Development of a multi-layer and multi-dish model for the multi-dish solar energy concentrator system

In this paper, a multi-layer and multi-dish model was proposed for a multi-dish concentrator system. Based on the model, the flux distribution of focal plane was calculated by Monte Carlo ray tracing method (MCRTM). The results show that the multi-dish concentrator system is composed of three different focal length parabolic surfaces. The design parameters calculated from the model have a good concentration ratio, and pointing error has a significant effect on the flux distribution. The concentration ratio obtained from the proposed model results in an optimal flux distribution for the design concentration distance, and an increase or decrease in the concentration distance decreases the peak flux distribution of the focal plane. 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.