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A novel optical optimization model for linear Fresnel reflector concentrators

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  • Cheng, Ze-Dong
  • Zhao, Xue-Ru
  • He, Ya-Ling
  • Qiu, Yu

Abstract

In this paper, a new optical optimization model for linear Fresnel reflector concentrators (LFRCs) was developed, based on the population-based particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and the statistics-based Monte Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) method, with a validated LFRC MCRT optical module we developed. To significantly reduce the computing time, this LFRC MCRT module was redesigned using a previously proposed MCRT runtime reduction method and a newly proposed nominal annual LFRC optical efficiency together. Optimization results of the model validation were found to agree well with the known data, with average deviations in the optimized nominal annual LFRC optical efficiency being about 1%, while the computing time reduces by almost four orders of magnitude, proving that our novel optical optimization method and model are feasible, reliable and more time-efficient. After validation, optimizations, analyses and comparisons were carried out for LFRCs of different mirrors and geometrical parameters. It is revealed that the LFRC system of flat mirrors studied can also be optimized to obtain a higher annual optical efficiency (over 60%) as compared with those of parabolic or cylindrical mirrors, while the flat mirror is much easier to manufacture than the other two mirrors, with a much lower price due to the use of inexpensive planar mirrors.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Ze-Dong & Zhao, Xue-Ru & He, Ya-Ling & Qiu, Yu, 2018. "A novel optical optimization model for linear Fresnel reflector concentrators," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 129(PA), pages 486-499.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:129:y:2018:i:pa:p:486-499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.06.019
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    Cited by:

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    2. López-Alvarez, José A. & Larraneta, Miguel & Silva-Pérez, Manuel A. & Lillo-Bravo, Isidoro, 2020. "Impact of the variation of the receiver glass envelope transmittance as a function of the incidence angle in the performance of a linear Fresnel collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 607-615.
    3. Santos, André Vitor & Canavarro, Diogo & Horta, Pedro & Collares-Pereira, Manuel, 2023. "On the comparison of parabolical and cylindrical primary mirrors for linear Fresnel solar concentrators," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    4. Vouros, Alexandros & Mathioulakis, Emmanouil & Papanicolaou, Elias & Belessiotis, Vassilis, 2019. "On the optimal shape of secondary reflectors for linear Fresnel collectors," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 1454-1464.
    5. López-Núñez, Oscar A. & Alfaro-Ayala, J. Arturo & Ramírez-Minguela, J.J. & Belman-Flores, J.M. & Jaramillo, O.A., 2020. "Optimization of a Linear Fresnel Reflector Applying Computational Fluid Dynamics, Entropy Generation Rate and Evolutionary Programming," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 698-712.
    6. Beltagy, Hani, 2021. "The effect of glass on the receiver and the use of two absorber tubes on optical performance of linear fresnel solar concentrators," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    7. Cheng, Ze-Dong & Men, Jing-Jing & Liu, Shi-Cheng & He, Ya-Ling, 2019. "Three-dimensional numerical study on a novel parabolic trough solar receiver-reactor of a locally-installed Kenics static mixer for efficient hydrogen production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C), pages 131-146.
    8. Ghodbane, Mokhtar & Said, Zafar & Hachicha, Ahmed Amine & Boumeddane, Boussad, 2020. "Performance assessment of linear Fresnel solar reflector using MWCNTs/DW nanofluids," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 43-56.
    9. Cheng, Ze-Dong & Men, Jing-Jing & He, Ya-Ling & Tao, Yu-Bing & Ma, Zhao, 2019. "Comprehensive study on novel parabolic trough solar receiver-reactors of gradually-varied porosity catalyst beds for hydrogen production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 1766-1781.
    10. Sánchez-González, Alberto & Gómez-Hernández, Jesús, 2020. "Beam-down linear Fresnel reflector: BDLFR," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 802-815.
    11. Wang, Qiliang & Li, Guiqiang & Cao, Jingyu & Hu, Mingke & Pei, Gang & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "An analytical study on optimal spectral characters of solar absorbing coating and thermal performance potential of solar power tower," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 1300-1315.

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