Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall effectiveness of a small-scale, low cost, versatile solar concentrator suitable for the needs of single individuals. The system consisted of a spot-type fresnel lens, and a solar absorber sized for moderate temperature range (80–250 °C) applications. Simple and inexpensive materials were chosen for the construction of the tracking system, frame, and absorbers. The thermodynamic properties of the system were determined from theoretical and experimental estimates of temperature and pressure. Efficiencies as high as 50 % were estimated form irradiance and heat losses measurements. The study proved the feasibility and cost effectiveness of the small-scale solar concentrator prototype for varied applications such as boiling water, solar cooking, and autoclaves.
Highlights
Applications of solar power to thermal applications are commonly categorized in low (250 °C)-temperature ranges
The efficiency of the system was assessed for two experimental cases; (1) water boiling at atmospheric pressure, (2) water under pressure
This study demonstrates the performance of a smallscale, low cost, low maintenance Fresnel solar concentrator designed to satisfy basic needs of single individuals
Summary
Applications of solar power to thermal applications are commonly categorized in low (250 °C)-temperature ranges. Because sunlight has low-energy density, solar concentrators are mainly used for applications above the low range. Competing technologies include Fresnel (Tian and Zhao 2013), Parabolic trough concentrators (Xie et al 2011), Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), and Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels (Yinghao 2011). Solar Thermoelectricity Systems (STA), dye-sensitized solar cell (DSPV) and concentrated photovoltaic systems are in use. An innovative 40 m2 parabolic dish concentrator tower (Airlight Energy Co. and IBM 2014) is estimated to generate 12 KW of electrical power and 20 KW of heat on a sunny day. These amounts are based on 80 % efficiency at 1 KW/m2 solar irradiance. The dish, to be introduced by 2017, will consist of 36 elliptic mirrors concentrating the sun at 1/2000 the area
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