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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Indoor Experimental Assessment of the Efficiency and Irradiance Spot of the Achromatic Doublet on Glass (ADG) Fresnel Lens for Concentrating Photovoltaics

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Flat-sided rectilinear trough as a solar concentrator: an analytical study.

D G Burkhard, G L Strobel, D R Burkhard

|March 4, 2010

Summary

This study presents formulas for solar concentrators, detailing how reflections and geometry impact performance. Optimized designs minimize materials for desired solar energy concentration factors.

Area of Science:

Optical Engineering
Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Thermal Technology

Background:

Linear concentrating systems are crucial for solar thermal energy applications.
Understanding the optical performance of these systems is key to efficient energy capture.
Flat-sided linear troughs offer a specific geometry for solar concentration.

Purpose of the Study:

To derive formulas for concentration factor and irradiance distribution in flat-sided linear troughs.
To analyze the influence of design parameters on the performance of these solar concentrators.
To provide graphical tools for selecting optimal configurations that minimize material usage for a target concentration factor.

Main Methods:

Development of analytical formulas for optical performance.

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Graphical presentation of results to facilitate design choices.

Analysis of key parameters: number of reflections, cone apex angle, and reflection coefficient.

Main Results:

Concentration factor and irradiance distribution formulas derived for linear troughs.
Performance is sensitive to the number of ray reflections, cone apex angle, and surface reflectivity.
Graphical data allows for the selection of optimal configurations based on material efficiency.

Conclusions:

Practical concentration factors achievable range from 1.5 to 4.
The study provides a method for optimizing solar trough design for specific energy needs.
Material minimization is achievable through careful selection of geometric and reflective properties.