Technique Solar Ltd (TSL) was incorporated in 2003 following years of research at RMIT University. The technology breakthrough is the use of a concentrator lens to focus the suns rays onto a Photovoltaic (PV) cell array. This means
- 75% fewer PV cells are required to produce the same electrical energy as the traditional flat plate array of the same area as the lens
- The production of electrical energy as well as the collection of heat energy (hot water) from the cells.
The TSP trough concept
The TSP Module
Technical challenges
- Weight, 10 troughs per module
- Reduce part count and complexity to give a manufacturable part
- Differential expansion of copper, aluminium, composite and acrylic over 2400mm
- Heat loss from trough walls
- Straightness, ± 2mm over 2400mm
- Rigidity, withstand 120 km/h winds
Part consolidation led to weight reduction
Concept design
- 12 part trough & assembly
- Complex lens extrusion
- High heat loss through the reflector
- Complex assembly
- Target 10* troughs = 80 kg
Final Design
- Single part trough – NO ASSEMBLY
- Simple lens extrusion
- Reduced heat loss by 75%
- Easy assembly – less variation
- Actual 10* troughs = 56 kg
Trough Construction
SMC is the ideal choice to reduce the effect of thermal expansion
Tight tolerances required for reflector geometry
Achieved at CME
- A zero shrink compound SMC 543/8 made by CME
- Moulding conditions & shot placement
- Post moulding shrinkage controls via dedicated jigs & fixtures
- Dedicated storage racks to eliminate storage distortion
Installations
Over 12 months of performance data for Bayswater (Vic) and 6 months for S. China has been obtained. Output expectations have been met.
Water circuit Watermark approved!
The Future
- The Contract for 200,000 modules per year signed with a Chinese company.
- In principle agreement for 34,000 modules for the Victorian market.
- In principle agreement to manufacture 40,000 modules in India.
- Daily international and local enquiries.