Performance Optimization of the ASR Optical Module

摘要

The design, construction, and testing of a photovoltaic concentrating collector module using a dish-shaped reflector is described. The reflector is .83 meters in diameter and provides sunlight at a geometric concentration intensity of 50 suns to an actively-cooled cylindrical receiver. Six prototype modules were fabricated using reflectors made of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The maximum electrical efficiency measured was 8.4 percent. Design considerations included the effects of reflector design, receiver size and location, reflective surface errors, alignment errors, and tracking errors on receiver flux distribution. Flux profiles were measured and the shape of the reflectors was determined by using an automated method. An estimate of the costs based on a production version of the design gave an installed energy cost of $3.42 per peak watt. (ERA citation 08:009524)