Freeform lens design to achieve 1000X solar concentration with a parabolic trough reflector

Brian M. Wheelwright; Roger Angel; Blake Coughenour

doi:10.1117/12.2076091

17 December 2014 Freeform lens design to achieve 1000X solar concentration with a parabolic trough reflector

Brian M. Wheelwright, Roger Angel, Blake Coughenour

Proceedings Volume 9293, International Optical Design Conference 2014; 929316 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2076091
Event: International Optical Design Conference, 2014, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, United States

Abstract

Line-focus parabolic trough mirrors for solar thermal generation cannot produce the high concentration required for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems. We describe a freeform lens array with toroidal symmetry which intercepts the low-concentration line focus to produce a series of elongated, high-concentration foci. The design employs 2D Kӧhler illumination to improve the acceptance angle in one direction. The two-stage concentrator has 1000X average geometric concentration with an acceptance angle of +/-1.49° in the azimuthal direction and +/-0.29° in the elevation direction. Preliminary results of a prototype roll-forming process are shown in thermoplastics and B270 glass.

Citation Download Citation

Brian M. Wheelwright, Roger Angel, and Blake Coughenour "Freeform lens design to achieve 1000X solar concentration with a parabolic trough reflector", Proc. SPIE 9293, International Optical Design Conference 2014, 929316 (17 December 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2076091

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