Article,
The Solarmundo line focussing Fresnel collector. Optical and thermal performance and cost calculations.
(September 2002)
Abstract
In the recent past different groups are intensifying the work on prototypes and industrial size collectors of line-focussing Fresnel collectors. The general idea of this type of collectors is not new. However the Belgian company Solarmundo attracted attention with their concept of a Fresnel collector that claims to be more cost effective than existing CSP-systems. Solarmundo operates a 2.500 m² prototype in Liège, Belgium. The paper presents optical and thermal properties of the Solarmundo collector, which were calculated using Raytracing and computational fluid dynamics simulations. They are the basis for a simulation model to calculate the thermal output of the collector for different sites. The different behaviour of Fresnel collectors compared to parabolic troughs is discussed. An outlook on the achievable costs of electricity is given.
