Estimation of relationship between intercept factor and concentration ratio of receiver for solar cycloidal concentrating system

Abstract

The intercept factor is the ratio of energy intercepted by the receiver to the energy reflected by the focusing device i.e. concentrator. The value of intercept factor, the most complex parameter involved in determining the optical efficiency of a solar cycloidal concentrating system rely on receiver size, error in angle of surface of concentrator and flux distribution. Factor of intercept is the ratio of flux distributed over the receiver surface to the energy reflected by concentrator through its radiations. In this paper method of evaluation is proposed for estimation of intercept factor for the solar cycloidal concentrating system. In this proposed study, flux distribution along the line of focus is measured using the proposed method. For comparative analysis purpose three separate receivers having constant diameters of 0.038 m, 0.031 m and 0.025 m was used. The results obtained are illustrated through graphical representation which show bell curve. Factor of intercept is a function of diameter of receiver. Validation of practical results is done with theoretical results for the evaluation of intercept factor and found within specific accepted limit. For this proposed concept of solar cycloidal concentrating system using tapered receiver, authors of this paper have applied for a patent which is published as Indian Patent no. 202021028009A, Indian patent Official Journal Issue No.31/2020 dated 31/07/2020.