Building integrated concentrating solar systems - Solar Energy Sciences and Engineering Applications - page 563

Solar rays
PV cell
LSO
concentrator
Figure 17.2.6 Light-guide Solar Optics (LSO) system presented by Morgan Solar Inc. (Morgansolar,
2012). (Picture source: Chemisana, 2011).
itself. In 2011, Morgan Solar Inc. developed the Sun Simba, which is based on their
standard, mass-produced LSO. Sun Simba is a fully engineered, modular concentrating
solar panel, optimally designed to perform in high heat, high wind-load and extreme
moisture conditions, leading to lower maintenance costs. Experimental performance
results of the Sun Simba were presented by Myrskog et al. (2012).
Given that the practical degree of integration of high concentration systems is
limited by the need to incorporate them onto a high precision two-axis tracker, their
means of integration are analogous between each case. It is therefore considered that
the architectural issues are already well explained.
Finally, in the field of high concentration systems it is worth mentioning the BICPV
for box-window curtain wall assemblies, a day-lighting system within 'double-skin'
and with a reduction in unwanted solar gain (the DOE Solar Energy Technologies
Multi-Year Program Plan). The goals of this façade were: maximization of solar energy
utilization, reduction of the overall energy consumption profile of the building (by
means of the synergistic combination of power generation (using PV cells) and high-
quality heat capture with a simultaneous reduction in building cooling and lighting
loads). The system consists of multiple concentrator modules which are situated within
a glass façade or glass atrium roof of a building and are mounted on a highly accurate,
inexpensive tracking mechanism (Dyson et al., 2007).
17.2.3.2 Medium concentration systems (10X < C < 100X)
Medium concentration systems can generally be divided into two groups: parabolic
troughs and those using Fresnel optics in the form of lenses or mirrors. Concentrators
which achieve the higher end of this concentration range (60-85X) and which, due
to their size, make integration in buildings impossible are the Concentrating Solar
Power (CSP) devices. In these type of systems, when decreasing the concentration
ratio, building integration is facilitated.