Numerical Simulation for Focal Region Characterization in a New Solar Concentrator

Abstract

Considering the sun light nonparallelism, Monte Carlo ray tracing method and specular reflection law are employed to simulate the effects of focal plane position error, pointing error to spot shape and energy distribution on focal plane of a new type of space solar concentrator. The results show that: with the absolute value of focal plane position error increasing, focal spot radius increases and peak energy flux value on focal plane decreases; when absolute value of focal plane position error is same, focal spot shape and energy distribution is almost the same; with pointing error increasing, the deviation of focal spot from the focal plane center increases and round focal spot becomes oval focal spot gradually. This will provide a reference for the new space solar concentrating and absorbing system design.