Performances analysis and comparison of the CCPC and pyramid shaped solar concentrators for CPV

Abstract

This study presents a comparison of two optical concentrators: A crossed Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CCPC) and a pyramidused as a secondary optical element with and without the primary stage, a Fresnel lens. Results show that the optical efficiency is higher in the case of the pyramid if used alone, andevidently decreases when a primary stage is added. Compared to CCPC, the pyramid as secondary optical element is more efficient. Regarding the size of the elements, it is found thatthe length and the inlet radius of each optical element decrease when the acceptance angle increases. The CPC presents the larger inlet radius and the longer length for as long as the acceptance angle is less than 45°, beyond this value, the two lengths are equal.