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Solar furnace scheme showing the relative location of both the concentrator of the installation and the Butterfly Mirror, the sample tested and the pathway of solar radiation
Solar Thermal and Photochemical Technologies
P-087
Butterfly Mirror: Homogenizer and distributor of concentrated solar flux
Abstract
CIEMAT has developed a system for homogenizing concentrated solar radiation that can be used to distribute the flow and make it uniform over a given surface, as well as to divide the main radiation beam and distribute it to different locations, in order to irradiate different areas (which may correspond to different receivers, samples or other elements).
The flow homogenizer object of the present invention has been named "Butterfly Mirror" since its shape resembles the silhouette of a butterfly. This device can be used in both solar thermal and photovoltaic installations.
What problems does it solve?
The invention is framed in the renewable energy sector, and more specifically in the field of concentrated solar thermal energy. Its use would make it possible to adapt the concentrated solar radiation flux used in this type of installation to the specific needs of each application. The invention would eliminate the peaks of radiation and homogenize it along the entire surface or volume on which it is desired to send this radiation, eliminating the problems that these sudden variations of flow are associated with. In the same way, the invention would allow dividing the flux to distribute it to different target areas, depending on the application and needs required.
The invention can be applied in solar thermal installations such as solar furnaces, where material tests are carried out, and in which a constant flow is required along the entire surface of the sample, a fact that until now is complex due to the Gaussian nature of the distribution with which the radiation reaches said sample.
Benefits
• This device is based on the fact that it is a flux homogenizer device that allows the flux distribution obtained to be controlled and modified at will, being able to be used to distribute the flux not only homogeneously but also to several receivers. This means that multiple flux distribution configurations can be generated on the same sample, and if it is necessary at any given moment to vary the flux distribution of the sample, this can be done with the same device, simply by reorienting the facets that make up the device.
• It can be controlled remotely, such variations in distribution can be made instantaneously and without having to disassemble the device to reconfigure it.
• Another particular feature of the Butterfly Mirror is that its efficiency is very high compared to other homogenizers. In the Butterfly Mirror, the reflections of the concentrated radiation beam coming from the concentrator element is only 1, which is associated with a radiation loss equal to the absorptance of the mirrors, which is around 5%. In other homogenizers, multiple reflections take place inside the homogenizer, which implies a greater attenuation of the radiation until it reaches its final destination.
Potential customers
Companies working in the renewable energy sector, specifically in the field of concentrated solar energy, both in solar thermal power plants and in concentrated photovoltaic power plants.
About the technology
• Technology in development phase. Pilot plant testing.
• Technology patented.
• Collaboration requested: Technical cooperation or commercial agreement with technical assistance.