Monte Carlo Modeling of a High-Efficiency Tandem Luminescent Solar Concentrator Containing a Polarization Volume Grating Layer

Abstract

This article develops a Monte Carlo model to optimize a newly introduced tandem luminescent solar concentrator. This innovative structure comprises two parallel transparent polymeric waveguides separated by an air gap. The first waveguide, which is exposed to sunlight, contains fluorophores and performs as a traditional luminescent solar concentrator. In contrast, the second waveguide is equipped with an inner polarization volume grating layer, strategically placed to couple the emitted photons within the escape cone, directing them into the second waveguide and preventing reabsorption. The finite difference time domain method is employed to optimize the performance of this grating. The results show a significant improvement in external photon efficiency compared to the conventional luminescent solar concentrator.