Conceptual design of a 5x CPC for solar total energy systems

The results of a conceptual design of a nontracking collector for a solar total energy system are described. Sandia Laboratories has responsibility for the evaluation of concentrating collectors in a total energy test bed. A Rankine cycle turbine, generator, controls, thermal storage, and air conditioning equipment have been installed and checked out. The thermal energy for the facility is to be provided by a large (approximately 800 m/sup 2/) concentrating collector field. At present a portion of the area is installed as E-W oriented linear parabolic troughs. Three additional concepts for the remaining area have been selected--a fixed mirror-moving receiver system, fixed receiver-moving reflector slats, and a two-axis tracking parabolic dish. All four systems use diurnal tracking and have the reflecting surfaces exposed to the elements. Argonne National Laboratory has been working on the development of non-tracking concentrators for high temperature operation. The recent experimental results indicate that a 5x CPC collector with only 12 adjustments per year could effectively compete with the systems presently being considered. These collectors would be enclosed under a protective cover glass, eliminating many of the problems with dirt, etc. A conceptual design of a CPC collector system is presented