High-performance stationary solar tracking through multi-objective optimization of beam-steering lens arrays

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Materials Science

Background:

• Conventional solar trackers are often bulky and mechanically complex.
• Beam-steering lens arrays present a potential alternative for solar tracking with reduced mechanical components.
• Previous research has not comprehensively explored the design space of these lens arrays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a multi-objective optimization approach for designing beam-steering lens arrays.
• To quantify the trade-offs between optical efficiency and beam divergence in lens array configurations.
• To identify novel and efficient beam-steering lens array designs.

Main Methods:

• Multi-objective optimization was employed to design and screen numerous lens array configurations.
• The study focused on optimizing the trade-off between beam divergence and optical efficiency.
• A large number of potential lens array designs were systematically evaluated.

Main Results:

• A novel beam-steering lens array design was developed, achieving a <2° divergence half-angle with 73.4% average yearly efficiency.
• A simplified design demonstrated 75.4% efficiency with a <3.5° divergence half-angle.
• The optimization approach successfully identified promising new configurations.

Conclusions:

• Beam-steering lens arrays show significant potential for low-cost solar tracking applications.
• These arrays offer a viable alternative to conventional mechanical solar trackers for stationary solar concentrators.
• Further development of these lens arrays could enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar energy systems.