Performance analysis of V-shaped dual optical concentration CPV triple-junction/thermal system using ray-tracing simulations

The optical design of parabolic trough concentrators (PTCs) is essential for improving the performance of hybrid concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems. In this study, a hybrid CPV configuration combining polycrystalline (Poly-PV) and triple-junction (3J) solar cells is examined through Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations to evaluate irradiance distribution, optical efficiency, and flux uniformity of a V-shaped PTC receiver across rim angles between 84° and 88°. To achieve a comprehensive evaluation, a 3D conjugate heat transfer model was implemented in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the temperature distribution at the optimal rim angle scenario. The study demonstrates the potential of combining optical and thermal strategies in hybrid CPV systems. The proposed PTC geometry improves both efficiency and reliability under high solar flux conditions. Optical analysis indicates that the V-shaped receiver produces a concentrated flux profile with decreasing peak fluxes as the rim angle increases from 84° to 88°, yielding a 76% improvement in irradiance uniformity. Maximum system performance is obtained at a rim angle of 87°, corresponding to a peak optical efficiency of 78.12%. Within the investigated range, efficiency improves from 77.27% at 84° to 78.12% at 87°, before dropping to 72.68% at 88°. CFD simulations revealed that a rim angle of 87° achieves the most effective balance between concentration ratio (∼10 suns) and heat flux uniformity, enabling efficient thermal management and reducing structural complexity. These findings provide a practical design guideline for advancing the development of high-performance hybrid CPV systems. • New hybrid CPV system integrating Poly-PV and 3J cells with dual optical concentrators. • Optimal 87° rim angle balances efficiency, flux uniformity, and design. • Flux non-uniformity reduced by 76% from 84° to 88° rim angles. • Peak optical efficiency of 78.12% achieved at 87° rim angle. • CFD confirms 87° enables efficient thermal and structural performance.