Recent advancements in laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) have the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. A study led by Meng Xian-long from the School of Power and Energy at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China, has introduced a new concentrating module known as the square elliptic hyperboloid (SEH) concentrator. This innovative design aims to improve the conversion efficiency of receivers in LWPT systems, which has been a limiting factor in the technology’s broader application.
The research highlights that the SEH concentrator can notably increase the effective optical efficiency of the system, especially as the divergence half-angle of the laser beam increases. This means that as the laser beam spreads out, the concentrator becomes more effective at capturing and converting the energy into usable power. “The larger the divergence half-angle of the laser beam, the more obvious the improvement of the effective optical efficiency of the system by the SEH concentrator,” Xian-long explains.
Moreover, the study found that the short-circuit current and maximum output power of the PV cells at the receiving end are significantly enhanced when using the SEH concentrator. This improvement is particularly pronounced with increased divergence and rotation angles, suggesting that the design can be adapted for various operational conditions to maximize energy capture. Importantly, the SEH concentrators did not adversely affect the fill factor of the PV cells, indicating that the overall performance of the solar cells remains intact while benefiting from the concentrator’s enhancements.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, especially as the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow. By improving the efficiency of LWPT systems, the SEH concentrator could facilitate more effective energy transmission over distances without the need for traditional wiring. This could lead to new commercial opportunities in powering remote areas, charging electric vehicles wirelessly, and enhancing the performance of solar energy systems.
As the industry moves towards more innovative and sustainable energy solutions, the findings published in ‘IET Renewable Power Generation’ underscore the potential for laser wireless energy transmission to play a pivotal role in the future of renewable energy technologies. The work of Xian-long and his team could pave the way for commercial applications that not only improve energy efficiency but also expand the accessibility of renewable power solutions worldwide.
