Globally, the transition to renewable sources of energy is increasing demand for energy production. This is especially true in densely populated areas with autonomous zero-energy buildings and solar carports that require a higher energy density. This increases the pressure to replace fossil-based heating and thermal vehicles.
The HYPERION Project, funded by the EU, which involves 15 partners from 10 European nations, including research centers, industrial companies, and solar installers, as well as a PV manufacturer, has created a promising solution to tackle this challenge. The project uses a combination of concentration photovoltaic, micro-tracking, and ultra-efficient space-grade solar cells in order to increase energy output by up to 40 percent compared to current PV solutions.
HYPERION Technology
HYPERION uses integrated optics that focus sunlight onto small areas of high-quality solar cells to increase energy conversion efficiency.
HYPERION panels reduce the active area of expensive multi-junction cells by 200x.
The HYPERION micro-tracking panels can capture sunlight at various angles, increasing overall efficiency.
HYPERION panels are designed to capture more light during cloudy conditions and generate continuous power.
HYPERION panels are hybrid designs that use a glass PCB as the front glass for a solar panel. This transmits wasted light from primary cells.
HIPERION technology combines the advantages of conventional and concentrated solar panels. This results in higher energy efficiency and more cost-effective production.
Production
The standard module architecture of HIPERION panels has been modified to include a transparent circuit board in place of the front glass.
On the backplane, you can find cells with multiple junctions (MJ).
The front panel is made up of lens arrays, and it’s produced using a validated and specially designed system.
The two planes are joined together by guiding elements, which ensure that the distance between lenses and cells is maintained for all sun positions.
Power Ratings of Hybrid Modules
The power rating for hybrid modules such as the HYPERION technology presents a problem, as they convert diffuse and direct light differently. Existing IEC standards don’t provide guidelines in this regard. The HYPERION solar panel project has developed a flasher to generate controlled or collimated diffuse light in a predefined sequence. The flasher is able to configure the module with perfect alignment of lenses and MJ cell and then proceed to power evaluation in direct light or switch to secondary cells power rating in diffuse light. The module power can be defined as a sum of the two contributions with restrictions on direct and diffuse lighting conditions so that it corresponds to an irradiance global of 1000 W/m 2.
The Potential for HYPERION Solar Panel Technology
HYPERION was a project that aimed to show the industrial relevance and application of hybrid technology at the level of a pilot line. The modules were merely laboratory concepts before the project started. Today, hundreds of modules are being produced with custom-made industrial tools and sent to pilot sites around the world, including Germany. Spain, Portugal. Chile and Switzerland. These sites have different climatic and weather conditions. These sites’ data will give us insights into where hybrid technology will be most valuable. The project’s goal is to understand better the potential of hybrid technology in different environments and locations and inform future deployment and development strategies.
Ornate Solar
Ornate Solar has been in the solar industry for over eight years. We have partnered up with the world’s best solar brands to bring you a range of affordable and reliable solar products, including solar panels, inverters, and accessories.
We also developed India’s first Integrated InRoof System. The Ornate InRoof has a solar panel roof that is both leak-proof and aesthetically pleasing.