Reverse ray-tracing model for the performance evaluation of stationary solar concentrators

The yearly energy collection efficiency of stationary solar concentrators can be evaluated using reverse ray-tracing, and a solar radiation model. In reverse ray-tracing, rays originating at the receiver of the concentrator are traced towards the surrounding hemisphere. The method allows for the evaluation of the absolute energy collection: new concentrators may be optimized for location and tilt, requiring one-time ray-tracing. The tilt of existing concentrators is optimized. Only possible solar incidence is considered by our model. The method is fast and realistic; it can be modified for concentrators in tilt operation. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved