Abstract
A simple solution to the conflicting constraints of providing uniformity and collimation of irradiance in multiple lamp solar simulators is proposed. As proof of concept, irradiance measurements obtained in a simulator comprised of 28 1kW mercury-iodide gas discharge lamps and capable of irradiating a 1.22m by 2.44m collector plane are given. The design is based on preventing a portion of the light from each bulb from reaching the collector plane. Light blockage is achieved by placing a `shadow board' 1.02m from and parallel to the plane of the lamps. Lamps are arranged in an hexagonal pattern with 4 columns of 7 lamps at a lamp-to-lamp spacing and column-to-column spacing of 0.45m. Lamp-to-collector plane distance is 3.05m. The design is determined from measurements of the spatial distribution of radiant energy from a single lamp. Irradiance from an array of lamps is then simulated. Measurements of irradiance in the full-scale simulator confirm uniformity and collimation confirm to the standard. Average irradiance is 1080W/ m2. Maximum irradiance is 1190W/m2 and minimum irradiance is 980W/m2. Every point on the plane of the collector receives 100% of radiant energy from an area on the lamp array contained within a subtended angle of 20 degrees.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Solar Engineering |
| Publisher | Publ by ASME |
| Pages | 7-12 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 1994 |
| Event | Proceedings of the 1994 ASME/JSME/JSES International Solar Energy Conference - San Francisco, CA, USA Duration: Mar 27 1994 → Mar 30 1994 |
Other
| Other | Proceedings of the 1994 ASME/JSME/JSES International Solar Energy Conference |
|---|---|
| City | San Francisco, CA, USA |
| Period | 3/27/94 → 3/30/94 |