperature cycling, duration, temperature, chemicals, and cross-linking, orientation, or other characteristics within the plastic. Plastic optics for solar energy conversion include large-area Fresnel lens parquets commonly used in concentrator photovoltaics (CPV). Solar energy conversion takes place in a harsh environment. We look for evidence for ESC in plastics and glass optics for sunlight collection, measure stress, and discuss the possible impact of stress on longevity, optical efficiency, test methods, and manufacturing strategies.

Citation Download Citation

Ralf Leutz, Ling Fu, and Hans Philipp Annen "Stress in large-area optics for solar concentrators", Proc. SPIE 7412, Reliability of Photovoltaic Cells, Modules, Components, and Systems II, 741206 (20 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.827357

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