Evonik Cyro has launched ‘ACRYLITE’ Solar Pre-Fab acrylic lens panels, which are combined with a Secondary Optical Element (SOE) to create a complete optical train package for assembly directly onto Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) modules. This allows customers to bypass purchasing the tooling device needed to create the product and avoid the required time-consuming installation process.
Problem
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The need to reduce Balance of System (BOS) costs of CPV also applies to assembly of the system. Often, optical train designs are unique and require specialized tooling and assembly. Providing a modular pre-assembled system could reduce manufacturing costs.
Solution
The optical lens package utilizes ‘Light Prescriptions Innovators’ (LPI) patented Fresnel-Köhler optical design. The ACRYLITE Solar Pre-Fab lens panels serve as the Primary Optical Element (POE), which collects light over its entire area. This POE is coupled with a Secondary Optical Element (SOE), either Evonik’s ‘SAVOSIL,’ or LPI’s glass SOE, which focuses light over a smaller area homogenizing the light in order to maximize its usefulness to a solar cell. The system is claimed to provide excellent light transmission, high-mechanical strength, and outstanding resistance to weathering and UV light.
Applications
ACRYLITE Solar Pre-Fab is offered in three sets of quantities – 10 panels, 50 panels, and 300 panels.
Platform
These new lens panels are part of the ACRYLITE Solar product portfolio, which consists of specialty acrylic molding compounds and sheet products for solar applications. The company is offering the product in quantities as little as 10 panels to be used in prototypes.
Availability
April 2012 onwards.
