Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany have developed an integrated Hy Con photovoltaic water electrolysis system that achieves an outdoor solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 31.3%.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany have developed an integrated Hy Con photovoltaic water electrolysis system that achieves an outdoor solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 31.3%. System & Performance Breakdown Technology: - The setup pairs micro-concentrator photovoltaics (CPV) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Design:- High-efficiency 4-junction solar cells are powered by Fresnel lens arrays, directly coupled to two PEM electrolyzer cells. Efficiency: - The 31.3% record is derived from a 34.7% CPV efficiency and 91.1% stack efficiency. Testing: - In outdoor testing in Freiburg, Germany, the system operated for 107 hours over 13 cycles with no observed degradation. Real-World Implications This achievement marks a significant jump over typical 20-30% efficiencies. The research team aims to leverage this improved performance to reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) to under $3/kg. Fraunhofer ISE ac...