Planar solar concentrator featuring alignment-free total-internal-reflection collectors and an innovative compound...

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional solar concentrators face challenges in manufacturing complexity and tracking system costs.
• Achieving high optical efficiency requires precise alignment and robust tracking mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a planar solar concentrator with alignment-free total-internal-reflection (TIR) collectors and an innovative compound tracker.
• To enhance manufacturing feasibility and reduce the cost of solar tracking systems while maintaining high performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized alignment-free TIR collectors assembled on a waveguide without requiring precise alignment.
• Developed a compound tracker combining a mechanical single-axis tracker with scrollable prism sheets.
• Simulated optical efficiencies and irradiance concentrations for various waveguide lengths and configurations.

Main Results:

• The proposed planar solar concentrator demonstrates high optical efficiencies (62-77% for 1000-mm length, 52-64.5% for 2000-mm length).
• The compound tracker achieves performance comparable to dual-axis tracking at a reduced cost and increased robustness.
• A horizontally staggered waveguide slab configuration significantly improved optical efficiency to 91.5%.

Conclusions:

• The alignment-free TIR collectors and compound tracker offer a feasible and scalable solution for planar solar concentrators.
• The innovative design enhances manufacturing ease and flexibility for various waveguide sizes.
• This technology presents a promising advancement for cost-effective and efficient solar energy concentration.