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34 results on '"Solar concentrator"'

1. Effects of receiver parameters on the optical efficiency of a fixed linear-focus Fresnel lens solar system with sliding adjustment

Author

Haoteng Li, Jin Huang, Hai Wang, and Mengjie Song

Subjects
Solar concentrator, Triangle cavity receiver, Linear fresnel lens, Fixed linear-focus, Optical efficiency, Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering, TK1-9971
Abstract

To effectively eliminate optical end loss for small-scale linear solar concentrators, a fixed linear-focus Fresnel lens solar system (FLFS) with triangle cavity receiver is described and the principle is provided. The effects of the receiver parameters including receiver position f, solar declination angle δ, solar hour angle ω, internal surface absorptivity αaband end plane reflectivity ρron the end loss ratio (μoel) and relative optical efficiency (ηre−opt) of the proposed system have been studied by the control variable method and Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) method which is implemented by software TracePro®. Significance tests of critical factors are conducted to assess the effect of receiver parameters. These results revealed that the FLFS could effectively solve the problem of optical end loss of linear solar concentrators. When f=650mm and δ= 0°, 8°, 16°, and 23°27′, the corresponding average ηre−optat ω from 0° to 60° are 0.9459, 0.9422, 0.9145, and 0.8144, respectively. As δ increases, reducing f can ensure the system operates at a high-efficiency state. The ηre−optshows a positive relationship with αaband no relationship with ρr. δ occupies the greatest significant influence on ηre−opt, which is followed by ω, αaband f.

Published
2021
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2. Optical design of a tension cable-membrane concentrator

Author

Xiang Ji, Fei Zheng, Peng Li, Baozhong Qu, and Jimeng Zhang

Subjects
Solar concentrator, Stretched membrane, Triangular facets, Form-finding, Optical design, Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering, TK1-9971
Abstract

This paper proposes a Tension Cable-Membrane Concentrator with an ultra-lightweight, practical and low cost alternative construction which is used in the optical-electrical conversion system. The relationship between the varied count triangular facets of the membrane surface and the focal spot radius are studied. Based on Monte Carol ray-tracing method, the optical performances of the concentrator, such as the concentrate ratio, flux distributions and focal spot radiuses etc., are analyzed in different geometry design parameters. Further, a 15 m aperture Tension Cable-Membrane Concentrator is designed, and the form-finding design is studied and verified by ANSYS®. The optical performance comparisons with the original and pre-stressed shape of the reflective film are discussed. Simulation results exhibit that the surface density of the proposed Tension Cable-Membrane Concentrator is only 5% of that of traditional rigid concentrator. It takes on the ultra-lightweight and low-cost that excite designers. The optical performance comparisons show that the peak flux distribution after form-finding over a 0.25 m receiver approximately deliver up to 800 kW/m2 corresponding to the peak concentrate ratio exceeds 1000 suns which are even better than the traditional steel design and completely satisfy design requirements.

Published
2021
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3. A comprehensive review on optics and optical materials for planar waveguide-based compact concentrated solar photovoltaics

Author

Animesh M. Ramachandran, Sangeetha M. S, Adhithya S. Thampi, Manjit Singh, and Adersh Asok

Subjects
Planar waveguide, Planar light concentrator, Solar concentrator, Geometric optics, Diffraction optics, Luminescent solar concentrators, Technology
Abstract

In recent years, the technology of waveguide-based planar solar concentrators has been getting more attention in the Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) sector due to its compact design and performance versatility and its extended potential applicability from large power plants to built environments, such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Within the last two decades, geometric design-based Planar Light Concentrator (PLC) and diffraction grating-based PLC have been developed with versatile design architectures along with luminescent PLC, which relies primarily on the development of concerned luminescent optical materials. However, congregating and evaluating the technical advancement gained in the field seems challenging due to the segregated state-of-the-art approaches. Hence, this review attempted to organise the present state of waveguide-based PLC in the frame of reference of PLC optics and optical material design. A systematic comparison of optics and optical material design parameters and the merit of the different PLC systems have been explored within this review to serve as a ready reference for its adoption to develop compact planar waveguide-based CPV systems.

