Performance Metrics and Loss Mechanisms in Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the optical performance and loss mechanisms of horticulture luminescent solar concentrators, proposing new metrics and providing design insights to optimize their efficiency for agricultural applications.

Contribution

It introduces tailored optical metrics for HLSCs, evaluates loss channels using Monte Carlo simulations, and offers design guidelines to improve their performance in horticultural settings.

Findings

New optical metrics for HLSCs are proposed.

Loss channels for red emission are identified and analyzed.

Design guidelines for efficient HLSCs are provided.

Abstract

Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators (HLSCs) represent an innovative concept developed in recent years to promote crop yields, building upon the foundation of traditional Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). HLSCs are characterized by two distinct properties: spectral conversion and light extraction. Unlike traditional LSCs, HLSCs focus on converting energy from one part of the solar spectrum (typically green) to a specific range (usually red) and aim for the converted photons to exit the device from the bottom surface rather than the edge surfaces. In this study, we start by examining the specific requirements of horticulture to clarify the motivation for using HLSCs. We re-evaluate and propose new optical metrics tailored to HLSCs. Additionally, we analyse potential loss channels for direct red emission and converted red emission. Utilizing Monte Carlo ray tracing method and experimental data, we further explore the factors influencing these loss channels. Our work provides a fundamental discussion on HLSCs and offers design guidelines for future HLSC research.