Numerical Analysis of Doped Plastic Optical Fibers as Sunlight Collectors for Solar Cells

Abstract

The model and numerical results presented are mainly intended for researchers who are nowadays trying to design efficient and inexpensive solar concentrators for solar cells by using plastic optical fibers doped with suitable dyes. One issue discussed in this work is the feasibility or not of lengthening the doped fiber in order to collect more light. Another one is the feasibility of increasing the dopant concentration with the aim of favoring the absorption of the impinging sunlight. We clarify both issues, and we discuss the most suitable type of dye, by calculating the achievable electric power in each case.