IBM developed a photovoltaic system with an efficiency of ~ 80%

A research group working under the auspices of IBM has recently presented its new development: an affordable photovoltaic system that can use about 80% of incoming solar energy (that is, 80% of this energy is converted into energy useful to humans). In addition to generating electricity, the system is able to perform a couple more functions, including water desalination and air cooling.

This system is being developed as part of a three-year project, with a total budget of $ 2.4 million. Grant identified the Technology and Innovation Commission (Sweden). Several partners work with IBM, including Airlight Energy, ETH Zürich and the Interstate University of Applied Sciences and Technology (NTB).
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According to IBM representatives, only about 2% of the solar radiation falling on the territory of the Sahara will be enough to provide all the energy needs of mankind (at the moment). The problem, as is known, is in the high cost and low efficiency of the current solar cells, which is why the share of photovoltaic stations in the total power grid is still very small. The system, developed by IBM, called High Concentration Photovoltaic Thermal system (HCPVT).

The current prototype, as seen in the photo (and video), consists of a parabolic “plate”, on the inner surface of which mirror “facets” are applied. The device is equipped with a positioning system that allows you to always use the most effective position in relation to the sun. Reflected rays (concentration of solar radiation in the beam up to amplification 2000 times) fall on a special system of photovoltaic cells with liquid microchannel cooling. The dimensions of photovoltaic cells - 1 * 1 centimeter.

Each chip, due to the focusing of the sun's rays, can produce 200-250 W of energy during the entire 8-hour sunny day. The entire system, with hundreds of such chips, is capable of producing 25 kW of energy.

According to the developers, the cost of the system is about $ 250 per square meter, which is three times cheaper than the price of similar systems. The cost of energy produced in this way (taking into account mass production, and not one system), will amount to $ 0.1 per kWh of energy, which is already comparable to the price of kWh of energy produced at coal-fired thermal power plants.



Via slashgear