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 achieves 31.3% record solar-to-hydrogen efficiency in CPV electrolysis
Researchers at the German institute built a photovoltaic water electrolysis system based on micro-concentrator photovoltaics coupled to proton exchange membrane.
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma
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