Design and Characterization of a 7.2 kW Solar Simulator

A 7.2 kW (electric input) solar simulator was designed in order to perform accelerated testing on absorber materials for concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. computer-aided design (cad) software integrating a ray-tracing tool was used to select appropriate components and optimize their positioning in order to achieve the desired concentration. The simulator comprises four identical units, each made out of an ellipsoidal reflector, a metal halide lamp, and an adjustable holding system. A single unit was characterized and shows an experimental average irradiance of 257 kW m⁻² on a 25.4 mm (1 in) diameter spot. Shape, spot size, and average irradiance are in good agreement with the model predictions, provided the emitting arc element model is realistic. The innovative four-lamp solar simulator potentially demonstrates peak irradiance of 1140 kW m⁻² and average irradiance of 878 kW m⁻² over a 25.4 mm diameter area. The electric-to-radiative efficiency is about 0.86. The costs per radiative and electric watt are calculated at $2.31 W⁻¹ and $1.99 W⁻¹, respectively. An upgraded installation including a sturdier structure, computer-controlled lamps, a more reliable lamp holding system, and safety equipment yields a cost per electric watt of about $3.60 W⁻¹ excluding labor costs.