Optical modelling of square solar concentrator

Abstract

This paper deals with the optical design of a photovoltaic solar concentrator composed by two squared reflection mirrors. The optical configuration of the device, is based on the Cassegrain telescope and designed in order to maximize the fill factor over the irradiated area and by providing an easily manufactured shape. The collection unit has been simulated and optimized by a ray tracing method aiming to obtain the concentration ratio about 1000 over the solar cell which has been placed behind the primary mirror to allow simple cooling. This nominally independent collection unit can be assembled into modules and arrays that produce almost any requested power level. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.