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Modularity: outputs from 1 kilowatt to multi-megawatts
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Economy: low initial factory investment, low production cost, minimal risk
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Technology Transfer: available outside the U.S.
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Flexibility: produce electricity, hot water, or both
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Heritage: PV industry leader in system performance since 1980. For example, compare the long-term independent performance data from the PhotoVoltaics for
Utility Scale Applications (PVUSA) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Lab, Electric Power
Research Institute, California Energy Commission, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, and other organizations.
PVUSA Performance Data
ENTECH's fourth-generation concentrator is the world's largest PV module, with an aperture area of 3 m2 and a rated power output of 430 watts. This PV module uses a
large acrylic plastic Fresnel lens to focus sunlight onto small silicon cells. Concentrating the sunlight to 20 times its normal intensity reduces the use of expensive silicon cell
material by 95%, compared to conventional flat-plate PV modules. The solar cells are mounted to an extruded aluminum heat sink which keeps the cells about as cool as conventional
1-sun cells. The solar cell assemblies, electrically insulated and encapsulated for durability, use a unique patented optical device called a prism cover to boost performance. An
aluminum housing supports and encloses the module. Each module is 0.9 m (3') wide, 3.7 m (12') long, and 0.9 m (3') high.
ENTECH's uniquely designed PV concentrator cell is a modified version of the crystalline silicon cell used in flat plate PV panels. The major difference is that the metallized
grid on the concentrator cell's surface conducts over 20 times more electrical current. Consequently, the cell has a larger metallized conductive grid. ENTECH's optically clear
prismatic cell cover is bonded to the cell to refract incoming light away from the grid onto the silicon.
Each module has 37 solar cells electrically connected together like the positive and negative connections of batteries, to provide 17 to 20 volts DC, depending on the temperature.
Module Cross Section
Support bearings are located at each end of the module housing so that it can roll from east to west. Modules are mounted in a supporting frame which tilts from north to south.
The support structure is made from readily available structural steel materials. This simple durable structure enables the modules to move about the tilt axis up to 75o,
and to roll east to west through 150o. All steel components are galvanized to ensure the 30-year design life of the system.
ENTECH's Prismatic Cell Cover
The combined roll and tilt motion enables the modules to stay aligned with the sun throughout the day. The two tracking drive actuators, one for the roll axis and one for the tilt
axis, are common DC motor-driven linear actuators. The motors are controlled by a microprocessor unit with a built-in clock, that computes the position of the sun based on the unit's
geographic location, day of the year and time of day. In stow position the structure can withstand wind speeds up to 45 meters per second (100 mph) while being ready to start tracking
the sun automatically when the wind diminishes.
ENTECH's reliable Fresnel lens PV technology has been developed with help from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia), National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL), several U.S. utilities and many other private enterprises. DOE, Sandia, and NREL have recently established the National Center for Photovoltaics, which has
information about ENTECH technology on its web site:
National Center for Photovoltaics
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