An Alternative Method to Optimize Mirrors Positions in Linear Fresnel Reflector

Abstract

Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) is regarded to as a promising Concentrated Solar Power technology (CSP). However, it suffers from low optical efficiency affected by optical losses such as blocking and shading. To overcome these problems, this study presents an alternative method to optimize mirrors positions in the LFR solar field in order to enhance its optical efficiency through the reduction of shading losses. This purpose is fulfilled by the calculation of the right spacing between adjacent mirrors to avoid mutual shading at a given Design Profile Angle (DPA). The comparison conducted between our method and a previously published one showed a good match between obtained results proving the validity of the work presented herein. After that, the impact of our alternative method on the optical behavior of the LFR, on the geometrical aspects of the solar field, and on energy production of the system is analyzed. Results showed that the whole process of developing new complex methods to optimize mirrors positions in the solar field is questionable. Instead, the authors think the use of simple equidistant spacing between adjacent mirrors is sufficient to reach satisfying results.