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Potential of a solar collector with a stationary spherical reflector and a tracking absorber for electrical power production

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7348131· OSTI ID:7348131
A fixed segment of a concave spherical mirror can be used to concentrate beam radiation onto a tracking absorber which pivots about the center of curvature of the mirror. A possible economic advantage of this system over concentrating collectors with tracking mirrors is reduced mirror cost. The characteristics of this system are analytically studied. The strong influences of the geometrical parameters of the stationary reflector/tracking absorber system are established. The penalty caused by the fixed reflector and the influence of the absorber temperature is also determined. The daily and yearly variations in the power produced by the system are presented.
Research Organization:
Sandia Labs., Livermore, Calif. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
E(29-1)-789
OSTI ID:
7348131
Report Number(s):
SAND-76-8039
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English