Published
2022
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4. Simulation model of a new solar laser system of Fresnel lens according to real observed solar radiation data in

Author

Yasser A. Abdel-Hadi, A. Ghitas, A. Abulwfa, and M. Sabry

Subjects
Fresnel lens, lcsh:QB1-991, lcsh:Geophysics. Cosmic physics, lcsh:Astronomy, Solar laser, lcsh:QC801-809, Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC), Solar concentrator
Abstract

A new simulation model of a new solar pumped laser system was tested to be run in Helwan in Egypt (latitude φ = 29°52′N, longitude λ = 31°21′E and elevation = 141 m) as an example of an industrial polluted area. The system is based on concentrating the solar radiation using a Fresnel lens on a laser head fixed on a mount tracking the sun during the day and powered by a DC battery. Two cases of this model are tested; the first one is the model consisting of a Fresnel lens and a two-dimensional Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC), while the other is the model consisting of a Fresnel lens and a three-dimensional Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC). The model is fed by real actual solar radiation data taken in Helwan Solar Radiation Station at NRIAG in the various seasons in order to know the laser power got from such a system in those conditions. For the system of Fresnel lens and 2D-CPC, an average laser output power of 1.27 W in Winter, 2 W in Spring, 5 W in Summer and 4.68 W in Autumn respectively can be obtained. Accordingly, the annual average output power for this system is 3.24 W. For the system of Fresnel lens and 3D-CPC, an average laser output power of 3.28 W in Winter, 3.55 W in Spring, 7.56 W in Summer and 7.13 W in Autumn respectively can be obtained. Accordingly, the annual average output power for this system is 5.38 W.

Published
2015

5. Conjugate refractive–reflective based building integrated photovoltaic system

Author

Daniel Chemisana, Senthilarasu Sundaram, Tapas K. Mallick, and Hasan Baig

Subjects
Light trapping, Materials science, Maximum power principle, business.industry, 020209 energy, Mechanical Engineering, Photovoltaic system, Monte Carlo method, 02 engineering and technology, Dielectric, Condensed Matter Physics, Concentrator, Non-imaging optics, Solar Concentrator, Conjugate optics, Optics, Mechanics of Materials, Proof of concept, 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, General Materials Science, Air gap (plumbing), business, Nonimaging optics
Abstract

Building Integrated Concentrating Photovoltaic (BICPV) systems make use of optical elements to concentrate the incoming solar radiation on small-sized solar cells with the aim of integrating PV technology into the building. We present a novel conjugate system designed to utilize the merits of both reflective and refractive optics. The optical geometry under study is a dielectric based three-dimensional cross compound parabolic concentrator (3DCCPC) enveloped by a reflective geometry of similar shape whilst maintaining an air gap between them. Monte Carlo ray-trace simulations are used to model and optimize the system configuration. The theoretical analysis shows that the optical performance of the system can be improved by 11% whilst maintaining an air gap of 0.1 mm between the reflective and the refractive surfaces. Experiments are carried out by making a prototype of the proposed system to evaluate the proof of concept. A maximum power ratio of 2.76 was found under standard testing conditions at an incidence angle of 10°. Results show that the average power output from the proposed system increases by 5.46% compared to its predecessor.

Published
2018

6. New methods and instruments for performance and durability assessment

Author

Marc Röger, Florian Sutter, Johannes Pernpeintner, and Christoph Prahl

Subjects
Engineering, Heliostat, business.industry, 020209 energy, 02 engineering and technology, Durability, 020401 chemical engineering, Component (UML), Embedded system, 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, Systems engineering, System level, Point (geometry), 0204 chemical engineering, business, Solar concentrator, Rotation (mathematics), Solar power
Abstract

This chapter describes new methods and instruments for performance and durability assessment of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. It comprises point and line focusing systems, and presents new methods on both the component level (heliostats, thermal receivers, and rotation and expansion performing assemblies) and the system level.

