The Institute of Optics

A history of, and update on, and wish list for optics in concentrating photovoltaics (CPV)

Adam Plesniak, Director Advanced Technology, Amonix Inc.

Sloan Auditorium - Please note different day and time

Abstract:
The fields of optical science, design and application are extremely important to CPV, where the cornerstone of the entire concentrating sunlight with optics before it reaches the photovoltaic device.  The talk will focus on several areas of discussion, first with an introduction to CPV and a short history of various approaches over the years.   Second will be a discussion of where CPV is currently, including a review of existing companies in CPV and what types of CPV optics today are considered state-of-the-art.  Third will be a discussion on what Amonix is looking for in next generation CPV optics.  This will be a call-to-action for optical experts in the audience, with a review of topics in applied optics where Amonix and other CPV companies are currently looking for interesting new ideas and significant progress. 

Bio: 
Adam Plesniak is the Director of Advanced Technology at Amonix, Inc. His team is responsible for generating, incubating and integrating new technology into the Amonix product line. The Advanced Technology Group at Amonix currently holds the world record for PV module efficiency at 33.5% as verified by NREL in 2012 and published in Version 40 of the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables by M. Green et al. Previously, he was the Engineering and Design Lead at Boeing Phantomworks where his team developed the Boeing XR700 Photovoltaic Concentrator under contract from the DOE Solar Energy Technology Program. He has a MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.