A novel 2-stage dish concentrator with improved optical performance for concentrating solar power plants. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Jun; Yang, Song; Jiang, Chuan; Yan, Qianwen; Lund, Peter D.
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 108(2017)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: CSP -- Solar dish -- Solar tower -- Overlap method -- Ray-tracing; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.02.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Here we propose a novel 2-stage dish concentrator system for concentrating solar power plants based on the so-called overlap method, which improves both the radial flux concentration ratio (β) and the intercept factor (γ) of the concentrator. The 2-stage dish is composed of paraboloid primary and hyperboloid secondary mirrors having a special hollow structure enabling the mirrors to overlap, but avoiding excess shading. Geometric and optical analyses with ray-tracing show maximum values of β = 15, 498 and γ = 0.78. Also, the size of the focal spot could be reduced. The concept is applicable for solar tower concepts enabling more compact unit mirrors and reducing the receiver size. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A novel 2-stage 4-mirror dish concentrator is proposed. Overlapping method is used for mirror optimization. High concentration ratio and intercept factor was achieved with the new design. The new concentrator has a compact mirror design and reduces receiver size.