Conceptual product development with integrated concentrating PV systems — CPV in the built environment from a designer's perspective

Our paper shows and discusses the results of a design study regarding product applications based on concentrating PV systems. It is generally acknowledged that CPV technology has great potential in medium to large power systems. So far the potential of CPV for products in the built environment has hardly been investigated. To capture probable future CPV products a project was executed in 2012 with 15 teams of design students who were commissioned to develop a conceptual product design with integrated CPV. Though all designs were innovative and surprising, four concepts appeared to be technically feasible: a flexible roof system, a shading bench with e-charger, a concept called Parasol; and an e-mobility charger. It is concluded that from the perspective of industrial design engineering a whole range of innovative CPV products can be developed for use in the built environment.