Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal Solar Receiver for High-Efficiency Industrial Process Heat and Electricity Cogeneration
The Sunflower Receiver is a high-efficiency hybrid solar system that simultaneously generates electricity and high-temperature process heat. By effectively splitting the solar spectrum, it achieves over 80% total energy conversion efficiency, providing a sustainable solution for commercial and industrial users seeking to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. The technology is modular, scalable, and has been validated through extensive field testing.
Overview
The Sunflower Receiver is a hybrid solar energy conversion technology designed to maximize the utility of the full solar spectrum. By integrating concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cells with a high-efficiency thermal receiver, the system simultaneously generates electricity and medium-to-high-temperature thermal energy. This cogeneration approach addresses the limitations of conventional solar panels that waste significant amounts of potential energy as heat. The system is particularly valuable for industrial and commercial applications requiring reliable, sustainable process heat, helping organizations reach net-zero goals while lowering energy costs.
Technical specifications
- Dual-Mode Output: The system splits concentrated sunlight, using multijunction CPV cells to produce high-efficiency electricity while directing remaining energy to a thermal receiver.
- High Efficiency: The design achieves total solar conversion efficiencies exceeding 80%, with field-validated performance data.
- Process Heat Capability: The thermal unit generates pressurized hot water or process heat at temperatures up to 250°C.
- Operational Thermal Management: The cooling system maintains the CPV cells at optimal, lower operating temperatures (typically below 100°C), enhancing both cell performance and longevity.
- Scalable Architecture: The modular design is suited for customization, making it applicable for remote infrastructure, off-grid sites, and industrial facilities with limited space.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 6. It has successfully progressed from lab-scale conceptualization through multiple prototype iterations. Extensive field testing has been conducted in real-world environments, including sites in San Diego and pilot installations on the Tulane University campus. The system is backed by significant field data from over 13 prototypes, peer-reviewed research publications, and an awarded patent, demonstrating its maturity for...
About Tulane University
Tulane University is a private research institution in New Orleans with comprehensive academic breadth and a collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture. Co-located university and medical campuses anchor the city’s healthcare corridor, enabling access to clinicians, patients, and clinical trial infrastructure. Proximity to hospitals, downtown laboratories, and shared core facilities enables rapid collaboration with startups and established firms, while a major primate research center and Gulf Coast field sites expand options for preclinical studies. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, and DOE, alongside industry-sponsored agreements. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined contracting and corporate engagement.
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