Validation of Plasmonic Luminescent Solar Concentrator Modelling Software

8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion; 457-461
This study aims to validate theoretical modelling of Plasmonic Luminescent Solar Concentrators(PLSC) software so that it can be used to optimize the PLSC fabrication process. The model will also be used to optimize the overall PLSC output in terms of solar power conversion, optical efficiency, dye concentration and device configuration. The two-stage process involves initially validating the LSC simulations by matching the modelling results with experimentally observed outputs, before moving onto subsequent PLSC model validation which requires further additional inputs, the metal nanoparticle extinction spectra, and the photon density enhancement factor (PDEF). The metal nanoparticle extinction spectra were measured experimentally and as the PDEF was the final remaining variable, it was taken from the literature and altered until it fit the particles being used in this study. The results of these simulations were then compared with the indoor and outdoor experimental characterizations and after noting that the trends and key data points correlated between the two methods of testing, the model was deemed to be validated.