Optical Raytracing Analysis of a Scheffler Type Concentrator

Abstract

The Scheffler type concentrator is a curved metal reflector particularly suitable for solar thermal systems with a receiver fixed to the ground. Its operating principle is to deform the reflector throughout the year to optimize its performance in collecting sunlight. This study analyses the optical performance of a Scheffler reflector during the year. A CAD software tool is utilized to reproduce the mechanical deformations of a real Scheffler concentrator and the shape of the light spot on the receiver is analyzed by means of raytracing simulations. The starting configuration is the equinoctial paraboloid, which produces a point-like spot on the two equinox days only. On all other days of the year, this paraboloid is deformed in a suitable way in order to keep the spot as small as possible, but, even so, it is no longer a point-like spot. In the present work the simulated light distributions on the receiver, generated by the paraboloids (deformed or original), are compared. The results confirm the working principle of the Scheffler type concentrator and allow correctly sizing the receiver.