Fresnel lens: A promising alternative of reflectors in concentrated solar power

Modern solar energy harnessing technology demands high grade energy to achieve efficient power generation with compact plant size and least payback period. But readily available solar energy is low grade energy. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology is capable to cater the demand. Reflector or mirror in CSP contributes 50% of total cost of installation, hence huge initial investment and high life cycle costs are the major challenges associated with such plants. Moreover due to adverse service conditions and environmental impacts, it gets degraded early, causing substantial drop in efficiency and consequently reduction in life cycle. Fresnel lens as solar concentrator in Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) applications may prove to be a promising alternative due to its potential to overcome techno-commercial constraints associated with conventional reflector based CSP. A critical review covering global CSP deployment, operational requirement and failure mechanism in mirrors/reflectors is being presented. As an alternative, design considerations of Fresnel lens and its effect on various efficiencies, reflectance, transmittance and associated losses are discussed. Learning from early research work, innovative and emerging trends, economics, challenges and advantages are also presented.