Optical Evaluation Techniques For Reflecting Solar Concentrators

Abstract

Reflecting solar concentrators must possess good specular reflectance and optical quality. Quantitative techniques to evaluate beam spreading have been developed to allow analysis of concentrator performance. These techniques, known as bidirectional reflectometry and laser ray trace inspection, are summarized and examples of their usefulness for evaluation of solar concentrators are given. Data on contour errors found in model parabolas of various constructions and data on the specular reflectance of common mirror materials are included. A data format is outlined which allows the experimental results to be used for collector design, quality control and/or concentrator specification.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.