Analytical radiative flux model via convolution integral and image plane mapping

Abstract

Real-time radiative flux distribution simulation is necessary for a central receiver system in solar thermal power generation applications. In this paper, an improved analytical model (iCauchy model) and three intrinsic features of the analytical methods are proposed for more authentic simulation purpose. A convolution integral against the effective reflecting surface silhouette is conducted on the image plane and a closed form expression is deduced. Then this expression is projected to the receiver and final result is obtained. Experiments and comparisons show that this model can achieve more accurate and authentic simulations of the flux spots than the Cauchy model. The iCauchy model provides a new view of analytical models. As a result, it will contribute to fast monitoring and forecasting the solar irradiation distribution on the receiver, thus help resolve the optimization problems in solar thermal power research.