A Novel 50 kW 11,000 suns High-Flux Solar Simulator Based on an Array of Xenon Arc Lamps
Petrasch, J., Coray, P., Meier, A., Brack, M., H?berling, P. and Wuillemin, D.
2007 Journal of Solar Energy Engineering -- November 2007 --, 129(4), pp. 405-411
Petrasch, J., Coray, P., Meier, A., Brack, M., H?berling, P. and Wuillemin, D., (2007), "A Novel 50 kW 11,000 suns High-Flux Solar Simulator Based on an Array of Xenon Arc Lamps", Journal of Solar Energy Engineering -- November 2007 --, 129(4), pp. 405-411.
Abstract:
A Novel 50 kW 11,000 suns High-Flux Solar Simulator Based on an Array of Xenon Arc Lamps
Journal of Solar Energy Engineering -- November 2007 -- Volume 129, Issue 4, pp. 405-411
J?rg Petrasch
Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Patrick Coray, Anton Meier, Max Brack, Peter H?berling, and Daniel Wuillemin
Solar Technology Laboratory, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
Aldo Steinfeld
Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; Solar Technology Laboratory, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
(Received 4 May 2006; revised 25 August 2006)
A novel high-flux solar simulator, capable of delivering over 50 kW of radiative power at peak radiative fluxes exceeding 11,000 suns, is operational at the Paul Scherner Institute. It comprises an array of ten Xe arcs, each close-coupled with ellipsoidal specular reflectors of common focus. Its optical design, main engineering features, and operating performance are described. The Monte Carlo ray-tracing technique is applied to optimize the geometrical configuration for maximum source-to-target transfer efficiency of radiative power. Calorimeter measurements indicated an average flux of 6800 kW/m2 over a 60-mm-diameter circular target, which corresponds to stagnation temperatures above 3300 K. This research facility simulates the radiation characteristics of highly concentrating solar systems and serves as an experimental platform for investigating the thermochemical processing of solar fuels and for testing advanced high-temperature materials.