Published
2017

7. Simulation model of a new solar pumped laser system of Fresnel lens in Helwan of Egypt

Author

Yasser Abdel-Hadi

Subjects
Fresnel lens, business.industry, lcsh:Astronomy, Solar laser, lcsh:QC801-809, Battery (vacuum tube), Astronomy and Astrophysics, Solar-pumped laser, Solar concentrator, Radiation, Tracking (particle physics), Laser, Solar mirror, law.invention, lcsh:QB1-991, lcsh:Geophysics. Cosmic physics, Geophysics, Optics, law, Compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), Environmental science, Laser power scaling, business, Remote sensing
Abstract

A simulation model of a new solar pumped laser system is tested to be run in Helwan in Egypt as an example of an industrial polluted area. The system is based on concentrating the solar radiation using a Fresnel lens on a laser head fixed on a mount tracking the sun during the day and powered by a DC battery. The model is fed by real solar radiation data in the various seasons in order to know the laser power got from such a system in those conditions. The results showed that the output laser power obtained from this system can be up to 6.2 W in spring, 6.8 W in summer, 2.2 W in autumn and 0.4 W in winter.

Published
2012

8. A novel absorptive/reflective solar concentrator for heat and electricity generation: an optical and thermal analysis

Author

Antonio Samarelli, Paul Mullen, Min Gao, Jonathan Siviter, Andrea Montecucco, Tracy K. N. Sweet, Douglas Paul, Robert Freer, Manosh C. Paul, Xin-Lin Xia, Nazmi Sellami, Guang Han, Tapas K. Mallick, Feridoon Azough, Lourdes Ferre Llin, Andrew B. Knox, Ali Ashraf, Robert Lowndes, Duncan H. Gregory, Xian-long Meng, and Wenguang Li

Subjects
Materials science, 020209 energy, Energy Engineering and Power Technology, Reflection, 02 engineering and technology, Solar concentrator, 7. Clean energy, Solar mirror, law.invention, Absorption, Optics, law, Solar cell, Thermal, 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, Absorption (electromagnetic radiation), Thermal analysis, Nonimaging optics, Optical efficiency, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, business.industry, 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology, Fuel Technology, Electricity generation, TA, Nuclear Energy and Engineering, Heat flux, 0210 nano-technology, business
Abstract

The crossed compound parabolic concentrator (CCPC) is one of the most efficient non-imaging solar concentrators used as a stationary solar concentrator or as a second stage solar concentrator. In this study, the CCPC is modified to demonstrate for the first time a new generation of solar concentrators working simultaneously as an electricity generator and thermal collector. The CCPC is designed to have two complementary surfaces, one reflective and one absorptive, and is named as an absorptive/reflective CCPC (AR-CCPC). Usually, the height of the CCPC is truncated with a minor sacrifice of the geometric concentration. These truncated surfaces rather than being eliminated are instead replaced with absorbent surfaces to collect heat from solar radiation. The optical efficiency including absorptive/reflective part of the AR-CCPC was simulated and compared for different geometric concentration ratios varying from 3.6× to 4×. It was found that the combined optical efficiency of the AR-CCPC 3.6×/4× remained constant and high all day long and that it had the highest total optical efficiency compared to other concentrators. In addition, the temperature distributions of AR-CCPC surfaces and the assembled solar cell were simulated based on those heat flux boundary conditions. It was shown that the addition of a thermal absorbent surface can increase the wall temperature. The maximum value reached 321.5 K at the front wall under 50° incidence. The experimental verification was also adopted to show the benefits of using absorbent surfaces. The initial results are very promising and significant for the enhancement of solar concentrator systems with lower concentrations.

Published
2016

12. Rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator for concentrating photovoltaic applications.

Abstract

This paper describes a novel type of solar concentrator - a rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator (RACPC). The RACPC aims at addressing the following objectives: (i) to increase the electrical output of a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system by providing sufficient concentration gain; (ii) to minimise the usage of the PV material with the corresponding reduction of CPV system cost, and (iii) to eliminate the requirement of mechanical tracking by providing a wide field-of-view. This paper first provides a short review on variations of compound parabolic concentrator designs available to date. Next, the process of designing the RACPC is presented and the geometrical concentration gain of the concentrator is discussed. In addition, the optical concentration gain is also presented for various angles of incidence. Through simulations, it is demonstrated that the RACPC can provide significant optical concentration gains within its designed acceptance angle. An RACPC based system is an attractive alternative to conventional solar photovoltaic systems.

