An Overview of Concentrating Photovoltaic Thermal (CPVT) Collectors

Concentrating Photovoltaic Thermal Collectors (CPVT) are in the centre of interest among solar collectors. CPVT collectors’ features such as high efficiency and multi-output stimulate researchers and industry partners to focus on this technology. Innovative design is the key point in achieving an efficient collector. In this study, a comprehensive research is conducted on the state-of-the-art developments in CPVT collectors covering fundamental basics, system key factors and new advances in design of CPVT collectors. Concentration factor and part, cell type and cooling methods are the most relevant parts of a CPVT collector for optimising and designing an energy-efficient collector. Tracking system has a significant impact on the performance of every solar collector. Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) and dish are used as the concentrating devices in CPVT collectors but nowadays higher concentration factor (600-900) has the leading point. As a consequence of this high concentration thus high temperature in PV cells, cooling system would be a vital part for keeping the collector in its efficient point and Absorption Heat Pumps (AHP) are of significant in this respect to meet the cooling demand. It is concluded from the results that every factor plays a crucial role in overall collector performance, hence they need to be chosen properly for optimum system design.