Reflected radiance distribution law for a 1000 kW thermal solar furnace system

In this study, a theoretical and experimental analysis are presented in the aim to determine the reflected radiance distribution law (brightness) for paraboloid concentrator solar system. Among the characteristic parameters o f this law, we consider the variation of the direct radiance of the solar d isk, the variation of the apparent sun diameter, the atmospheric conditions and all the errors types or failures of the optic system. Here, we analyse the influence of these parameters on the energy power distribution in foca l space. The experimental results, obtained in a 1000 kW thermal concentrat ion system at Odeillo, are compared to the theoretical results in order to determine the optimal values of the characteristic parameters corresponding to such installation. In the aim to exhibit the utility of this analysis, the irradiance distribution in focal plane is presented for different posit ions of receiver surface and for different intensities of concentrated flux . (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.