CPC
Aspheric Lens
Fire Polished Lens

 
　
What is Concentrator Photovoltaic System?
(CPV:Concentrator Photovoltaic System)

The concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) system is a high concentration photovoltaic power generation system using Fresnel Lenses or Rod lenses. This type of solar power system is a promising technology expected to provide a solution to the problem of silicon shortages we are now facing.

Ⅲ-Ⅴ multi-junction solar cells used for the CPV system have advantages over other conventional cells in that they are almost never degraded thermally even under high temperture conditons. Therefore, the CPV system is considered to be preferably used in comparatively dry districts with long sunshine hours(Light is scattered much under low-humidity conditions). As mentioned earlier, the CPV system is intended for installation in extremely hot climates such as equatorial zones and deserts, collective lenses fot the system are expected to be made of highly reliable glass.
Isuzu Glass develops and poduces light-focusing lenses indispensable to the CPV system, utilizing our long-established glass forming technology. 　
　

　　

Key Products for CPV
～Glass Rod Lens～
　　 Rod Lens（polishing） 　 Rod Lens
(multiple cavities molding）


　　 CPC(molding） 　 Aspheric mirror(molding）
　　　

Rod Lens are also made of resins or metal. However compared to glass products, they are inferior quality and suffer such as decay durability,antiwetherability and transmission problems. So "Glass Lens" is essential condition to enhance the reliability of CPV. 　　　　　　　


There are two type of CPV systems.
◆Using only ＜Fresnel Lens＞
◆Using ＜Fresnel Lens+Rod Lens＞


In the system with only a Fresnel lens, the solar cell might be damaged if a small portion of the cell,on which unevenly distributed light concentrates, gets hot. Futhermore, the slight change of the light collection position due to the movement of the sun will adversely affect light-gathering efficiency. On the other hand, in the system with a Rod lens,it is possible to cause light to be shed on the entire area of the solar cell, thus enabling the whole surface of the cell to be used efficiently and effectively.




■The case example of collecting lens

■Example of CPV system

Aichi Rinku New Energy Research Area (Tokoname-city, Aichi pref) Our rod lens is being used in the system of CPV (Daido Steel Inc)

About Daido Steel Inc⇒ Daido Steel Inc
 
　　　　　

～Our technology to manufacture Rod Lens by molding～

We have concluded that the glass-molding technology makes it possible to manufacture collective lenses for the high concentration photovoltaic power generation system and cope with the needs for a variety of shapes and sizes in flexible manners and that the multiple cavity molding method greatly reduces costs. We will continue endeavoring to satisfy the needs for further cost reduction and mass-production and establish the evaluation system for light collection efficiency and other parameters. Furthermore, we try to meet kinds of customer's requests such as quick delivery and small lot.