Concentrated Photovoltaics

To address the mechanical complexity and footprint of traditional solar trackers, we developed a novel approach to CPVConcentrated Photovoltaics. I built a specialized multidisciplinary R&D team from the ground up to realize a static, flat-panel system that remains stationary while an innovative internal optical system rectifies sunlight direction regardless of the sun's orientation. This architecture utilizes high-efficiency III-V cells with convertion efficiency of 40%and achieves a concentration factor of ~150x without any external moving parts.

The project required the end-to-end development of several proprietary subsystems to overcome market limitations:
Custom Precision Sensing: Due to the lack of low-cost, high-precision alternatives, we designed a custom sun-position sensor based on a quadrant photodetector, achieving an accuracy of 0.5°.
Edge AI & Embedded Systems: We developed custom embedded hardware (PCBs) and integrated ultra-light edge neural networks (CNNs) to process tracking algorithms in real-time with minimal power consumption.
System-Level Engineering: The project involved intensive optical design, and its integration into the mechatronic steering systems, ensuring lght collection efficiency at 80%; as well as the creation of user-facing software for ROI and power generation simulations.

Prospective Impact

By developing our own proprietary subsystems, such as the sun sensor and edge AI, we eliminated dependencies on expensive external components while maximizing performance. This approach makes high-efficiency CPV a reality for space-constrained urban environments and fixed-mount applications where traditional tracking is impossible, bridging the gap between advanced III-V semiconductor physics and practical, scalable renewable energy.