The FES Delta Focusing Solar Collector

Gerald Falbel

doi:10.1117/12.978109

16 March 1976 The FES Delta Focusing Solar Collector

Gerald Falbel

Proceedings Volume 0068, Optics in Solar Energy Utilization I; (1976) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.978109
Event: 19th Annual Technical Symposium, 1975, San Diego, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the design and measured performance characteristics of a focusing solar collector that requires neither single nor dual axis tracking of the sun, but achieves solar concentration gains exceeding 2:1 for both direct and diffuse solar energy. Both sides of a conventional flat plate collector absorbing plate are used to collect solar energy using a compound cylindrical reflector and no thermal insulation is required in the collector, thus effecting significant material and fabrication cost economies. The focusing capability allows improved high temperature performance as compared to conventional flat plate collectors without requiring a selective absorber coating on the collector plate. Ray traces defining the collector's acceptance field of view for both direct and diffuse solar energy are presented and the theoretical and experimentally ob tained optical efficiency are compared. Measured results obtained from an instrumented prototype collector operating since February 1975 are presented, showing that a single collector collects approximately 50,000 Btus per average sunny day throughout the year. Applications of the collector as a transparent window or curtain-wall replacement in buildings are discussed, and large production quantity cost estimates are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Gerald Falbel "The FES Delta Focusing Solar Collector", Proc. SPIE 0068, Optics in Solar Energy Utilization I, (16 March 1976); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.978109

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