Focusing Solar Collectors Research Articles

Effects of tracking errors on the performance of point focusing solar collectors

An important parameter in the design of point focusing solar collectors is the intercept factor which is a measure of efficiency and of energy available for use in the receiver. Using statistical methods, and expression for the expected value of the intercept factor is derived for various configurations and control law implementations. The analysis assumes that a radially symmetric flux distribution (not necessarily Gaussian) is generated at the focal plane due to the sun's finite image and various reflector errors. The time-varying tracking errors are assumed to be uniformly distributed within the threshold limits and allows the expected value calculation.

Construction of Line Focus Solar Collector

Construction of Line Focus Solar Collector

Energy Balances on a Parabolic Cylinder Solar Collector

A technique for optimizing the design of focusing solar collectors was developed through a detailed study of the energy balances for a parabolic-cylindrical reflector with tubular receivers of three diameters. Experimental data for concentration ratios of 10 to 22.5 and surface temperatures of 88 to 353 deg F are presented. Receiver temperature, meteorological variables (including solar radiation), and distribution of reflected radiation in the focal zone of the reflector were measured and correlated so as to permit optimization of concentration ratio.