Science Daily July 15, 2020
A team of researchers in the US (UC San Diego, Tulane University, San Diego State University) has developed a hybrid solar energy converter that generates electricity and steam with high efficiency and low cost. It utilizes an approach that more fully captures the whole spectrum of sunlight. It generates electricity from high efficiency multi-junction solar cells that also redirect infrared rays of sunlight to a thermal receiver, which converts those rays to thermal energy. Energy can be stored until needed. In demonstrations it operated at 85.1 percent efficiency, delivered steam at up to 248°C, and is projected to have a system levelized cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour. The system can provide heat for a wide range of commercial and industrial uses, such as food processing, chemical production, water treatment, or enhanced oil recovery…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Reports Physical Science, Available online 15 July 2020, 100135