13. Performance analysis of a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator for building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Abstract

This paper presents a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (MSDTIRC). Here, its electrical and optical performances are investigated for building integrated photovoltaic applications. This concentrator is designed to tackle two issues: (i) providing sufficient gain in order to increase the electrical output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and (ii) reducing the size of the PV cell needed, hence minimising the cost of the system. These experiments carried out had the objective of investigating the characteristics of the cell with the concentrator, the angular performance of the structure, and the effect of temperature on the cell. In each case, the current-voltage (I- V) characteristics and the power-voltage (P- V) characteristics are plotted and analysed. An outdoor experiment was also conducted to verify the results obtained from the indoor experiments. The MSDTIRC-PV structure is capable of providing a maximum power concentration of 4.2× when compared to a similar cell without the concentrator. The deviation of the concentration factor from the geometrical concentration gain (4.9×), is mainly due to manufacturing errors, mismatch losses and thermal losses.

14. Optimisation of the performance of a novel rotationally asymmetrical optical concentrator design for building integrated photovoltaic system.

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that has shown promising potential in addressing the world's energy needs, particularly via the solar PV (photovoltaic) technology. However, the high cost of installation is still being considered as the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of solar PV system. The use of solar concentrators is one of the solutions that could help to produce lower cost solar PV systems. One of the existing concentrator designs is known as the RADTIRC (rotationally asymmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator) which was developed in GCU (Glasgow Caledonian University) since 2010. This paper aims at optimising the existing RADTIRC prototype by increasing its electrical output whilst keeping the cost of the system at minimum. This is achieved by adopting a better material and a different technique to fabricate the concentrator. The optimised RADTIRC prototype was fabricated from PMMA (polymethyl-methacrylate) using injection moulding. It was found that the optimised RADTIRC-PV prototype generated an opto-electronic gain of 4.48 when compared with the bare cell under STC (standard test conditions). A comparison with the old prototype showed that the optimised RADTIRC-PV prototype increased the short circuit current by 13.57% under STC.

15. Performance analysis of a solar window incorporating a novel rotationally asymmetrical concentrator.

Abstract

The race towards achieving a sustainable zero carbon building has spurred the introduction of many new technologies, including the BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) system. To tackle the high capital cost of BIPV systems, LCPV (low-concentration photovoltaic) technology was developed. Besides the reduction of cost, the LCPV technology also produces clean energy for the building and promotes innovative architectural design. This paper presents a novel type of concentrator for BIPV systems. This concentrator, known as the RADTIRC (rotationally asymmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator), was incorporated in a small double glazing window. The RADTIRC has a geometrical concentration ratio of 4.9069x. A series of experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the solar PV window both indoors and outdoors. It was found that the RADTIRC-PV window increases the short circuit current by 4.13x when compared with a non-concentrating solar PV window. In terms of maximum power generation, the RADTIRC-PV window generates 0.749 W at normal incidence, 4.8x higher than the non-concentrating counterpart.

16. Performance analysis of a novel rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator.

Abstract

The low-concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) system has been identified as one of the potential solutions in lowering the overall installation cost of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system. This paper evaluates the performance of a novel type of LCPV concentrator known as the rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator (RACPC). A specific RACPC design with a geometrical concentration ratio of 3.6675× was fabricated and integrated with a 1. cm by 1. cm monocrystalline laser grooved buried contact silicon solar cell. This design was tested indoors to evaluate its current-voltage (. I-. V), angular response and thermal characteristics. Under standard test conditions, it was found that the RACPC increases the short circuit current by 3.01× and the maximum power by 3.33× when compared with a bare solar cell. The opto-electronic gain from the experiment showed good agreement when compared with the simulation results, with a deviation of 11%.

17. Mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator for building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Abstract

This paper describes a novel type of solar concentrator - a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (MSDTIRC). This new concentrator type has been designed to satisfy the following objectives: (i) to provide optimum gain in two different planes, therefore increasing the electrical output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and (ii) to reduce the amount of the PV cell material needed, hence minimising the cost of the system. The concentrator is capable of having two different acceptance angles on different planes. The procedure of designing an MSDTIRC is explained and the geometrical properties are analysed in detail. In addition, the optical concentration gain is presented for various angles of incidence. Through simulation results, it is demonstrated that the MSDTIRC provides significant optical concentration gain within its acceptance angle, as high as 13.54× when compared with non-concentrating solar cell. It can be concluded that the MSDTIRC can be a way to produce a low cost solar PV system and can be chosen as an alternative design for the BIPV systems.

