Preliminary Monte-Carlo Ray Tracing code for modeling linear Fresnel systems

Mers, Ahmed Al; Alj, Soukaina El; Ajdad, Hamid; Benyakhlef, Sara; Bouatem, Abdelfattah; Boutammacht, N.; Merroun, Ossama

doi:10.1109/irec.2014.6826971

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The RTM calculates the different interactions between a sun ray and objects that intercept it [28]. Then we obtain the solar flux density distribution (W/m 2 ) reflected by heliostats on the receiver tube and therefore, the total flux absorbed by the target.…”

Section: Radiative Transfer Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of heliostat curvature on optical performance of Linear Fresnel solar concentrators

Benyakhlef¹,

Mers²,

Merroun³

et al. 2016

Renewable Energy

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a b s t r a c tThe present paper gives a numerical investigation of the effect of mirror curvature on optical performance of a Linear Fresnel Reflector solar field installed recently in Morocco. The objective is to highlight and discuss the effect of mirror curvature on the flux density distribution over the receiver and the system optical efficiency. For this purpose, a Monte Carlo-ray tracing simulation tool is developed and used to optimize the optical design taking into account the curvature degree of the heliostat field. In order to assess the accuracy of the numerical code developed and the validity of simulation results, a set of verification tests were developed and detailed within this article. Then, the optical performance of the system is evaluated as a function of mirror curvature and receiver height. The major challenge of this study is to find a trade-off between heliostat curvature and receiver height since lower and smaller receivers may reduce the system cost. It has been found that the flux distribution over the receiver and the optical efficiency of the system are relatively sensitive to the mirror curvature. We have demonstrated quantitatively how the use of curved mirrors can enhance the optical performance and reduce the required receiver size.

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Section: Radiative Transfer Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%