Modeling Simulation and Experimental Verification of Focal Length Optimization in Linear Fresnel Collector

doi:10.12096/j.2096-4528.pgt.23184

Abstract

Abstract:

Objectives In order to improve the concentrated light interception rate of linear Fresnel collector (LFC), increase the error control threshold of the tracking system, and enhance the system’s photothermal conversion efficiency, it is necessary to study the variation patterns of light spot width on the primary reflector. Therefore, the reflected light spot width of the LFC micro-arc mirror is modeled, simulated and experimentally studied. Methods Based on the structural characteristics of the LFC, a light concentrating model of the micro-arc primary reflector is developed. Through MATLAB simulation analysis, the variation patterns of light spot width under the boundary conditions of the micro-arc primary reflector are obtained. A light spot test platform is developed, which simulates solar incidence angles of different seasons and times of the day by changing the angle of the test platform and adjusting the position of the receiver board, to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the simulation results. Results Due to the presence of the solar angle, the reflected light spot width increases by 75.8% compared to the parallel light condition. The experimental results of rotating test platform show that the variation patterns of the measured light spot width are consistent with the simulation results. Under the influence of the solar angle, the maximum tracking error control margin of the LFC is 0.173° in winter and 0.207° in summer. Conclusions The tracking control accuracy of the LFC system in winter should be 16.4% higher than that in summer. Therefore, the focal length of the LFC micro-arc reflector should be designed based on the tracking control margin of the light spot width in winter.

Key words: solar energy, photothermal power generation, heat collection system, linear Fresnel, concentrating heat collection, reflected light spot width, concentrated light interception rate, micro-arc mirror

CLC Number:

TK 513.1

Zhiyong ZHANG, Linggang KONG, Duojin FAN, Xiaojuan LU. Modeling Simulation and Experimental Verification of Focal Length Optimization in Linear Fresnel Collector[J]. Power Generation Technology, 2025, 46(3): 590-599.

Figures/Tables 15

Fig. 1 Structure of linear Fresnel concentrating collector

Fig. 2 Dunhuang 50 MW molten salt linear Fresnel photothermal power station

Fig. 3 Structure of micro-arc primary reflector

Fig. 4 Light reflection schematic diagram at the edge of micro-arc reflector

Fig. 5 Schematic diagram of the effect of solar angle on the reflected light path

Fig. 6 Equivalent diagram of the relationship between solar angle, light spot width, and focal length

Fig. 7 The corresponding relationship between light spot width and focal length caused by the solar angle

Fig. 8 Simulation path of reflected light at the edge of micro-arc reflector

Fig. 9 Change curve of light spot widths of micro-arc reflector on typical day

Fig. 10 Schematic diagram of rotating test platform structure

Fig. 11 Rotating test platform

Fig. 12 Geometric relationship diagram of of reflected light spot position

Fig. 13 Light spot test results

Tab. 1 Comparison of average light spot widths of D-type reflector at different times on spring equinox

测试数据	09:30	10:30	11:30	12:30	13:30
测试结果/mm	250	295	340	315	245
仿真结果(平行光)/mm	88	112	122	115	80
仿真结果修正值(考虑太阳张角)/mm	182	206	216	209	174
(测试结果/仿真结果修正值)/%	137	143	157	150	140

Tab. 2 Comparison of average light spot widths of D-type reflector at different times on winter solstice

测试数据	11:00	12:00	13:00	13:45
测试结果/mm	335	360	345	315
仿真结果(平行光)/mm	100	122	110	85
仿真结果修正值(考虑太阳张角)/mm	194	216	204	179
(测试结果/仿真结果修正值)/%	172	166	169	175

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