Design and Thermal-optic Analysis of an Ultra-solar Concentrator

This paper describes the design of an ultrahigh solar concentration device (C> 104) and shows the technical feasibility of using solar energy in processes requiring high temperatures with relatively simple devices. The concentration is effected in two stages, using in the first stage a paraboloidal reflective disc of 1.40 m. of diameter, whose focal region is located at CPC-3D without truncating. The ideal concentration achieved was 93 567 suns. A thermal-optical analysis was performed to estimate the actual concentration considering radiant energy losses in both concentration stages and the concentration was estimated to be 30 000 suns. Among the potential applications of this device is the production of hydrogen [1], , power generation [2], production of alloys and special materials, destruction of hazardous industrial waste and the use of high energy lasers.