Scientrace: An open source, programmable 3D ray tracer. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bos-Coenraad, J.; Bunthof, L.A.A.; Schermer, J.J.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 155(2017)
• Page Start: 1188
• Page End: 1196
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Ray tracing -- Optics -- Solar concentrator simulations -- Wulff construction -- Open source; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2017.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Scientrace is a free, open source, command line interface ray tracer developed for scientific research. Scientrace is a powerful and versatile tool for the design, development and research of photovoltaic applications. Scientrace is end-user programmable via XML configuration files and produces open standard data exports. Scientrace allows creation/modification of all optical elements using formulea and loops. Scientrace allows detailed management/modification of light sources upon creation and reflection/refraction. Abstract: Available ray tracers for optical studies are very limited in terms of platform independence and source availability. To meet those and additional demands, Scientrace has been developed. In order to study multiple parameters of light at once, it is desired to program large batches wherein several properties may be varied independently. Usingconstants, complex formulae andloop constructions, simulation environments are designed and setup to be easily maintained. The output offers both insightful images of many kinds and powerful quantitative data. By applying operators to basic functionality, vectors can be modified and the properties of light can be tuned in great detail. Besides the scientific demand for source verifiability and the freedom to use dito operating systems, these functions make Scientrace a very powerful scientific tool.