 A review of state-of-the-art reflective two-stage solar concentrators: Technology categorization and research trendsNayab Bushra and Timo Hartmann Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2019, vol. 114, issue C, - Abstract: Every year a wide range of articles are published on reflective two-stage solar concentrators (TSSCs), that focus on either geometrical designs, performance characteristics, solar energy receivers, or applications. Among previous studies, no review article currently highlights all the aforementioned aspects to observe the overall research development of these systems. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a comprehensive analysis of reflective type TSSCs based on the review of research papers and patents and analyses the presented TSSC technologies along five categories: geometries, concentration ratio, optical performance, receivers, and applications. We found that the most dominant geometries applied in TSSC design were cassegrains and solar furnaces. Our review also shows that most papers focussed on applying TSSCs for power generation using solar cells, and thermo-electric generators. Most studied systems remained at medium, high and ultrahigh concentration level and medium to high optical efficiency. We also found that most studies only validated the proposed systems experimentally. Only a few studies focussing on solar furnaces have also been validated within large scale practical settings. The analytical results help to identify future research initiatives towards a wider spread practical implementation of TSSCs which emphasizes parametric modeling approach. Parametric models can provide a range of design alternatives which can be tested under multiple environmental conditions. Through joint use of receivers, these systems can be deployed for multiple applications. Additionally, development of cost-effective and energy efficient TSSCs further requires detailed feasibility studies, cost-benefit analysis, as well as, environmental impact analysis. Based on the categorization analysis and the proposed research initiatives, future research on TSSCs can proceed on a more solid footing. Keywords: Two-stage; Geometry; Concentration ratio; Optical performance; Receiver; Application (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:rensus:v:114:y:2019:i:c:17 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109307 Access Statistics for this article Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is currently edited by L. Kazmerski More articles in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews from Elsevier |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.