18. A novel absorptive/reflective solar concentrator for heat and electricity generation: an optical and thermal analysis.

Abstract

The crossed compound parabolic concentrator (CCPC) is one of the most efficient non-imaging solar concentrators used as a stationary solar concentrator or as a second stage solar concentrator. In this study, the CCPC is modified to demonstrate for the first time a new generation of solar concentrators working simultaneously as an electricity generator and thermal collector. The CCPC is designed to have two complementary surfaces, one reflective and one absorptive, and is named as an absorptive/reflective CCPC (AR-CCPC). Usually, the height of the CCPC is truncated with a minor sacrifice of the geometric concentration. These truncated surfaces rather than being eliminated are instead replaced with absorbent surfaces to collect heat from solar radiation. The optical efficiency including absorptive/reflective part of the AR-CCPC was simulated and compared for different geometric concentration ratios varying from 3.6× to 4×. It was found that the combined optical efficiency of the AR-CCPC 3.6×/4× remained constant and high all day long and that it had the highest total optical efficiency compared to other concentrators. In addition, the temperature distributions of AR-CCPC surfaces and the assembled solar cell were simulated based on those heat flux boundary conditions. It was shown that the addition of a thermal absorbent surface can increase the wall temperature. The maximum value reached 321.5 K at the front wall under 50° incidence. The experimental verification was also adopted to show the benefits of using absorbent surfaces. The initial results are very promising and significant for the enhancement of solar concentrator systems with lower concentrations.

19. Performance analysis of a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator for building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Abstract

This paper presents a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (MSDTIRC). Here, its electrical and optical performances are investigated for building integrated photovoltaic applications. This concentrator is designed to tackle two issues: (i) providing sufficient gain in order to increase the electrical output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and (ii) reducing the size of the PV cell needed, hence minimising the cost of the system. These experiments carried out had the objective of investigating the characteristics of the cell with the concentrator, the angular performance of the structure, and the effect of temperature on the cell. In each case, the current-voltage (I- V) characteristics and the power-voltage (P- V) characteristics are plotted and analysed. An outdoor experiment was also conducted to verify the results obtained from the indoor experiments. The MSDTIRC-PV structure is capable of providing a maximum power concentration of 4.2× when compared to a similar cell without the concentrator. The deviation of the concentration factor from the geometrical concentration gain (4.9×), is mainly due to manufacturing errors, mismatch losses and thermal losses.

20. Mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator for building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Abstract

This paper describes a novel type of solar concentrator - a mirror symmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (MSDTIRC). This new concentrator type has been designed to satisfy the following objectives: (i) to provide optimum gain in two different planes, therefore increasing the electrical output of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and (ii) to reduce the amount of the PV cell material needed, hence minimising the cost of the system. The concentrator is capable of having two different acceptance angles on different planes. The procedure of designing an MSDTIRC is explained and the geometrical properties are analysed in detail. In addition, the optical concentration gain is presented for various angles of incidence. Through simulation results, it is demonstrated that the MSDTIRC provides significant optical concentration gain within its acceptance angle, as high as 13.54× when compared with non-concentrating solar cell. It can be concluded that the MSDTIRC can be a way to produce a low cost solar PV system and can be chosen as an alternative design for the BIPV systems.

21. Rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator for concentrating photovoltaic applications.

Abstract

This paper describes a novel type of solar concentrator - a rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator (RACPC). The RACPC aims at addressing the following objectives: (i) to increase the electrical output of a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system by providing sufficient concentration gain; (ii) to minimise the usage of the PV material with the corresponding reduction of CPV system cost, and (iii) to eliminate the requirement of mechanical tracking by providing a wide field-of-view. This paper first provides a short review on variations of compound parabolic concentrator designs available to date. Next, the process of designing the RACPC is presented and the geometrical concentration gain of the concentrator is discussed. In addition, the optical concentration gain is also presented for various angles of incidence. Through simulations, it is demonstrated that the RACPC can provide significant optical concentration gains within its designed acceptance angle. An RACPC based system is an attractive alternative to conventional solar photovoltaic systems.

