Analysis of Performance of Double-Reflector System for Collecting Solar Energy
Abstract
A double-reflector system for collecting solar energy was analyzed with regard to its performance to provide an appraisal of its applicability to a solar Brayton cycle Power system. The maximum efficiency expected under the most favorable conditions was predicted and compared with that of a collection system consisting of a single paraboloid with the receiver aperture at the focus. The double-reflector collection system which was surveyed employed a paraboloid for a primary reflector, and either an ellipsoid or a hyperboloid for a secondary reflector. The study explored the effects of the primary paraboloidal reflector profile, the secondary reflector profile, the secondary reflector axial displacement, and the receiver aperture position on the collection system efficiency. The surface accuracy of the reflector was represented by an angular error in the plane of the optic axis of 15 minutes maximum on the paraboloid and 6 minutes maximum on the hyperboloid or ellipsoid. The technique for computing the collection system efficiency was to choose a receiver aperture diameter to capture all the energy reflected from the secondary reflector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA400426
Entities
People
- Gabriel Kaykaty
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration