Multi-zone parabolotoric microconcentrator of solar energy

This work is dedicated to parabolotoric microconcentrators with homogeneous illumination distribution in focal area. Overall sizes of such microconcentrators make it possible to design efficient CPV modules on their basis having dimensions comparable with those of conventional flat-type PV modules. Design structure of multi-zone microconcentrator has been developed. Its reflecting surface consists of a number of zones located one upon the other. Each of these zones has the form axisymmetric body. Axis of symmetry of each zone coincides with that of concentrator which passes perpendicularly through the center of focal area. Each zone of reflecting surface ensures homogeneous illumination of the entire focal area and the number of reflected beams incident in each point of focal area equals to the number of zones. The theory of this type of microconcentrators has been developed. General system of equations for reflecting surface profile makes it possible to design microconcentrators of one type having various combinations of concentration ratio, concentrator height and efficiency. Four possible design options for one of such zones have been described, as well as those of multi-zone concentrator structures. Specific features of various microconcentrator design options have been analyzed with regard to optimal variant selection for CPV modulesе with required parameters.