Design and optical optimization of a 45 kW beam-down solar-thermal concentrator.
Ramón Pujol-Nadal1, Luis Guerreiro2, Gabriel Cardona3
1Departament d'Enginyeria Industrial i Construcció, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, E-07122, Spain.
Heliyon
|November 6, 2024
Summary
This study optimizes Cassegrain concentrator designs for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems. The research demonstrates high power output and efficiency, crucial for advancing renewable energy solutions.
Area of Science:
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Optical Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a key renewable energy technology.
- Beam-down configurations with dish concentrators offer efficient solutions for energy transport and reduced losses.
- Cassegrain concentrators present a compact design for CSP applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an optical analysis of a Cassegrain concentrator for CSP.
- To optimize optical efficiency at 600°C.
- To identify key parameters influencing CSP system performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the open-source ray-tracing software OTSunWebApp for spectral optical analysis.
- Accounted for specular scattering, spectral material behavior, and solar angular size.
- Parametrized the geometric design with six degrees of freedom.
Main Results:
- Achieved a power output exceeding 45 kW under 900 W/m² direct radiation.
- Optimized optical efficiency at 600°C.
- Determined that a tracking error below 0.1° is required to maintain >74% optical efficiency.
- Measured peak receiver radiation of 26 W/cm².
Conclusions:
- Cassegrain concentrator designs show significant potential for advancing CSP technology.
- Optimized designs can enhance the efficiency and power output of solar collectors.
- The study provides critical insights into the performance parameters for efficient CSP systems.
