Solar concentrator based multipurpose sunlight harvesting system without tracking

Abstract

Sunlight is being utilized to reduce energy crisis and it is a popular and reliable source of energy because of its pollution free nature. It is abundantly available on the Earth but difficult to achieve maximum efficiency during daytime without tracking. We have designed and developed a non-tracking solar concentrator system based on a combination of large Fresnel lens and segmented mirrors. Six segmented mirrors are mounted at different angles so that the concentrated light due to the Fresnel lens is redirected into a particular area throughout the day to achieve maximum concentration without tracking the sun. The entire system is mounted in a single mechanical mount with no moving parts. The concentrated sunlight was utilized for multipurpose solar applications. We have demonstrated simultaneous solar water heating and electricity generation by means of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module using the developed system. The maximum temperature of water recorded at the outlet from the water heating system is 88°C and efficiency at this temperature is 0.47. The preliminary results of power generated from one TEG module is 40 mW. Experimental results of water heating throughout the day and electricity generation using TEG is reported. This type of system is unique, robust, and low cost for sunlight harvesting.