22. Performance analysis of a solar window incorporating a novel rotationally asymmetrical concentrator.

Abstract

The race towards achieving a sustainable zero carbon building has spurred the introduction of many new technologies, including the BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) system. To tackle the high capital cost of BIPV systems, LCPV (low-concentration photovoltaic) technology was developed. Besides the reduction of cost, the LCPV technology also produces clean energy for the building and promotes innovative architectural design. This paper presents a novel type of concentrator for BIPV systems. This concentrator, known as the RADTIRC (rotationally asymmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator), was incorporated in a small double glazing window. The RADTIRC has a geometrical concentration ratio of 4.9069x. A series of experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the solar PV window both indoors and outdoors. It was found that the RADTIRC-PV window increases the short circuit current by 4.13x when compared with a non-concentrating solar PV window. In terms of maximum power generation, the RADTIRC-PV window generates 0.749 W at normal incidence, 4.8x higher than the non-concentrating counterpart.

23. Optimisation of the performance of a novel rotationally asymmetrical optical concentrator design for building integrated photovoltaic system.

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources that has shown promising potential in addressing the world's energy needs, particularly via the solar PV (photovoltaic) technology. However, the high cost of installation is still being considered as the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of solar PV system. The use of solar concentrators is one of the solutions that could help to produce lower cost solar PV systems. One of the existing concentrator designs is known as the RADTIRC (rotationally asymmetrical dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator) which was developed in GCU (Glasgow Caledonian University) since 2010. This paper aims at optimising the existing RADTIRC prototype by increasing its electrical output whilst keeping the cost of the system at minimum. This is achieved by adopting a better material and a different technique to fabricate the concentrator. The optimised RADTIRC prototype was fabricated from PMMA (polymethyl-methacrylate) using injection moulding. It was found that the optimised RADTIRC-PV prototype generated an opto-electronic gain of 4.48 when compared with the bare cell under STC (standard test conditions). A comparison with the old prototype showed that the optimised RADTIRC-PV prototype increased the short circuit current by 13.57% under STC.

24. Performance analysis of a novel rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator.

Abstract

The low-concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) system has been identified as one of the potential solutions in lowering the overall installation cost of a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system. This paper evaluates the performance of a novel type of LCPV concentrator known as the rotationally asymmetrical compound parabolic concentrator (RACPC). A specific RACPC design with a geometrical concentration ratio of 3.6675× was fabricated and integrated with a 1. cm by 1. cm monocrystalline laser grooved buried contact silicon solar cell. This design was tested indoors to evaluate its current-voltage (. I-. V), angular response and thermal characteristics. Under standard test conditions, it was found that the RACPC increases the short circuit current by 3.01× and the maximum power by 3.33× when compared with a bare solar cell. The opto-electronic gain from the experiment showed good agreement when compared with the simulation results, with a deviation of 11%.

25. POSSIBLE COST ADVANTAGE OF A PARABOLOID/HYPERBOLIC TRUMPET TANDEM SOLAR CONCENTRATOR

Author

Ugur Ortabasi and Evan Gray

Subjects
Paraboloid, Engineering, Optics, Operating temperature, Tandem, Parabolic reflector, business.industry, Focal length, Cost benefit, Concentrator, business, Solar concentrator, health care economics and organizations
Abstract

A cost comparison between a bare parabolic dish and a dish with a hyperbolic trumpet secondary stage is reported. With a focal ratio of 0.5 and an operating temperature of 1100°C, a cost benefit of 5–10% is predicted for the tandem concentrator, compared to a cost deficit below about 500°C. The benefit increases at greater focal length.

