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Related Experiment Video

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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Optical simulation for a fixed spherical solar collector.

B Authier, L Hill, M Duban

|March 10, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a raytracing optical simulation to determine optimal absorber dimensions for spherical solar collectors. The method accurately calculates incident solar flux and validates findings through moon-based flux measurements.

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Area of Science:

Solar Energy Engineering
Optical Physics
Geometric Optics

Background:

Accurate absorber design is crucial for efficient spherical solar collector performance.
Understanding incident flux distribution is key to optimizing solar energy capture.
Existing methods may lack precision in determining absorber dimensions and flux patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a raytracing optical simulation for calculating absorber dimensions in fixed spherical solar collectors.
To describe physical quantities affecting dimensions and associated measurement methods.
To validate simulation results by comparing calculated and measured incident flux.

Main Methods:

Development of a raytracing optical simulation program.
Identification and description of key physical parameters influencing absorber dimensions.
Experimental measurement of incident flux on the absorber surface using the moon as a surrogate light source.

Main Results:

The simulation provides a method to calculate optimal absorber dimensions for spherical solar collectors.
Incident flux on the absorber surface can be accurately predicted for various zenith distances.
Experimental validation confirmed the simulation's accuracy, identifying high flux zones and areas with multiple reflections.

Conclusions:

Raytracing simulations are effective for designing spherical solar collector absorbers.
The proposed method allows for precise calculation of incident flux, aiding performance optimization.
Experimental validation using lunar reflection confirms the simulation's reliability for solar collector design.