Open AccessComparison-based optical study on a point-line-coupling-focus system with linear Fresnel heliostats
Author(s) -
Yanjun Dai,
Xian Li,
Lingyu Zhou,
Xuan Ma,
Ruzhu Wang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.00a966
Subject(s) - optics , heliostat , reflector (photography) , fresnel number , ray tracing (physics) , fresnel zone , hyperboloid , focus (optics) , distributed ray tracing , fresnel lens , nonimaging optics , beam (structure) , optical engineering , physics , geometrical optics , solar energy , diffraction , engineering , lens (geology) , light source , electrical engineering
Concentrating the concept of a beam-down solar tower with linear Fresnel heliostat (PLCF) is one of the feasible choices and has great potential in reducing spot size and improving optical efficiency. Optical characteristics of a PLCF system with the hyperboloid reflector are introduced and investigated theoretically. Taking into account solar position and optical surface errors, a Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) analysis model for a PLCF system is developed and applied in a comparison-based study on the optical performance between the PLCF system and the conventional beam-down solar tower system with flat and spherical heliostats. The optimal square facet of linear Fresnel heliostat is also proposed for matching with the 3D-CPC receiver.