Transmissive concentrated photovoltaic module with cooling system

An apparatus comprising:

• a concentrator;
• a transmissive concentrating photovoltaic (tCPV) module;
• a thermal receiver;
• and
• a support adapted to position the tCPV module and the thermal receiver along an optical axis of the concentrator such that:
• the tCPV module is located between the concentrator and the thermal receiver;
• the tCPV module faces the concentrator to receive concentrated sunlight therefrom;
• the thermal receiver faces the tCPV module;
• and
• the thermal receiver and the tCPV module are thermally isolated from each other to reduce heat flow therebetween;
• the tCPV module comprising:
• an optically transmissive substrate having opposed first and second surfaces;
• photovoltaic cells for converting a first portion of the concentrated sunlight into electrical energy, the photovoltaic cells being located adjacent to the first surface such that a second portion of the concentrated sunlight that is transmitted through the photovoltaic cells enters the optically transmissive substrate via the first surface;
• and
• an optically transmissive base having opposed third and fourth surfaces, the optically transmissive base forming one or more fluid channels that extend partially into the optically transmissive base from the third surface;
• the third surface directly contacting the second surface such that:
• (i) the second surface seals the one or more fluid channels;
• (ii) optically transparent heat-transfer fluid flowing through the one or more fluid channels directly contacts the second surface to conduct heat away from the optically transmissive substrate;
• and
• (iii) the second portion of the concentrated sunlight is transmitted through the optically transparent heat-transfer fluid to enter the optically transmissive base;
• wherein the thermal receiver:
• forms an input aperture that faces the fourth surface such that the second portion of the concentrated sunlight, after being transmitted through the optically transmissive base, passes through the input aperture to enter the thermal receiver;
• converts, into thermal energy, at least some of the second portion of the concentrated sunlight entering the thermal receiver;
• and
• outputs the thermal energy.