Abstract

Formulas are derived for the concentration factor and irradiance distribution at the base of the flat-sided linear trough. Performance is affected by the number of reflections the solar rays undergo before reaching the base, the cone apex angle, and the coefficient of reflection. Results are presented graphically in such a way that one can choose the optimum configuration, which is the minimum material required, to achieve a given concentration factor. Practical concentration factors range from 1.5 to 4 depending on the geometry and coefficient of reflection.

© 1978 Optical Society of America

Solar concentrating properties of truncated hexagonal, pyramidal and circular cones

Donald G. Burkhard, George L. Strobel, and David L. Shealy
Appl. Opt. 17(15) 2431-2449 (1978)

Analytic solutions for the optical properties of V-trough concentrators

Naum Fraidenraich
Appl. Opt. 31(1) 131-139 (1992)

Two-stage solar concentrators based on parabolic troughs: asymmetric versus symmetric designs

Max Schmitz, Thomas Cooper, Gianluca Ambrosetti, and Aldo Steinfeld
Appl. Opt. 54(33) 9709-9721 (2015)

Theory and design of line-to-point focus solar concentrators with tracking secondary optics

Thomas Cooper, Gianluca Ambrosetti, Andrea Pedretti, and Aldo Steinfeld
Appl. Opt. 52(35) 8586-8616 (2013)

Analytic solutions for the optical and radiative properties of nonaccepted light radiation of V-trough concentrators

Naum Fraidenraich
Appl. Opt. 34(22) 4800-4811 (1995)