Experimental evaluation of low concentration collectors for façade applications

Date
2014-05-08
Authors
Piratheepan, M
Anderson, T
Supervisor
Item type
Conference Contribution
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Solar 2014 Conference & Expo
Abstract

In this study two possible configurations for a static low concentration ratio façade integrated concentrator were examined using optical ray tracing; the first incorporating a parabolic reflector and the second using a flat reflector element. Subsequently an experimental apparatus was developed and testing conducted to validate the findings of the ray tracing. It was shown that the illumination provided by a parabolic reflector was non-uniform and that this could result in premature failure of the absorber. Further, it was found that a flat booster reflector offered similar variation in concentration ratio to that observed with a parabolic reflector, but provided more uniform illumination. As such, it would appear that a flat reflector provides an ideal compromise for such building integrated solar systems.

Description
Keywords
Flat reflectors , Local concentration , Building integration
Source
Solar2014: The 52nd Annual Conference of the Australian Solar Council held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, 2014-05-08 to 2014-05-09
DOI
Rights statement
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in (see Citation). The original publication is available at (see Publisher's Version).