Stationary point focus solar concentrators—A review

Abstract

The innovation in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems is one of the many vital solutions to meet the ever-increasing global energy demands. Among various CSP systems, point focus solar concentrators can attain a higher concentration ratio and helps reduce the size of the receiver, resulting in higher operating temperatures, lower thermal losses, and higher system exergy. This article presents a review on a particular class of CSP systems known as stationary point focus solar concentrators, that is, point focus solar concentrators having a stationary receiver. They can be categorized as (a) Scheffler reflector, (b) Scheffler-type concentrator, (c) high temperature concentrator, (d) central tower receiver, and (e) CNRS solar furnace. Having a stationary receiver helps reduce the maintenance and simplifies the plumbing network for heat transfer fluid. However, low maintenance might be a tradeoff on the performance side. This review systematically collates the literature on stationary point focus solar concentrators. Also, the basics of solar angles and various solar tracking systems applicable to this class of CSP systems are covered.