Space Fresnel lens concentrator modules with triple-junction solar cells

The work presented in this paper is concerned with fabrication of an improved concentrator module based on linear Fresnel lenses and photoreceivers with GalnP/GaAs/Ge triple junction (TJ) cells. The manufactured module consists of: four linear Fresnel lenses with focal distance of 30 mm and dimensions of 2.5/spl times/10 cm/sup 2/ each; four linear photoreceivers of 10 cm in length with 12 TJ solar cells each; heat sink made of thin copper metallized dielectric plate. Linear Fresnel lenses with optical efficiency of 82-84% were made of silicone formed on shockproof radiation-resistant UV-protective glass 0.2 mm thick. The solar cells intended for use in linear receivers have efficiencies of 23-24% (AM0, 25 /spl deg/C) at geometrical sunlight concentration of 6-9/spl times/. The estimated module efficiency is about 21% (AM0).