Self-tracking concentrator based on switchable transparency and rejected-ray recycling

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present and analyze a design for a self-tracking solar concentrator based on a switchable-transparency optical element. The switchable element forms a moving aperture that tracks the motion of the sun to admit light into a CPC in which rays are 'recycled,' undergoing many passes through the concentrator to increase the absorption probability. This design has the benefit of not requiring any control of the angular profile of internal radiation, in contrast to other design that rely on total internal reflection to confine and transport the light. Via probabilistic models and rigorous ray tracing, we show that this design can exhibit performance comparable to other self-tracking designs. In particular we demonstrate a system with a 70x geometric concentration ratio and a tracking range of ±20°, achieving optical efficiencies of up to 65%.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationNonimaging Optics
Subtitle of host publicationEfficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XII
EditorsJeffrey M. Gordon, Roland Winston
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628417388
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XII - San Diego, United States
Duration: 9 Aug 201510 Aug 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9572
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period9/08/1510/08/15

Keywords

  • CPV
  • light trapping
  • ray recycling
  • Self-tracking
  • solar concentration
  • switchable transparency

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