Application-based design of the Fresnel lens solar concentrator

Abstract

A novel genetically themed hierarchical algorithm (GTHA) has been investigated to design Fresnel lens solar concentrators that match with the distinct energy input and spatial geometry of various thermal applications. Basic heat transfer analysis of each application decides its solar energy requirement. The GTHA incorporated in MATLAB ® optimizes the concentrator characteristics to secure this energy demand, balancing a minimized geometry and a maximized efficiency. The optimum concentrator is then simulated to ensure the algorithm validity. To verify the algorithmic-optimization and simulation-validation processes, two experimental applications were selected from the literature, a solar welding system for H13 steel plates and a solar Stirling engine with an aluminum-cavity receiver attached to the heater section. In each case, a flat Fresnel lens with a spot focus was algorithmically designed to supply the desired solar heat, and then a computer simulation of the optimized lens was conducted showing great comparability to the original experimental results.

The development of Fresnel lens concentrators for solar water heaters: a case study in tropical climates

“…The Optical Concentration Ratio is the ratio of the average solar radiation (radiant flux) integrated over the receiver area to the solar radiation of the concentrator opening area. The optical concentration ratio is determined by the reflector's quality [13]. However, many collectors have a receiver surface area greater than the concentrated area of Sun rays.…”

Investigation of non-imaging Fresnel lens prototyping with different manufacturing methods for solar energy application

“…Even with being invented back the 1800s, Fresnel lenses, both imaging and non-imaging types, continue to advance the efficiency of current optical technologies. Non-imaging Fresnel lenses can have a higher optical efficiency than the imaging type, with higher concentration ratios, shorter focal lengths, controllable focal flux distribution and larger acceptance angles [1][2][3][4][5][6]. This type of lens is typically made of low-cost acrylic polymers, much thinner and lighter compared to traditional convex and concave lenses, and show promising results in the field of concentrated solar power compared to parabolic troughs [1,2,6].…”

“…This type of lens is typically made of low-cost acrylic polymers, much thinner and lighter compared to traditional convex and concave lenses, and show promising results in the field of concentrated solar power compared to parabolic troughs [1,2,6]. Applications of the non-imaging lens include enhanced illumination and light collimation systems, concentrated photovoltaics (CPV), concentrated so-lar power (CSP), solar cooking and other thermal applications [1][2][3][4][5][6]. For instance, Leutz et al investigated how employing Fresnel lens-based solar concentration could justify well-distributed solar irradiation over the photovoltaic (PV) panel without tracking operation [7].…”

The Power and Efficiency Analyses of the Cylindrical Cavity Receiver on the Solar Stirling Engine

“…Energy is the cornerstone of human society and the driving force for its development. Facing the challenge of depletion of fossil fuel energy, countries in the world have been paying close attention to the new energy source development in recent years [1][2][3][4][5]. The green power, such as the solar power, its generation development has become a great interest in its significant potential for several countries [6].…”

“…The engine efficiency increased by 7.7% from 21.1% to 28.8% when the tilt angle of the absorber changed from 0 • to 60 • . (3) With the increase in the aperture ratio, the engine output and efficiency reduced, and the engine efficiency at the aperture ratio of 0.5 was 4% larger than that at the aperture ratio of 1.…”