Optical acceptance function of modified compound parabolic concentrators with linear corrugated reflectors
Applied Optics
|February 21, 2008
Summary
Linear corrugated reflectors enhance acceptance in meridian planes for reflective concentrators. This study analyzes troughlike compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) with these reflectors, finding potential applications in solar energy systems.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Solar Energy Concentration
Background:
- Standard reflective cylindrical concentrators exhibit constant acceptance functions in the meridian plane across oblique incidence planes.
- Modifying reflective surfaces can alter angular acceptance properties, potentially improving performance for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optical properties of troughlike compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) with linear corrugated reflectors.
- To analyze the angular acceptance function of a modified CPC with a concentration C = x.
Main Methods:
- A ray-tracing study was conducted to evaluate the optical performance.
- Calculations focused on the angular acceptance for CPCs featuring linear corrugated reflectors.
Main Results:
- Linear corrugated structures increase acceptance in the meridian plane.
- This enhancement comes at the cost of reduced acceptance for more oblique incidence angles.
- Angular acceptance calculations for a modified CPC (C=x) are presented.
Conclusions:
- Troughlike CPCs with linear corrugated reflectors offer a trade-off between meridian and oblique incidence acceptance.
- These modified CPCs show promise as secondary concentrators for tracking parabolic troughs in solar energy applications.
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