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U.S. Department of Energy
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Trapezoidal grooves as moderately concentrating solar energy collectors

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7189157
The behavior of solar collector geometries designed to provide moderate concentration of solar flux is examined experimentally. The moderate concentration is achieved by using East--West oriented trapezoidal grooves with highly reflective sidewalls and a highly absorbant base plate. It is found, as predicted from previous analysis, that significant increases in collector efficiency are possible at the temperature required for supplying absorption air-conditioning systems. The experimental results verify the analysis. Concentration ratios from the measurements compare well with analytical predictions. Sidewall materials tested include back-surfaced glass and plexiglas mirrors and aluminum foil. Foil measurements are less consistent with predictions due to surface nonuniformities.
OSTI ID:
7189157
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English