High concentration linear Fresnel reflectors

Abstract The late exponential development of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology has driven to a very high power installed worldwide, but with no time for global optimization of the technology. High feed-in-tariffs have concentrated investments on trough collectors and central towers, previously studied during the 1980s. Linear Fresnel reflectors (LFRs) are regarded as a low efficiency technology, which is mainly due to very little previous research. However, the use of slightly bent mirrors drives to high concentration ratios, with obvious cost advantages over other CSP technologies. This paper studies the radiation flux obtained in a flat receiver using different mirror shapes, and analyzes its variation along the year. Linear Fresnel reflector design variables are reviewed, and a Ray Tracing model of the Fresdemo prototype is carried out. Results show higher performances than expected.

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