Open AccessHigh-performance stationary solar tracking through multi-objective optimization of beam-steering lens arrays
Author(s) -
Håkon Jarand Dugstad Johnsen,
Astrid Aksnes,
Jan Torgersen
Publication year - 2020
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.396477
Subject(s) - beam steering , optics , beam divergence , lens (geology) , beam (structure) , tracking (education) , divergence (linguistics) , computer science , beam diameter , physics , laser beams , laser , psychology , pedagogy , linguistics , philosophy
Beam-steering lens arrays enable solar tracking using millimeter-scale relative translation between a set of lens arrays. This may represent a promising alternative to the mechanical bulk of conventional solar trackers, but until now a thorough exploration of possible configurations has not been carried out. We present an approach for designing beam-steering lens arrays based on multi-objective optimization, quantifying the trade-off between beam divergence and optical efficiency. Using this approach, we screen and optimize a large number of beam-steering lens array configurations, and identify new and promising configurations. We present a design capable of redirecting sunlight into a <2 ° divergence half-angle, with 73.4% average yearly efficiency, as well as a simplified design achieving 75.4% efficiency with a <3.5 ° divergence half-angle. These designs indicate the potential of beam-steering lens arrays for enabling low-cost solar tracking for stationary solar concentrators.