Work

Optical Benchmarking of a Novel Polar Bi-Focal Beam-Down Tower Concept

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Small-scale modular CSP systems using polar heliostat field arrangements reduce cosine losses significantly and – by integrating a secondary beam-down reflector – enable novel receiver concepts. A novel polar bi-focal beam-down design is introduced and its optical performance is assessed with ray tracing. Albeit not fully optimized, results show that – in comparison to a single-focus beam-down system – the bi-focal system entails higher annual, DNI-weighted optical efficiency and flatter circadian profiles, beneficial for reducing peak dumping. Even higher optical performances can be reached by combining single-focus and bi-focus systems.

Source: SolarPACES Conference Proceedings

DOI: 10.52825/solarpaces.v2i.893

Authors: Peter Schöttl, Gregor Bern, Francisco Torres

Institution: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz