Cost estimates of concentrated photovoltaic heat sink production
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Authors
Anderson, Ernest L., Jr.
Subjects
capital expenditure (CAPEX)
cost analysis
concentrated photovoltaic (CPV)
Department of the Navy (DON)
direct normal irradiance (DNI)
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)
payback
photovoltaic (PV)
return on investment (ROI)
cost analysis
concentrated photovoltaic (CPV)
Department of the Navy (DON)
direct normal irradiance (DNI)
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)
payback
photovoltaic (PV)
return on investment (ROI)
Advisors
Nussbaum, Daniel
Date of Issue
2016-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The focus of the thesis is the formulation of a credible, reasonable, and professionally developed cost analysis of adding optimized cooling technologies to concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Current CPV systems use basic heat sink designs to increase efficiency. Modern heat sink design can achieve greater overall efficiencies of electricity generation. As the CPV market has matured, production costs have come down to near flat-panel photovoltaic (PV) production costs. CPV units outperform flat-panel PV units in areas of high direct normal irradiance (DNI) in terms of electricity generation efficiency and power produced per square meter. Gains in efficiency should shorten payback periods for CPV systems, if they are not prohibited by high upfront costs of manufacturing and installation. Ultimately, a better understanding of cost drivers in CPV unit production will help in the making of a more informed selection of optimal technology for Department of Defense/Department of the Navy self-sufficient solar power for our bases. This research will help further U.S. Navy energy goals by increasing alternative energy ashore and its use across the Navy.
Type
Thesis
Description
MBA Professional Report
Series/Report No
Department
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.