Analysis of compound parabolic through concentrator for diagnosis of flux distribution on receiver

Abstract

Abstract. The understanding of actual flux distribution, on the receiver surface of a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), is a foundational requirement as well as a prime constraint for various applications such as low concentrated solar thermal, photovoltaic, hybrid systems, and other optical systems. As an outcome of recent advancements in the low concentrating medium temperature solar system, CPC concentrator research is attracting a lot of attention. However, poor understanding of flux distribution on the receiver of CPC and effect of manufacturing process on performance require to be enhanced to facilitate extensive applications. The present research reports the precise pattern of distribution of flux on the receiver surface of four sun concentration CPC, ranging from the minimum flux value of 856\u2009\u2009W\u2009\u2009/\u2009\u2009m2 to maximum of 27896\u2009\u2009W\u2009\u2009/\u2009\u2009m2 for light incidence input of 1000\u2009\u2009W\u2009\u2009/\u2009\u2009m2 on aperture of CPC. The present work reports distinct experimental and simulation flux distribution pattern output, which can enable perfect design of a light receiver to achieve efficient light harvesting. In our research work, the four-sun concentrating truncated CPC with plane receiver geometry is manufactured by discriminated laser cutting method. The flux distribution of CPC is investigated through ray tracing simulation and experimentally evaluated. The understanding of distinct flux distribution pattern with mathematical model combined with scalable fabrication technique guides it toward efficient solar energy harvesting.