Transient Electro–Thermal Analysis of Beam-Splitter PV Systems with LCR Determination

Spectral beam-splitting is a promising technology to enhance photovoltaic (PV) performance by directing the visible part (V.P) of the solar spectrum to the cell while transmitting the infrared (IR) portion for a thermal application. A critical design factor for such systems is the maximum optical concentration that the PV can withstand without exceeding its safe operating temperature. To do that, we introduced the Limiting Concentration Ratio (LCR), defined as the highest concentration at which the PV cell temperature remains below the specified thermal limit. We develop a modeling framework that combines a spectral–electrical PV model with a transient thermal analysis of different layers, including glass, ARC, EVA, GaAs, and Tedlar layers. The approach resolves temperature evolution in each layer over time, while incorporating realistic ambient conditions such as irradiance, wind speed, and air temperature. The beam-splitter cutoff wavelength is treated as a key parameter, linking spectral partitioning to both electrical power output and thermal loading. The model has been validated against published work, confirming its ability to capture the coupled electro–thermal behavior of beam-splitter PV systems. Results illustrate how LCR varies with cutoff wavelength and environmental conditions, underlining the importance of dynamic thermal modeling in renewable energy applications.