Published
1986

26. PARABOLIC DISH TEST SITE OF JPL, HISTORY AND OPERATING EXPERIENCE

Author

M.K. Selçuk and D.L. Ross

Subjects
Engineering, Data acquisition, Test site, Parabolic reflector, business.industry, Test station, Electrical engineering, Test point, Aerospace engineering, business, Solar concentrator, Solar power, Weather station
Abstract

The Parabolic Dish Test Site (PDTS), located at the JPL Edwards Test Station, Edwards Air Force Base, California, was operational from September 1978 through June 1984. The PDTS was installed and operated for the Department of Energy (DOE) to test point focus solar concentrator systems operating at temperatures up to 1427°C. Four parabolic dish concentrators, steam and air heating receivers, and three types of solar power conversion modules developed under JPL's supervision or independently by the industry were tested. The PDTS was equipped with a computerized data acquisition and processing system. A weather station, where the beam and circumsolar radiation and environmental data were continually monitored, recorded, processed, and distributed to experimenters, was established.

Published
1986

28. SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION FOR RURAL AGRICULTURE

Author

J. C. Igbeka

Subjects
Solar dryer, Engineering, Tray, business.industry, Agriculture, Environmental engineering, Solar concentrator, Concentrator, Solar energy, business, Open air
Abstract

An experimental solar concentrator/dryer was designed and constructed for use by rural farmers. The dryer was tested and evaluated using sliced plantain and shelled maize. Drying was done over a period of nine hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), using tray loads. During the test periods, the solar energy available was 60 to 70 percent that of normal clear days. Tests showed that the use of a concentrator to heat up the air increased the available heat for drying. About 70 percent of the required water was evaporated using a solar dryer for the plantain as compared to 45 percent using open air drying. Also, more water was evaporated from the maize (100 percent of the required water) using a solar dryer, than using open air drying (65 percent). These tests show that there is a bright future for solar energy utilization in agricultural drying. Some modifications and further studies have been suggested.

Published
1981

29. DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL FIXED MIRROR SOLAR CONCENTRATOR

Author

G. Swarup, V. Balasubramanian, G. Sankarasubramanian, and H.S. Kedlaya

Subjects
Engineering, Leading-edge slats, Optics, Optical testing, business.industry, Tension (physics), Development (differential geometry), Optical test, business, Concentrator, Solar concentrator
Abstract

This paper describes the design, development and optical testing of fixed mirror solar concentrators with cylindrical mirror slats, composed of thin, cold-rolled steel tapes with aluminised acrylic solar reflecting films pasted to them and stretched across widely spaced structural supports under nominal tension. The design exploits a common defect in cold-rolled steel tapes known as crossbow to advantage in order to produce the cylindrical mirror slats in an inexpensive way. Such cylindrical slat fixed mirror solar concentrators (CS-FMSC) which are basically a variation of Russell's concentrator can attain 3 times the concentration ratio of the latter of a similar design. Confirmatory optical test results on a 12m long and 3m wide stretched tape CS-FMSC are presented and the cost advantages of the stretched tape design are pointed out.

Published
1984

30. EFFECTS OF PROTONS AND ALPHA PARTICLES ON THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SPACECRAFT AND SOLAR CONCENTRATOR COATINGS

Author

R. B. Gillette, R. F. Seiler, W. R. Sheldon, and R. R. Brown

Subjects
Materials science, Proton, chemistry.chemical_element, Zinc, engineering.material, law.invention, Astrobiology, Condensed Matter::Materials Science, chemistry.chemical_compound, Coating, Aluminium, law, Solar cell, Thermal, Physics::Atomic and Molecular Clusters, Astrophysics::Solar and Stellar Astrophysics, Solar concentrator, Potassium silicate, Physics, integumentary system, Spacecraft, business.industry, fungi, Alpha particle, chemistry, Chemical engineering, Physics::Space Physics, engineering, Astrophysics::Earth and Planetary Astrophysics, business
Abstract

Proton and alpha particle effects on thermal properties of spacecraft and solar concentrator coatings of anodic-coated aluminum, zinc oxide/ potassium silicate, etc

Published
1966

32. Solar Concentrator Design and Construction Presented as Preprint 64-733 at the Third Biennial Aerospace Power Systems Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., September 1-4, 1964. The 44.5-ft concentrator was constructed under subcontract to Sundstrand Corporation for the U. S. Air Force. Work on the development of precoat foam materials was supported by Langley Research Center, NASA, Contract No. NAS 1-3301. Work on the development of the cone-and-column concentrator was supported in part by Langley Research Center, NASA, Contract No. NAS 1-3140

