Development of a low cost linear fresnel solar concentrator

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dc.contributor.advisorVon Backstrom, T. W.en_ZA
dc.contributor.advisorGauche, Paulen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorWalker, Gregg Stuarten_ZA
dc.contributor.otherStellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.en_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2013-10-28T18:56:15Zen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2013-12-13T16:15:40Z
dc.date.available2013-10-28T18:56:15Zen_ZA
dc.date.available2013-12-13T16:15:40Z
dc.date.issued2013-12en_ZA
dc.descriptionThesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study describes the design and construction of a low-cost linear Fresnel solar concentrator. Ray-trace simulation models that analyse optical performance were developed and then used to perform sensitivity analyses of various characteristics of linear Fresnel concentrators. The design of a small-scale concentrator was optimised using the simulation models, after which the concentrator was constructed in the solar laboratory. The concentrator consists of a single-motor tracking system, flat primary mirrors and a low-cost secondary concentrator that approximates a compound parabolic concentrator. Testing revealed satisfactory performance that was comparable to the simulation models’ prediction. The construction of a low-cost solar concentrator that can replace existing thermal sources for the generation of power and process heat is thus achievable.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractAFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwerp en konstruksie van 'n laekoste- lineêre Fresnel-sonkonsentreerder word in hierdie studie beskryf. Stralingsimulasiemodelle wat optiese werksverrigting analiseer is ontwikkel en gebruik om sensitiwiteitsanalises van die verskillende eienskappe van lineêre Fresnel-konsentreerders te doen. Die modelle is verder gebruik om die ontwerp van 'n kleinskaalse konsentreerder te optimeer, waarna die konsentreerder in die sonlaboratorium gebou is. Die konsentreerder bestaan uit 'n enkelmotorvolgingstelsel, plat primêre spieëls en 'n laekoste- sekondêre konsentreerder soortgelyk aan 'n saamgestelde, paraboliese konsentreerder. Toetsing dui bevredigende werksverrigting aan, vergelykbaar met wat die simulasiemodelle voorspel het. Dit is dus moontlik om 'n laekoste-sonkonsentreerder wat bestaande termiese bronne vir kragopwekking en proseshittegenerasie kan vervang, daar te stel.af_ZA
dc.format.extentxiii, 121 p. : ill.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/85762
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherStellenbosch : Stellenbosch Universityen_ZA
dc.rights.holderStellenbosch Universityen_ZA
dc.subjectFresnel lensesen_ZA
dc.subjectRay-tracing algorithmsen_ZA
dc.subjectSolar energyen_ZA
dc.subjectSolar concentratoren_ZA
dc.subjectDissertations -- Mechanical and mechatronic engineeringen_ZA
dc.subject.otherTheses -- Mechanical and mechatronic engineeringen_ZA
dc.titleDevelopment of a low cost linear fresnel solar concentratoren_ZA
dc.typeThesisen_ZA
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