Advanced 3‐D CPC solar collector for thermal electric system

In this paper, the authors propose an innovative non-tracking three-dimensional compound parabolic concentrator (3-D CPC) solar collector, which has excellent thermal efficiency for a high-temperature range (100–200°C). In the past studies, in order to improve the thermal efficiency of the solar collector in a high-temperature range, very high concentration ratios and tracking systems have been adopted. However, conventional high concentration solar collectors are not cost-effective and are inappropriate for small-rating thermal electric generation systems for residential use. The proposed 3-D CPC collector has a moderate concentration ratio and does not need tracking. Initially, the tentative 3-D CPC collector was fabricated and its thermal performance was tested. Next, numerical simulations of the optical characteristics of the 3-D CPC collector were carried out via the ray-tracing method. Finally, the specification of the optimal 3-D CPC collector was clarified. Applications of the thermal electric system will also be mentioned. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(5): 323–335, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20121