Author

Thomas J. McCusker

Subjects
Engineering, Optics, business.industry, visual_art, visual_art.visual_art_medium, Mechanical engineering, Epoxy, Solar concentrator, business, Concentrator, Solar energy
Abstract

A series of 5-ft-diam solar concentrators was made by rigidizing an inflated Mylar membrane and attaching a support ring. The unit weight was less than 1/2 psf. A 45-ft-diam solar concentrator was made by inflating a Mylar membrane and rigidizing it with epoxy and foam. Contour accuracy measurements made before and after rigidization show that this method of forming and similar methods of rigidizing are suitable for use in space. Work on the development of predistributed foams for rigidizing concentrators in space shows that formulations that are compatible with the Mylar membrane are available and appear feasible in other respects. Investigations of silicon-oxide coatings for aluminized Mylar show that such coatings are practical if the process is properly controlled. Structural design features of the cone-and-column concentrator are reviewed, and a unit weight of 1/10 psf is shown to be a practical design goal.

Published
1966

33. NASA Solar Concentrator Development Presented as Preprint 64-730 at the third Biennial Aerospace Power Systems Conference, Philadelphia, Pa., 1964

Author

Atwood R. Heath and Edward L. Hoffman

Subjects
Paraboloid, Engineering, Fabrication, Optics, business.industry, Fabrication methods, Aerospace engineering, business, Concentrator, Solar energy, Solar concentrator, Solar mirror
Abstract

A description of the solar concentrator development program at NASA is given and includes contractual as well as in-house projects. Fabrication methods for one-piece concentrators (30 in. to 10 ft in diameter) are discussed and measured efficiencies for several concentrators 5 to 10 feet in diameter are presented. The structural problems anticipated with large one-piece concentrators (20 to 30 ft in diameter) are also considered. Three types of expandable solar concentrators are currently being investigated. Optical ray trace data are presented for one type, the whirling membrane paraboloid; calorimetrie efficiency data are presented for a second, the cone-and-column concentrator model; and fabrication materials and methods are discussed for the last type, the inflatable-rigidized concept.

Published
1966

34. Outdoor performance evaluation of a holographic solar concentrator optimized for building integration

Author

Julia Marín-Sáez, M. Collados, Jesús Atencia, and Daniel Chemisana

Subjects
Materials science, Silicon, 020209 energy, Solar concentration, Holography, chemistry.chemical_element, 02 engineering and technology, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, Thermal expansion, law.invention, Optics, 020401 chemical engineering, law, Holographic concentrators, 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering, Concentration factor, 0204 chemical engineering, Solar concentrator, business.industry, Mechanical Engineering, Photovoltaic system, Building and Construction, General Energy, chemistry, Building integration, Building integrated photovoltaics, business, Current density, Holographic optical elements
Abstract

A holographic solar concentrating system with a Silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell is designed, constructed and characterized. The design is based on a previous system and is further optimized. The cylindrical holographic lenses forming the concentrating system are modeled with a ray-tracing algorithm based on Coupled Wave Theory and are recorded on Bayfol® HX photopolymer. Measurements are carried out outdoors with solar illumination and provide a current density of 146 mA/cm2 with a current concentration factor of 3.48, validating the theoretical simulations results (172 mA/cm2 and 3.81, respectively). The effect of the temperature on the performance of the Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) is studied and taking it into account by assuming a 1.3° tilt of the fringes of the hologram caused by thermal expansion (which is reversible if the HOEs are encapsulated and sealed) provides simulation results closer to the experimental ones (a current density value of 155 mA/cm2 and current concentration of 3.43). The ageing of HOEs recorded in Bayfol® HX photopolymer due to the outdoor environmental conditions is also analyzed, revealing the need of encapsulation and sealing. The authors would like to thank Dr. Enrico Orselli (Covestro Deutschland AG) for supplying the recording photopolymer material. This research has been supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (grants ENE2016-81040-R and FIS2015-71933-REDT), the Diputación General de Aragón-Fondo Social Europeo (TOL research group, E44_17R), the Universidad de Zaragoza (UZ2018-CIE-07) and the Generalitat de Catalunya (grants 2017 SGR 1276, 2017FI_B2_00127 and ICREA Academia).

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