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A review of optical and thermal transfer fluids used for optical adaptation or beam‐splitting in concentrating solar systems
Author(s) -
Vivar Marta,
Everett Vernie
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.2307
Subject(s) - heat transfer fluid , emphasis (telecommunications) , photovoltaic system , thermal , heat transfer , adaptation (eye) , materials science , concentrator , engineering physics , optics , mechanical engineering , computer science , engineering , physics , thermodynamics , electrical engineering , telecommunications
ABSTRACT There are a wide variety of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and hybrid photovoltaic–thermal concentrator systems and concepts that use liquids for optical adaptation and heat transfer. Depending on the functional purpose of the fluid: heat transfer, optical adaptation, spectral filtering, or a combination of these applications, different fluid properties are required. This review studies actively cooled solar concentrators and their associated requirements for liquids. The most suitable candidate fluids available in the market are assessed according to their properties and applications, with a special emphasis on fluid toxicity and long‐term performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.