Novel solid-state solar thermal simulator supplying 30,000 suns by a fibre optical probe

An efficient 3.168 kW solid-state solar thermal simulator (SSSTS), capable of supplying ~30,000 suns at a focal plane via a fibre optical delivery, has been developed. The source consists of 41 diode lasers, each operated at a wavelength and power of ~915 nm and ~80 watt, respectively. The SSSTS provides a semi-top hat radiation profile and can be focused to a diameter of ~10.5 mm. The electro-optical power efficiency of the SSSTS was evaluated to be 55%, where the maximum value of the uniform radiation flux exceeds 36.6MW/m². As such, the present technology is relevant to solar thermal applications that are not wavelength-sensitive or where narrow line-width is desirable. Additionally, the fibre optical delivery feature enables ease of direction onto a suitable target, without the need of large ellipsoidal reflectors usually employed for the conventional arc solar simulators. To demonstrate the new SSSTS, ZnO:Zn particles were introduced into the path of the radiation to investigate the change in their own temperature by using the laser induced phosphorescence technique (LIP). The temperature of the averaged particles was measured at a different radiation flux over a ~87 mm² cross sectional area. A change in the average particle temperature of up to 225°C was detected within the measurement volume when the SSSTS was operated at a flux of ~30,000 suns. The unique characteristics of the SSSTS, namely, the uniformity, high power flux, efficiency, ease of delivery, and precise control of the radiation flux responds to the current demands of solar thermal research.