The luminescent solar concentrator is a planar, non-tracking device. Originally introduced
more than three decades ago, it has yet to establish itself as a means of making
photovoltaic solar energy more cost effective. Advances in organic luminescent centres,
the emergence of inorganic nanocrystals and the development of new light trapping
techniques have created promising opportunities for the LSC.
This thesis investigates novel geometries and materials for the practical exploitation of
LSCs. The research is based on experimental measurements as well as computational
simulations using a Raytrace Model. It is shown both experimentally and computationally
that a thin- lm structure produces the same effciency as a homogeneously doped
LSC.
Two building integrated applications are examined. The rst one is a power generating
window employing a Lumogen Violet dye that absorbs short wavelength radiation and
is mostly transparent in the visible. Annual yields of over 23 kWh/m2 and a conversion
effciency of over 1% are predicted for a 50 cm by 50 cm device. The second BIPV
application is the light-bar, which is designed to act as the secondary concentrator in a
Venetian blind-like system. With linear Fresnel lenses producing a primary concentration
factor of 20, an optimised system could generate nearly 60W/m^2 of power at an
effciency of nearly 6% using direct sunlight only.
Two novel luminescent materials, nanorods and phycobilisomes have been tested for
their potential to reduce re-absorption losses. Despite current practical limitations,
these materials are found to be promising due to enhanced Stokes shifts.
LSCs with optical concentrations of 10 to 20 could be feasible by addressing the key
shortcomings in the form of unabsorbed light and escape cone losses. Their versatility
with regards to shape, colour and light absorption makes LSCs particularly relevant for
building integrated photovoltaics.