2010 R&D 100 Winner
Bulk solar power generation is a burgeoning energy sector that has increased demand for high-concentration, turnkey, warranted photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Amonix 7700 Solar Power Generator, developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo., and Amonix Inc., Torrance, Calif., can supply 40% more energy than conventional fixed PV panels through the use of high-efficiency solar cells, concentrator Fresnel lenses, and smart controller and tracker technology. It can achieve a conversion efficiency of 25% in the field. The Amonix 7700 generates a megawatt of electricity for every five acres of plant site, less than half of the land required by other solar technologies.
The seven transportable 7.5-kW MegaModules that make up the structure are produced in an automated assembly process. Integrating the lens, mounting structure, and solar cell in a single unit eliminates more than 75% of the parts and costs associated with other concentrator designs and reduces installation time from months to days.
A hydraulic-drive, dual-axis tracker keeps the sun’s rays directed onto the concentrator lenses or reflectors and into the PV cells. The inverter takes direct current from the solar generator and converts it to alternating current for the utility grid.
Technology
Photovoltaic system
Developers
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Amonix Inc
Development Team
Clark Crawford, Amonix Inc
Vahan Garboushian, Amonix Inc
Robert Gordon, Amonix Inc
Robert McConnell, Amonix Inc
Martha Symko-Davies, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
