Objective The concept of one axis passive tracking together with a soft concentration, obtained by means of reflective surfaces, seems to be very attractive because of the increase in energy output. Passive tracking is performed by a Passive Thermohydraulic Drive (PTD), developed by ZSW, while the soft concentration is based on the V-trough type. To verify the effectiveness of this new system concept in a Mediterranean site, the following aspects must be investigated: - accuracy, reliability life time and operating cost of the PTD in a Mediterranean climate; - the actual solar energy gain related to both the site radiative conditions and the reflective materials; - the limit of the present day flat plate PV modules, in terms of series resistance and thermal operation behaviour, to turn the radiation gain into electrical energy directly. A 50 - 70% surplus of electrical energy is expected, by using preset day commercial modules. The validation and the improvement of the computational simulation will permit definition of the PV module optimal thermal characteristics to increase operating efficiency. It is expected that one axis passive tracking and soft concentration could involve a reduction in the cost per PV kWh. That will constitute a contribution to the diffusion of PVs for stand-alone or grid connected systems, especially for sites well favoured by direct solar radiation. Fields of science natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesmeteorologysolar radiationengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyphotovoltaic Programme(s) FP3-JOULE 2 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1990-1994 Topic(s) 030404 - Stand alone PV systems Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator European Renewable Energy Centers Agency - Eurec Agency EEIG EU contribution No data Address 75,Kapeldreef 3001 Heverlee Belgium See on map Total cost No data Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTER FOR SOLAR ENERGY AND HYDROGEN RESEARCH BADEN-WÜRTEMBERG Germany EU contribution No data Address Hessbruehlstrasse 21c 70565 STUTTGART See on map Total cost No data Ente per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente (ENEA) Italy EU contribution No data Address 80055 Portici Napoli See on map Total cost No data
