Using a three-dimensional raytrace technique, a model to optimise the design of Quantum Dot Solar Concentrators for photovoltaic applications has been developed. The developed model includes reflection, refraction and absorption of solar radiation allowing the prediction of the optical efficiency. The optical efficiency is defined as the energy emitted from the selected edge or edges divided by the solar energy incident on the material. Using the developed model, a parametric analysis was performed and the optical properties of a selected system optimised. Details of the developed model and predictions of concentrator efficiency and ray pathlengths for a range of quantum dot seeding levels are shown. The effects of pathlength on energy absorbed in the carrier material and that reaching the photovoltaic material are presented.
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