Freeform lens design to achieve 1000X solar concentration with a parabolic trough reflector

Brian Wheelwright, Roger Angel, Blake Coughenour

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Line-focus parabolic trough mirrors for solar thermal generation cannot produce the high concentration required for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems. We describe a freeform lens array with toroidal symmetry which intercepts the low-concentration line focus to produce a series of elongated, high-concentration foci. The design employs 2D K.hler illumination to improve the acceptance angle in one direction. The two-stage concentrator has 1000X average geometric concentration with an acceptance angle of +/-1.49° in the azimuthal direction and +/-0.29° in the elevation direction. Preliminary results of a prototype roll-forming process are shown in thermoplastics and B270 glass.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInternational Optical Design Conference 2014
EditorsMariana Figueiro, Julius Muschaweck, Scott Lerner, John Rogers
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628413786
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventInternational Optical Design Conference 2014, IODC 2014 - Kohala Coast, United States
Duration: Jun 23 2014Jun 26 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9293
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherInternational Optical Design Conference 2014, IODC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKohala Coast
Period6/23/146/26/14

Keywords

  • Concentrators
  • Freeform
  • Nonimaging optics
  • Parabolic trough
  • Solar energy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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