Survey Mirrors and Lenses and Their Required Surface Accuracy. Semiannual Technical Progress Report, September 15, 1978-April 15, 1979

摘要

Since the beginning of widespread research and development for solar energy, a major concern has been the effect of optical and surface quality of collector materials on collector performance and the changes in these properties due to environmental conditions. In many instances, this type of data has not been compiled. When data is available on surface quality, mirror or lens optical characteristics, surface deformations due to stress and other errors, it is difficult to quantify the effect these have on a particular concentrator design performance. To further investigate these errors, Honeywell is performing a study of concentrator designs and mirror and lens surfaces. There are two taks within this program. The first task involves investigation and evaluation of concentrator performance. Within this task, Honeywell has conducted a survey of the literature, solar manufacturers and government information to obtain data on existing concentrator designs (i.e., V-troughs, parabolic mirror concentrators) and lens and mirror materials. Ten collector configurations have been selected to be mathematically modeled. These models will be incorporated into existing ray trace software and will be used to evaluate concentrator performance. Optical quality properties, structural deformations due to loading and stress, tracking errors and material property changes due to the environment will be included in this assessment of performance. The second task involves the expansion of an existing data base on mirror degradation due to environmental exposure and the collection of similar information on lenses. Status of the program is reported. (ERA citation 05:015423)