Abstract
Specular reflectors of the fixed CPC type are compared in terms of yearly energy collection and relative cost-effectiveness. The reflector designs used are designed for use with a circular-cylindrical evacuated tubular absorber, and a gap is allowed between reflector and absorber to accommodate the tubular glass envelope and evacuated space. Stainless steel, aluminum, and thin, back-silvered glass mirrors were modelled. The results show that the choice of acceptance angle of a reflector for use with a moderately priced evacuated tube at water heating temperatures is not critical; almost any reflector acceptance angle will do so long as the aperture is carefully chosen, and both North-South or East-West orientations have approximately similar performance. Under such conditions, other factors such as mirror self-cleaning and manufacturing ease may be decisive in the choice of design. At temperatures above 100°C or for high tube costs, an East-West reflector design of concentration >1.4 is strongly indicated. At the time of writing, polished stainless steel is as cost-effective a choice as any other for a mirror material, and is probably more durable and amenable to mass production.
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