Publications Details

Mirror alignment techniques for point-focus solar concentrators

Diver, R.B.

Accurate alignment and focus of mirror facets are critical for the integration of concentrators and receivers in many of the low-cost stretched-membrane concentrators currently under development. In this report, the theoretical development of computer software that traces light rays from a source to a facet of a point-focusing solar concentrator and then to a target is given. Examples of approaches for the alignment of faceted point-focusing solar concentrators, which make use of targets generated by this computer program, are also presented.