Optical analysis of spherical segment solar collectors

Abstract

A powerful new approach for the calculation of optical flux distributions and power concentration ratios is described. This theory can be applied to mirrors of any shape, illuminated by a source of arbitrary angular extent provided appropriate structure relations can be determined. The method is not restricted to single reflections, but is valid for light which reflects from the mirror any number of times. The work focuses on spherical mirror segments with conical receivers. The result is an extremely accurate expression for the optical power concentration. The method is also applicable for point source illumination.