Solar energy concentrators and their optimization and analysis with the optisworks solar package

Abstract

The optimization of Solar Concentrators needs to be executed in realistic environmental testing taking into account the varying sun inclination over the day. Optis has developed tools put together in the OptisWorks Solar Package which can change the sun position by macros calculating and optimizing the efficiency of such concentrators based on reflective or refractive materials. As the whole optical radiation (UV, VIS, IR) is taken into account this simulation can give interesting input data for photovoltaic as for thermal systems. In the case of thermal systems due to CAD integration it is possible to interchange between optical ray tracing and finite element methods which makes it a ideal physics based simulation tool. © 2011 OSA.