Chromatic aberration effect on solar energy systems using Fresnel lenses

Abstract

In concentration systems using Fresnel lenses the effect of the chromatic aberration can become important. In this paper we propose a method to take this effect into account for designing purposes. Also we define a parameter that allows one to estimate the degradation of the thermodynamic quality of the concentrator due to this effect. This parameter follows a hyperbolic law, with the acceptance angle showing that it is important to consider chromatic aberration when modeling concentrators with a high concentration factor. However, this complexity is unnecessary for moderate or low concentration factors.