CONVERGING LENS SOLAR CONCENTRATOR AND THEIR POSITION CONTROL USING A MICROPROCESSOR FOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONVERSION

Abstract: The paper explains the principle of using a converging lens as solar concentrator. Experiments have been carried out to reveal the effectiveness of such concentrator for increasing the output of solar cells. A novel arrangement consisting of a Solar Panel along with Lens Panel, where an array of converging lenses were fitted is proposed for focusing sunlight on respective solar cells. A microprocessor-based scheme is also proposed for controlling the position of Lens Panel such that temperature of the focused sunlight on solar cells should not exceed typically around 50°C.