Nonimaging Optics

13 APPLICATIONS TO SOLAR ENERGY CONCENTRATION

13.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR CONCENTRATORS

It may be appropriate to remind ourselves why it is advantageous to concentrate the solar flux. After all, it is well known that flat-plate collectors are adequate for heating a working fluid at temperatures up to about 80°C, and this is at present the most economical way to use solar power for domestic hot water purposes. It is probably also best for domestic space heating in moderate climates, with the reservation that larger glass windows applying the greenhouse effect are also good when appropriate to the use of the building. However, even modest levels of concentration (say, 1.5–2) can dramatically increase the temperature at which heat from a solar ...