Open AccessThermal phase change actuator for self-tracking solar concentration
Author(s) -
Eric J. Tremblay,
Damien Loterie,
Christophe Moser
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.20.00a964
Subject(s) - optics , planar , actuator , materials science , dichroic glass , concentrator , photovoltaic system , solar mirror , nonimaging optics , optoelectronics , thermal , physics , computer science , ecology , computer graphics (images) , artificial intelligence , photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collector , meteorology , biology
We present a proof of principle demonstration of a reversible in-plane actuator activated by focused sunlight, and describe a concept for its use as a self-tracking mechanism in a planar solar concentrator. By actuating at the location of focused sunlight and splitting the solar spectrum for actuation energy, this phase change device aims to provide the adaptive mechanism necessary to efficiently couple concentrated solar light from a lens into a planar lightguide in a manner that is insensitive to incidence angle. As a preliminary demonstration we present a planar actuator array capable of in-plane deflections of >50 μm when illuminated with focused light from a solar simulator and demonstrate solar light activated frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) with the actuator array. We further propose how this solar induced FTIR effect can be modified using a dichroic facet array to self-adaptively couple and concentrate solar light into a planar lightguide.